Give the Gift of Love with Gifts that Give Back
Become an agent of change this Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is synonymous with gift-giving. In 2022, we witnessed approximately half of the U.S. population spend $23.9 billion on Valentine’s Day gifts, of which approximately a quarter ($6.2 billion) was in jewelry. This Valentine’s Day, if you’re looking for jewelry for yourself or a loved one, we’ve selected six fine jewelry brands that have made philanthropy a core part of their business and are committed to becoming agents of positive change. Read on to discover our selection and learn more about how they’re making a difference.
AZLEE
Supporting Heal the Bay
Santa Monica-based fine jewelry brand, AZLEE, was founded in 2015 by California native, Baylee Zwart. Merging Art Deco architecture with ancient practices of jewelry design, AZLEE delivers a balance of eye-catching yet minimalistic pieces that feature both soft and edgy elements. Through the use of high-quality materials and keeping the design elements clean and minimal, Zwart is able to create pieces that are suitable for everyday wear but can also stand the test of time. By supporting local economic development, donating proceeds to non-profits involved in ocean protection and conservation and building an ethical supply chain, Zwart has achieved her goal of creating a brand that combines two of her deepest passions: the health of the ocean and creating jewelry that lasts several lifetimes.
"If I wasn't going to dedicate my life to non-profit work, I at least wanted to ensure that I support those who are, which is why since AZLEE's founding we have donated a portion of each piece sold to ocean-related non-profits. The health of our oceans and marine life is something very near and dear to my heart. We are currently donating to Heal the Bay." – Baylee Zwart
Large Gold Bar Bracelet, $4,440
Image Courtesy of AZLEE
Emerald Oval Bead Necklace, $8,200
Image Courtesy of AZLEE
Kite Diamond Handmade Chain Necklace, $8,730
Image Courtesy of AZLEE
Futura
Supporting Pure Earth
After discovering gold mining’s extensive environmental impact, jewelry veteran, Bob Donofrio, launched Futura in 2017 with the mission to spearhead the jewelry industry into adopting clean gold mining practices. Born out of this mission, each piece of Futura jewelry is exclusively crafted from 18-karat Certified Fairmined Ecological mercury-free gold, and a portion of their proceeds go to Pure Earth. What is more, Futura’s gold comes from the three certified Fairmined mines in the world. By providing clients with ethical, sustainable and traceable fine jewelry, Futura is empowering its clients to positively improve the future of our planet. While Futura looks to the future, it also looks to the past by working with world-renowned jewelry historians and exceptional master jewelers to revive designs that have transcended time, cultures and trends.
"When I created Futura Jewelry, my intention was to give everyone the chance to be a part of the worldwide solution to a worldwide crisis. Something that was tangible and within our reach. We built Futura to meet customers’ desires to wear what they believe in. Jewelry that responded to their values and made the planet safer one piece of jewelry at a time." – Bob Donofrio
Ethereal Laurel Wedding Band $1,650
Image Courtesy of Futura
800 BC Ring $3,900
Image Courtesy of Futura
Odyssey Necklace $13,500
Image Courtesy of Futura
Harwell Godfrey
Supporting NAACP, World Central Kitchen and HRC (plus three more charities)
Lauren Harwell Godfrey launched the Harwell Godfrey jewelry brand in 2016 with the power of healing in mind. Rooted in symbolism and inspired by ancient textiles, ethnic patterns and the African diaspora, Godfrey’s pieces enhance not only the wearer’s experience but also their story with the piece. Often described as bold, maximalist, colorful and geometric, Godfrey’s pieces feature 18-karat gold, precious gemstones and colorful inlays. Harnessing the intrinsic healing power of jewelry, Godfrey introduced her first charity heart, envisioned as a healing talisman, in the spring of 2020 to support World Central Kitchen. In June, after the murder of George Floyd, she added a second heart to benefit the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Since then, she has introduced hearts to benefit Futures without Violence (FUTURES), The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and Every Mother Counts (EMC). With philanthropy as a cornerstone of both her personal and professional life, Godfrey plans to continue to introduce more hearts in the future.
“I introduced my first charity heart with a malachite heart at its core. The choice of malachite was twofold: its vibrant green color not only represents the heart chakra, but it is also said to be a protection stone that wards against negative energy and promotes unconditional love. When I added a second heart, this one was with black onyx at its core. The choice of black onyx was because its color not only represents the black lives it honors, but it is also said to be a stone of grounding and strength. Each additional heart in the collection features gemstones representative of the charity it supports. They are all my favorites.” – Lauren Harwell Godfrey
Charity Heart, NAACP $2,500
Image Courtesy of Harwell Godfrey
Charity Heart, World Central Kitchen $2,500
Image Courtesy of Harwell Godfrey
Charity Heart, HRC $3,500
Image Courtesy of Harwell Godfrey
Sophie Ratner
Supporting Everytown
A firm believer that diamonds should be worn and enjoyed daily, Sophie Ratner launched her namesake fine jewelry brand in 2016, creating pieces that are meant for everyday wear, no matter the occasion or setting. Blending modern yet timeless classics into dainty and dynamic designs that can effortlessly be layered (or worn on their own), Ratner designs for the woman who wants to live in her jewelry. Her work is driven by the energy and beauty that jewelry carries and its power to uplift and inspire confidence. An advocate for women leaders in the workplace, Ratner wants to celebrate women and empower them to feel strong and beautiful when wearing her pieces. Sophie Ratner’s latest philanthropic initiative is a collection where 30 percent of the proceeds from each piece is donated to Everytown.
“Gun violence has a heartbreaking and far-reaching impact in America. We wanted to figure out a way we could do our part in moving the needle forward on the laws (and lack thereof) that shape the landscape for so many senseless tragedies. And if not move the needle, at least start a conversation. Everytown was the obvious choice of an organization to work with because of their commitment to introducing evidence-based solutions in every town across the United States. They believe the solution starts with each of us and our communities.” – Sophie Ratner
Everytown X Baguette Diamond Studs, $430
Image Courtesy of The Commercial Art Lab
Everytown X Baguette Diamond Pendant, $800
Image Courtesy of The Commercial Art Lab
Everytown Baguette Diamond X Ring, $1,500
Image Courtesy of The Commercial Art Lab
Thelma West
Supporting Tsedek Bé Libi
Born in Lagos and based in London, Thelma West launched her eponymous fine jewelry brand in 2012 with the simple idea of creating rare and beautiful pieces that forge connections, speak to the soul and empower the wearer. Growing up in Nigeria, she observed and admired how the women in her family related to jewelry – how their jewelry collections not only had a voice but were imbued with a sense of pride and personal power that was transferred to the wearer. Understanding jewelry’s innate force, appreciating each wearer’s individuality and recognizing each stone’s personality, West designs pieces that are striking, timeless, unique, surprising and comfortable. Comfort is a guiding principle for West in her personal approach to fashion, so it is no surprise it is a driver in her designs. Combining traditional techniques with contemporary design, West works with all types of gems that result in rare and luxurious pieces. To honor her African heritage, West works with Tsedek Bé Libi, to support local communities in Nigeria where a portion of every Thelma West sale goes towards paying hospital bills for children needing urgent treatments and educating young women through secondary school.
"Doing good through my work is very important to me, as I find it a great source of joy and satisfaction to know that when we are successful in doing what we do, it makes a positive impact somewhere else.” – Thelma West
Sade's Embrace, Price on Request
Image Courtesy of Thelma West
Sybil, Price on Request
Image Courtesy of Thelma West
Asscher 8, Price on Request
Image Courtesy of Thelma West
MUSE
Supporting Project ALS, Glasswing International, Every Mother Counts (plus 18 more charities)
MUSE, a boutique fine jewelry showroom located in New York’s West Village was founded in 1999 by Jennifer Shanker, representing a selection of independent fine jewelry designers from across the world. In 2020, over two decades since its inception and during a tumultuous time for retail, Shanker decided to launch a pop-up to bring joy and connection to the community at a time when it was most needed. After the pop-up proved to be a success, Shanker and team recognized the important role their small but mighty shop played in the community. As a result, once again, taking an unconventional approach, MUSE launched its brick-and-mortar shop in the West Village. An extension of the MUSE Universe, the MUSE Shop features brands represented by the showroom alongside “Friends of MUSE” and charms earmarked for their charitable initiative ‘Have A Heart.’
“Philanthropic work has always been an important part of my personal life, and as a busy working mom I wanted to make sure it was something I could always continue to prioritize. That's how Have A Heart — MUSE's charming, charitable initiative — was born. We commission designers to create bespoke charms to benefit charities around the world, and each drop is curated by a fashionable ambassador who selects a charity close to their hearts. I like to say it's the ultimate 'win-win' because it makes it seamless for everyone involved to consistently champion causes we love and want to support." – Jennifer Shanker
Scarab Heart Charm by Lito, Project ALS, $4,160
Image Courtesy of MUSE
Feelings Heart Necklace by Nikos Koulis, Glasswing International, $7,320
Image Courtesy of MUSE
Have a Heart Charming Combinations Necklace, Every Mother Counts, $12,255
Image Courtesy of MUSE