Giving Back: 3 Jewelry Brands Committed to Making a Difference

In boardrooms around the world, much time is spent discussing profits, incomes, and expenses. But there are businesses that discuss all of that, plus makings sure there is also something to give back.

We are proud to acknowledge three of our favorite jewelry brands committed to make giving just as important as receiving.

John Hardy

This company has made the commitment to leave the world better than they found it. Bali’s bamboo forests have provided inspiration for the company’s jewelry designs, and is the reason for Hardy’s commitment to the environment.

The lush forests of Bali are a profound resource for the country, and their preservation has been the mission of John Hardy since 2007. The “Wear Bamboo, Plant Bamboo” program sows a new seedling for every $200 sold from the collection. This effort helps purify the air and water, while providing local families with seedlings and training in sustainable cultivation.

Last year, John Hardy celebrated the planting of the 1,000,000^th seedling with CEO Robert Hanson noting “From the materials used in our pieces to the construction and operation of our workshop in Bali, sustainability is woven into every aspect of our brand.” He means that quite literally. Each piece is engraved with a notation of the number of seedlings planted. It’s a great commitment to the environment by a fine company.

LAGOS

Some give and tell the world. Others give quietly, and you may never know of their philanthropy. While both result in getting needed support to a charitable organization, we are always intrigued by those who give… and ask for no fanfare. Steven Lagos, of the luxury brand that bears his name, has spent 18 years giving to Keep Memory Alive. Keep Memory Alive is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds to support research, management, and treatment of memory disorders.

The Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in downtown Las Vegas created by Frank Gehry

With few noticing, LAGOS has raised and contributed nearly $1 million for the charity. Steven Lagos feels that as the Baby Boomer generation continues to live longer, the impact of diseases such as Alzheimer’s is bound to get worse unless significant strides are made. Like so many, Lagos has seen the devastating impact of Alzheimer’s in his own family. “It’s a disease that affects everybody. The whole family gets involved and it’s kind of debilitating for everybody,” Lagos said. “It’s really become an epidemic.”

Each sterling silver design in LAGOS' Keep Memory Alive collection is inspired by Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in downtown Las Vegas created by Frank Gehry. To celebrate Keep Memory Alive, 100% of your purchase will help family with members suffering from brain disorders.

Hearts on Fire

For years, Hearts on Fire has directed donations to The American Heart Association, St. Jude’s Research Hospital and Make-a-Wish Foundation. Like so many good corporate citizens, Hearts on Fire also supports the Boston community they call home. Since 1995, Susan and Glenn Rothman have served as consecutive chairs and founding members of The Lenny Zakim Fund, or LZF.

The Lenny Zakim Bridge in Boston

LZF gives assistance to 60 grassroots community based organizations that are often overlooked by larger funds. Each year, LZF grant recipients receive financial support, management assistance, training, and networking opportunities.

This support strengthens the organizations and, by extension, means they can do even better community work. The Rothmans' leverage their business knowledge with the talents of the entire Hearts on Fire team to help these fledgling groups improve their marketing, management, finance, and legal skills.

These are just a few of our favorite companies that, like us, truly understand that we are all in this world together, and the importance of sharing their successes with others. What are some of your favorite companies that give back? Tell us in the comments below.