What Would You Do for LOVE?

That question is the campaign slogan for Cartier's charity initiative and the Cartier LOVE bracelet. This bracelet was part of my inspiration for writing this blog. I fell in love with the beautiful design of the bracelet, so simple and very symbolic of love - two gold rings permanently intertwined together yet held together by a delicate cord of silk. Then I learned that there are 8 charities in the United States that benefit from the sale of these bracelets. So I did some research and discovered many other charitable initiatives by socially responsible companies, new designers and plenty of beautiful and interesting products. At the same time I was learning about many new causes and non-profit organizations doing ground-breaking work. So I felt compelled to share what I learn with you.

The Cartier LOVE bracelet 2008 edition has an 18K white gold ring intertwined with an 18K pink gold ring and comes with a different colored silk cord representing one of the following charities selected by a celebrity ambassador: BLUE - Boys & Girls Clubs of America (Ashanti). KHAKI - Common Ground Foundation (Common). PURPLE - Blessings in a Backpack (Hilary Duff). PEACH - Women in Transition (Eve). ORANGE - Peapod Foundation (Fergie). GREEN - The Richie-Madden Children's Foundation (Good Charlotte). GRAY - Ovarian Cancer National Alliance (Janet Jackson). PINK - Susan G. Komen for the Cure (Emmy Rossum).

Each 2008 edition Cartier charity bracelet is $995 and Cartier donates $200 to the corresponding charity. I have called a few Cartier stores on the west coast and their lovely French-accented sales personnel confirmed that Cartier does have them in stock. If Cartier does not carry it in their store, one can be ordered for you. There is also a 2006 edition charity bracelet which comes with a single 18K white gold or pink gold ring for $475 with a donation of $100 to one of 16 other associated charities. Cartier stores that I called did not have this in stock; but, you should inquire about ordering. The list of 16 other charities can be found on the Cartier LOVE website (click on the US Charities link at the bottom of their home page for a brochure). You can learn more about all 24 charities in this brochure.

These would make an unbelievably exceptional Valentine's Day gift! But if these bracelets are beyond your current budget, at least check out the Cartier LOVE website which is stunning. On this website, Cartier features some very interesting (mostly non-US) artists; and you can download their original songs on the theme of love for free. I'm listening to Hawksley Workman's song "The Ground that We Stand On" while I write this.

So something as simple as a bracelet inspired me to follow my passions through this blog. Ask yourself, what inspires you to make a difference? What would you do for love?