|
RAPAPORT... Los Angeles-based jeweler Mia & Kompany launched its Isibindi Diamond Medallion Collection in an effort to raise awareness of AIDS-orphans in South Africa.
Partial proceeds from sales of the collection will benefit the Isibindi community-based child and youth care projects in South Africa.
"I was deeply touched by the Isibindi project because it provides hope to South African children deeply in need," said Mia Koniver, creator of Mia & Kompany.
The program empowers orphans to help themselves, and teaches children the necessary skills so that they may stay with their siblings and receive ongoing nurturing and care in their family home, Koniver said.
"With the simple gesture of wearing an Isibindi Diamond Medallion, I hope to encourage the continuation and financing of this amazing community program, which directly helps the growing population of children in South Africa orphaned by AIDS every day," she added.
The Isibindi Diamond Medallion Collection ranges in price from $75 to roughly $1,200 and is available through March 31, 2007. The collection includes a 14-karat gold or sterling silver 25mm or 10mm round medallion necklace on a 30-inch or 16-inch chain or black cord; a 14-karat gold or sterling silver Isibindi tag on a 20-inch chain or black cord; and a 14-karat gold 10mm round Isibindi medallion ring.
Engraved on the front of each medallion are the words, "Isibindi," the name of the inspirational project in South Africa that is a Zulu word and "Dapperheid," an Afrikaans word, both of which mean "courage" in English. On each side of the medallion is an embedded star-studded diamond.
The back of each medallion is engraved with the words "Isibindi Umbumbulu," which represents a region in South Africa where the Isibindi project was first piloted. In 2005, the Isibindi Umbumbulu project received international recognition by the Ford Foundation, in partnership with the John F. Kennedy School of Government and Harvard University as an exemplary model of innovation in reducing poverty and addressing key developmental issues of national concern.
Koniver designs a line of jewelry that ranges from tongue-in-cheek pave diamond charm bracelets to diamond eveningwear.
|