Jewelry with a conscience

The charitable trend may have begun with the Lance Armstrong Foundation’s LiveSTRONG yellow bracelet, which supports cancer research and those fighting the disease.

The movement was definitely furthered by conflict free diamonds, which are guaranteed to originate from ethical and environmentally responsible sources. These stones are free from violence and human rights abuses, and are produced with minimal environmental impact, giving peace of mind to buyers.

Now, a bangle of hope is a new addition to Nelson Mandela’s innovative 46664 HIV/Aids campaign. These chic bracelets are the result of collaboration between Montblanc and the South African Mandela Foundation to celebrate Mandela’s 90th birthday. Nelson Mandela’s Robben Island prison number, 46664, has become an international symbol in the fight against HIV/Aids. The bangles are crafted from African precious metals by craftsman affected by HIV. Already close to 8,000 if the bangles have been sold throughout the world, with many more on pre-order.

This is a fascinating alliance, fusing jail numbers and luxury, Mandela’s social justice movement with Montblanc’s sophisticated glamour.