LiveStrong and Sparkle

By Jennifer Heebner -- JCK Online, 1/1/2007 2:00:00 AM

You see them everywhere: those bright yellow unisex rubber bracelets stamped LIVESTRONG that have become a standard accessory for everyone from preteens to retirees. You probably know they stand for support for cancer research, with proceeds benefiting the Lance Armstrong Foundation (founded by the namesake cancer survivor and seven-time Tour de France winner).

If you somehow missed the trend (though, after three years and 55 million bracelets sold, we can't imagine how), redeem yourself now by learning about Kendra Scott Design's next generation of the bracelets: yellow and white 18k gold cuffs and bangles featuring the LIVESTRONG stamp, a bezel-set canary diamond, and the phrase “Unity is strength” on the inside. Each piece is numbered, and only 10,296 will be made, to honor 10/2/96, the day Armstrong became a cancer survivor. The price—$10,296—also reflects the date. Half of total sales, about $50 million, will go to the Lance Armstrong Foundation. In the United States, order one at Bailey Banks & Biddle, 100 select independent retailers, or on Scott's Web site, www.10296.com.

Scott, a jewelry designer, lost her stepfather to brain cancer on Oct. 1, 1995. She met Armstrong at the 1999 Tour and again in their shared hometown of Austin, Texas, where they chatted about the popularity of the bracelets and new ways to raise interest in his foundation. An elegant precious-metal version seemed the logical next step. “We wanted to keep the bracelet what it was, just made into something much finer,” says Scott about the design.