Jessica Mindich, a former lawyer and founder of Jewelry for a Cause, has created a line of jewelry to help end violence.

Inspired by her family upbringing, Mindich began her jewelry charity organization five years ago. “I grew up in a household that never accepted gifts,” Mindich says. “Instead my father would ask for his gifts to be made in the form of donations. However, my mother always appreciated beautiful artifacts and designs. The concept of my organization combined both of my parents’ influences.”

Mindich’s organization, divided into a wholesale business and retail lines, has raised money for more than 300 schools and charities. The In Gratitude line, made from recycled materials, benefits women of Uganda while 20 percent of profits from the Talismans line are donated to select organizations such as the American Heart Association and Dosomething.org. Mindich has also launched Glam for Good, a charity initiative in collaboration with celebrity clients.

Her most current line, Caliber, expected to launch later this year, raises awareness to help end gun violence. Mindich was inspired to create the line after attending a conference with Cory Booker, mayor of Newark, N.J. “Cory spoke about his passion for putting an end to gun violence,” Mindich says. “The commitment he has to the city of Newark is inspiring.”

After meeting with Booker, Mindich offered to take confiscated guns and turn them into jewelry, donating 20 percent of sales to the gun buyback program in Newark. She is currently in the process of designing pieces from the melted metal, which will be available for purchase on her site, JewelryforaCause.net.

“I am happy to offer my skill set and bring attention to the cause,” Mindich says. “This collection takes something destructive and turns it into a symbol of hope.”

JCK