Lorraine Schwartz recently partnered with Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation to create jewelry with the patients of Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
Schwartz, celebrity jeweler and board member of the foundation, began working with the charity after her mother passed away from lung cancer. “Unlike other charities, we had the opportunity to meet with the doctors and see the progress,” Schwartz says. “When you see someone go through cancer, you know how important this is.”
In January Schwartz visited with young cancer patients, ages 8 to 15, as well as a child whose sibling recently died from the illness, and taught them how to make jewelry. “Making jewelry has a therapeutic effect,” she says. “I still cherish the pieces my mother made when going through her treatments.”
The children created the bracelets, rings, and earrings with their favorite singers in mind. Jozlyn, a 12-year-cancer patient at Children’s National Medical Center, made turquoise earrings in the shape of a flower inspired by Beyoncé’s daughter, Blue Ivy. “Singers like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé are what kept them going through chemo,” Schwartz says.
Photos courtesy of Lorraine Schwartz
Other children designed jewels for singers Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Pharrell, and Miley Cyrus, as well as E! News host Giuliana Rancic.
The pieces, worn on the red carpet by Schwartz’s high-profile clients, will be auctioned off for charity. One hundred percent of the proceeds will fund a grant to provide jewelry and art therapy programs at Children’s National Medical Center.
“Making the jewelry has changed each child from the victim to the hero,” Schwartz says. “It has been an amazing experience.”
18k gold, amethyst, and diamond bracelet and earrings designed by Jaimin, 13, and worn by Taylor Swift at the 2013 Grammys.
Dog-tag “Hope” bracelet designed by Serena, 15, and worn by Pharrell at the 2013 Grammy Awards red carpet.
Amethyst, diamond, and green garnet ring designed by Arabelle, 8, and worn by Katy Perry to the Sony Music Grammys After Party.
Black diamond and green garnet bracelet worn by Miley Cyrus at Clive Davis’ Grammys party. The bracelet was designed by Sammi, in memory of her sister, Lexi, who died battling cancer.
18k gold, black spinel, and green garnet earrings designed by Sammi and worn by Guiliana Rancic on E! News.
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