Water, in all its abundance, is one of the most powerful forces in the world, yet clean drinking water is not guaranteed in some parts of the world—a dire situation that Kwiat is hoping its new collaboration with the organization known as charity: water will help remedy.
All proceeds from sales of Kwiat’s limited-edition sterling silver and diamond cuff bracelet, which retails for $250, will go to charity: water’s mission to provide clean drinking water worldwide, the jeweler says.
Kwiat’s goal is to provide clean drinking water for one person for every bracelet sold, says CEO Greg Kwiat. Ultimately, Kwiat hopes to fund enough clean water for an entire community in Tanzania, a diamond-producing region the brand respects and wants to support.
“Water is a fundamental element for survival. We take it for granted, so it’s difficult to imagine the tragedy of not having access to clean water,” Kwiat says. “Because we can make such a difference to those in need of it, we felt it is our obligation to do so. The fact that we can make an impact in a country that is a source for the diamonds that sustain our business makes it even more meaningful.”
The bracelet’s design came about organically, Kwiat told JCK. Metal choice was important, and the piece had to include a “beautiful, brilliant-cut stone,” he says.
“We started with the idea of a water droplet—an archetypal shape that would be the basis for a timeless design,” Kwiat says. “Sterling silver is a great precious metal for expressing smooth, fluid shapes. Plus, its friendly price point means we can make this piece accessible to many people who’d like to contribute to the cause.”
Jewelry is the ideal platform for showing a brand’s values and supporting a cause, Kwiat says. “As jewelers, it’s how we express ourselves,” he says. “We love the idea that we can make something precious that helps people and gives our clients the opportunity to contribute.
“Every time you wear the charity: water cuff, you’ll be reminded that the world is a big place, but we’re all connected and that if we have the privilege of helping others, it is a huge privilege indeed.”
The bracelet debuted on World Water Day, March 22. Additionally, charity: water is working on a separate program called Clear the Calendar, which started in March, to empower women in areas lacking safe access to water. By removing this barrier, charity: water seeks to boost women’s and girls’ access to education, careers, and their personal projects, the nonprofit said in a statement.
Kwiat says this collaboration is not the end of its efforts to be of service; giving back and helping the environment are tenets of the brand.
“Sustainability and ethical production have become core values that drive all we do. We are going beyond industry standards like the Kimberley Process to ensure that our diamonds are traceable,” he says. “Stay tuned. Soon we’ll be debuting a first-of-its-kind transparent and traceable diamond shopping experience.”
Top: Kwiat and charity: water are working together on a limited-edition bracelet ($250), with 100% of its proceeds going to the nonprofit group’s efforts at funding clean water in Tanzania. (Photo courtesy of Kwiat)
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