July 2009

18k Green Gold Earrings with Turquoise

Joan's Personal Message

When I was a child, I loved the story about “Stone Soup.”  It’s a simple tale but its central symbol of “stones” is a powerful metaphor for Joan Hornig Jewelry. With nothing but a dream for freedom, wandering soldiers make their way into a village from an unnamed war in search of food and shelter. Denied by the townspeople, who are themselves poor, the soldiers set up a huge soup cauldron with water and stones in the middle of the town. They eventually capture the attention and imagination of the passersby and engage them in the “crazy” notion that stone soup has value and they should be a part of the experience. Having peaked their interest, the townspeople join forces and, little by little, begin to contribute the ingredients to make this delicacy.  

It is the enhancements contributed by all of them that provide intoxicating aroma, flavor, and substance. The stone soup becomes a true melting pot with no predetermined recipe. Those contributing to the creation process came from all over and had different backgrounds. What they contributed individually has unique value, but when combined, their creation is unsurpassed and enjoyed by all.

One of the things I love most about this country, and New York City in particular, is the rich history of people coming together from all over the world and forging links to make a strong chain.  Like the “Stone Soup” story, stones are central ingredients to much of our jewelry, but it’s only the starting point. Since our inception, Joan Hornig Jewelry has relied on local artisans to craft our jewelry. Our molders, casters, stringers, jewelers, gluers, polishers, ribbon makers, and stone sellers are all based in New York’s Diamond District. Our small community of talented and skilled artisans represents the melting pot of cultures unique to New York City. They are first generation immigrants and small business owners, some of which are family owned and operated.

These are the Americans that contribute to our philanthropic mission. As we celebrate Independence Day, we pay tribute to their ingenuity and craftsmanship. But most of all, we support their ability to respect each other and work together to create something that reaches far and wide in impact—a true definition of what it means to be an American. We are proud of our
“stone soup.”

Warmest Regards,

Our Pay It Forward Policy

Summer marks the season of multiple charity galas, auctions, and fundraisers. While we enjoy these festive events, their honorable purpose is important to raising money for important charitable work.

Joan Hornig Jewelry’s commitment to giving goes beyond channeling profits to the charities our customers select. It also extends to participating in charity auctions and galas. Our Pay it Forward policy challenges our patrons to buy generously and give often. The more support they give Joan Hornig Jewelry, the more they can ask of us. Our customers start the process by going to our stores like Bergdorf Goodman in New York, Tootsies in Houston and Dallas, or Saks Fifth Avenue in New Orleans, and purchasing Joan Hornig pieces. To those customers who show a consistent loyalty and commitment to our Philanthropy is Beautiful® mission by buying Joan Hornig jewelry, we extend an opportunity to request additional pieces for charity auctions and fundraising events.

By doing so, we increase the ability to stretch the charitable dollar. One act of giving is transformed into multiple acts of charitable giving: the customer who initially buys Joan Hornig jewelry and selects their charity of choice, the charity auction receiving a signature Joan Hornig piece of jewelry, and the winning bidder who in turn selects his or her charity to benefit. Moreover, the more purchases made by customers, the more able they are to obtain extra Joan Hornig pieces for auctions. It’s a pay it forward example that truly proves that generosity is wonderfully contagious.

Joan Hornig Jewelry is honored to have participated in the following 2009 charity auctions and fundraisers. Each of these auctions and events were a success in helping the respective organizations sustain their work of making a difference.

Apollo 75th Anniversary Gala
Best Equipment to Support the Troops (B.E.S.T)
Bottomless Closet 10th Anniversary Luncheon Benefit
BYKids
Children for Children Annual Spring Auction
City of Hope – 2009 Spirit of Life Luncheon
Cooper Hewitt National Museum – Design for a Living
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America – 16th Annual Women of Distinction Awards De La Salle Academy 25th Anniversary Celebration
EcoFabulous
FIT Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner
Food Bank Dinner
Jennifer Muller | The Works – 35th Anniversary Opening Night Gala Silent Auction
Lenox Hill Hospital – A Healthy Give and Take Luncheon
LIFT
Prep for Prep Lilac Ball
Public Theater Gala
Riverkeeper Annual Fundraiser
School of American Ballet (SAB) 75th Anniversary Celebration
SHAPEFund Silent Auction and Benefit
St. James’ Church Annual Morris Luncheon
Survivor Corps Annual 2009 Niarchos Awards Luncheon
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
The China Insitute Gala 2009
The Educational Alliance – An Electrifying Evening
The Trust for Public Land's Parks for People
Women at Risk Annual Fundraiser
Women in Need Annual Dinner Gala
Women’s Media Center – 2009 Media Awards

Jewelry Trend

Turquoise: Always a Fashion Statement and A Summer Staple

Turquoise is the symbol of friendship; when given as a gift, it symbolizes a pledge of affection. As we celebrate all things American this July, it is important to remember that Turquoise has been a staple in American Indian culture. Seen as a “power stone,” Turquoise is continuously featured in traditional and contemporary American Indian jewelry. It holds special meaning as they believe the stone brings blessings, good fortune, and protection to those who wear it.

While the stone is endowed with varied meanings for many cultures around the world, all of which are positive, the Turquoise used in Joan Hornig Jewelry is uniquely American. Our sleeping beauty Turquoise hails from Utah. From the mountains in Utah to the local NYC artisans that put the finishing touches on our pieces, Turquoise is personally symbolic to Joan Hornig Jewelry—it reflects the melting pot of cultures and communities that are intricately part of our company’s mission in making a difference.

Flirt Earrings

Turquoise is always in fashion and always a summer staple. It is the quintessential summer accessory—vibrant and playful—as illustrated by the Flirt Earrings in 18k green gold with Turquoise stones. With their extra length and hourglass curve, the Flirt Earrings are sexy yet retain an air of elegance. Their tops are made of gold hammered disks and are uniquely designed to work for pierced ears or as clip-ons.

We recently caught actress and comedienne Chelsea Handler wearing the Flirt in a feature for People magazine and American Idol superstar Jordin Sparks also wore them for her new music video Battlefield. See our Press page . With this turquoise piece, it’s easy and fun to flirt your way into philanthropy.

Turquoise Necklace

We love this necklace because it brings together all of the signature elements of Joan Hornig Jewelry at an affordable price. Sprinkled with sterling silver, the Turquoise Necklace combines our traditional black onyx petals, with sleeping beauty Turquoise petals, white coral, Italian red coral, and white topaz. These ingredients create a stunning necklace that is versatile for summer. Its three strands nest seamlessly around the neck, while the white and red coral add a fresh pop of color. Our signature Turquoise closure compliments the Turquoise petals, which in turn blend together to create an attractive motif. Although identifiable as a classic Joan Hornig design, this Turquoise Necklace remains a one of a kind.

Giving and Gratitude

As we celebrate Independence Day, we thank those who sacrifice their lives to ensure our safety. From our local firefighters and police officers to the men and women in our military and our retired veterans, the depth of our gratitude is unquantifiable. These brave individuals choose to protect our liberty and values on and off our shores.  We thank them for protecting our independence and our rights to dream and to create.  

On behalf of our generous patrons, Joan Hornig Jewelry is proud to have supported the following organizations who work on behalf of these everyday heroes: South Hampton Fire Department, Survivor Corps, The Intrepid Foundation, and Wounded Warriors.

Philanthropy Is...

Joan Hornig has recently been selected to serve on the Board of Trustees for FIT. This month, we invite its President, Joyce Brown, to share with us her personal definition of philanthropy and its importance to our educational institutions.

Philanthropy is an investment of oneself for the betterment of others. It can be demonstrated by intangible attributes such as a caring concern or shared knowledge or clearly manifested by financial or other material support.

I am privileged to interact with many people, some young and some not so young, seeking the transformative experience of an education and the opportunity to reach with confidence to fulfill their dreams. We have a reciprocal relationship: their expectation is that our community will coalesce in support of their efforts, and my joyful anticipation is that I will have the privilege of watching them succeed.

The largest philanthropic footprint will be left by those who believe they can leave the world a better place simply by touching one life at a time.

—Joyce Brown President, FIT.

FIT is a public institution of higher education with a strong focus on fashion, design, fine arts, technology, marketing, and merchandising.

Making A Difference

When we first read about Joan’s jewelry designs and the opportunity to have the profits donated to any charity of one’s choice, we knew we had found the perfect gifts to give and to receive. We both grew up in families where we learned that giving back to your community is a responsibility, not simply a thoughtful gesture. We have passed that philosophy on to our children as well. Knowing that Joan Hornig and her family are living examples of this philosophy, we we wanted to have the fun of giving her extraordinarily beautiful designs while having a charitable contribution made in honor of the recipient’s favorite charity. We have thoroughly enjoyed telling the story behind the gift when our family and friends have opened them. Whether it was Mike’s Christmas gift to Linda which benefited the American Lung Association of Colorado where our youngest daughter is the Donor Relations Manager, or the gift to Linda’s sister to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Central Iowa where she, our mother and grandfather have served on the Board, we have received as much joy as our family and friends. What a win-win for everyone! Thank you Joan!

– Linda and Michael Toohey, Saratoga Springs, NY

Notable Women

These Notable Women are Making A Statement and A Difference with Joan Hornig Jewelry: