Wear a bangle and support rainforest conservation

In the spotlight this month is Alex and Ani, a U.S. based company that creates unique jewelry made of natural and sustainable materials. Since April 1, 2008 ARC has partnered with Alex and Ani on their Tree of Life Expandable Wire Bangle through Alex and Ani’s Charity by Design collection, which donates 10 percent of sale profits to featured charities. During the past two years alone this partnership has helped conserve an additional 60 acres of rainforest – thank you Alex and Ani!

Founder and designer, Carolyn Rafaelian, believes that jewelry is a form of expression and therefore a spiritual connection to Earth’s natural materials. She says, “the most mystical, enchanting, and calming beauty resides in nature.  To honor that is powerful and rewarding in so many ways, I cherish everything it represents.”

Alex and Ani’s signature piece is their Expandable Wire Bangle, made of recyclable metal which expands and allows the wearer to adjust the bangle to their own size. Made not only of natural stones and gems, their metal is created from recycled scrap metal from local mills found in the U.S.  Through using recycled materials, Alex and Ani is committed to designing innovative jewelry that has minimum impact on the environment during its production.

ARC is proud to have a charm custom designed by Alex and Ani that is part of their collection. The eloquently designed Tree of Life charm symbolizes “growth, love, life and strength” and helps support ARC’s mission of rebuilding Tanzania’s Eastern Arc rainforest. In addition, Alex and Ani has been a supporter of ARC’s annual Artists for Africa benefit by contributing bangle sets to the event’s auction. And this year is extra special – Alex and Ani is not only contributing a beautifully selected set of bangles to the silent auction, but will also be gifting each guest with their very own Tree of Life bangle as a special thank you gift! Would you like one? Join us next week on February 9th for ARC’s 20th anniversary celebration.

Can’t join us? You can also purchase a Tree of Life bangle here (would make a lovely Valenetine’s gift for the one you love!)

Learn more about Alex and Ani
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