Bianca's bracelets speak
Published:Monday | October 15, 2012 | 12:00 AM
Garfene Grandison, Gleaner Writer
Local jewellery designer Bianca Bartley has decided to give back in a positive way. Known for her unconventional and unique jewellery pieces, the designer has embarked on a new challenge for Cancer Awareness Month. Her limited-edition line dubbed 'Peace-Is the Cure' was inspired a little over three years ago, she says.
"I was reintroduced to a young man that I attended university with and that changed my life. He taught me what the essence of 'Peace' was - being in complete state of freedom and acceptance of yourself, everyone else and the world on a whole. It was as if he had helped me rediscover the secret to life we often forget on our journey into adulthood," she tells Flair.
She was further inspired by a friend who was seriously ill. Bartley found out that her friend, at 29 years old had been diagnosed with stomach cancer. She told Flair, "After his visit to death's door I felt as if my life itself was also in jeopardy. How could the one that helped me 'live' be in a position in which I was unable to help especially with his medical expenses? How could I give of my time and offer social support that I know is an important remedy in the 'healing' process?" she asked.
As a result, she began her efforts to help him receive medical treatment. 'Peace-is The Cure' was born.
Funds for a cause
According to Bartley, "This disease, in addition to the recent spate of horrific acts of violence against children in my country Jamaica - has caused me to launch this line, now raising funds for two causes I hold dear to me - life and child protection. As such, the Peace Management Initiative Jamaica and my friend will benefit. Currently, I am donating 10 per cent of the proceeds to them (5 per cent each) with the hopes to raise it by 2 per cent if I am able to sell more than 300 units," she explains.
The bracelets come in a standard line of fuchsia, with branded tags in stainless steel accompanied by the hand-crafted custom sterling silver symbol of the ribbon, for the fight against cancer. The accents are also available in warm gold tones. Also available are the limited edition customised bracelets utilising semi-precious stones such as onyx, jade and agates, as well as indigenous straw from St Elizabeth with some designs utilising 14k-gf dusted accents.
These remit the same percentage of proceeds to the cause, but may vary upward from between $3,500 and 9,000 depending on the type of raw materials used. All the Peace-Is the Cure designs are ideal for both women and men, as each individual shops to suit his or her taste.
'Peace-Is the Cure' bracelets are available at KERRYmanwomanhome, 18 South Avenue, Kingston 10. Bartley can also be contacted through her Facebook page 'Peace-is of Bianca' or email peaceisofbianca@gmail.com.