In 2009, the venerable House of Bulgari celebrated their 125th anniversary by generously choosing to support Save the Children's "Rewrite the Future" campaign. Save the Children, an independent international organization with a presence in over one hundred countries is dedicated to the defense of children's rights. The "Rewrite the Future" campaign is committed to providing education to eight million children unfortunate enough to live in conflict-ridden areas of the world by rebuilding schools, buying much-needed school supplies and protecting children from abuse and exploitation. Bulgari kicked in with an initial donation of one million euros with the hope of raising ten million by the end of 2009, which is almost upon us.Part of the fundraising effort has been through the sale of a stunning silver Bulgari ring, a wide bombe band that pays homage to Satirio Bulgari, the silversmith who founded the firm in the late 1800's. During the course of the year, a narrower band and a pendant were placed on offer; all of the pieces at $290, most of which goes to Save the Children. It's very rare to find an opportunity to adorn oneself with an iconic piece of jewelry and do good works at the same time, which is why we think this would make a killer Christmas present for either the men or women on your list. The celebration ends on December 30th, and if there's not a Bulgari store in your immediate neighborhood, check it out on Bulgari's website and order it from there.
The final fundraiser will take place at Christies New York on December 8th, when all of the proceeds of eleven magnificent pieces will be donated to the welfare of the children of the world.
Should you be fatigued by frugality and bored with hiding your wealth from your less-fortunate friends, you might bid on the multi-colored sapphire and diamond bib necklace valued at $1.050.00 or the $790,000 diamond dog collar that Queen Mary might have envied or my personal fave, the heavy gold curb-link chain necklace set with seven bronze coins depicting Alexander the Great, valued at $36,000. Sure, it's a splurge, but it's good for the kids.
