Joan Hornig

In 2003, jewelry designer Joan Hornig launched a jewelry collection with a distinct concept that has impacted the way people select jewelry in better stores throughout America. Her idea was to design statement pieces that enhance a woman's beauty by making her feel as beautiful as she looks. Joan donates 100% of her profits 100% of the time to the charity of the customer's choice. This unique business model enables women of all ages, means, and taste to join Joan in combining passion for beauty, individuality and giving back.

Background

Education

Joan Hornig graduated "Phi Beta Kappa" from Harvard College class of '77 with a degree in fine arts before going on to get her MBA at Columbia Business School [http://www.joanhornig.com Joan Hornig Website] ] .

Career

Joan began her career in educational administration after briefly teaching art to elementary school children. In the late 1970s she worked as a capital campaign fund raiser, resident freshmen proctor and academic adviser at Harvard. Her career in the not for profit/higher education sector continued through the mid 1980's.

Joan served as the Director of Corporate Relations and External Affairs at Columbia Business School prior to going to Wall Street in 1985. Her 20+ years of experience in the finance sector encompasses management, operations, administration, private equity, hedge funds, marketing and consulting. All the while she was creating jewelry inspired by her knowledge of art history and the decorative arts.

Joan Hornig Jewelry

Joan's "Philanthropy is Beautiful" message is carried throughout the collection in the form of 18k gold, diamonds, south sea pearls, precious, semi-precious stones and other materials such as lucite, silver and leather. Joan's designs blend tradition with a contemporary aesthetic. References to nature and classical forms come alive with a freshness created through scale, balance, color and movement.

“My knowledge of art history has a very strong influence on my designs. Because I have such a broad knowledge of different aesthetics from different times and cultures, I have developed my own definition of proportion, color and materials that enhance, not overwhelm, wearers. My love and passion for traveling has contributed at least as much to my inspiration. The desire to beautify is everywhere, but local traditions, landscapes and natural resources strongly affect the styles of fashions and help define what is beautiful in different parts of the world. Only through experiencing them first hand through travel can I most effectively incorporate what I learn. “ - Joan Hornig

The combination of her artistic interests and her business experience has enabled her to create a line that marries her passions -- beauty, individuality and philanthropy.

Message

Joan's jewelry is designed to be noticed as it carries the important message that "Philanthropy is Beautiful".

"My customer enjoys the value derived from the charity aspect but she doesn't select a piece for that reason alone. These are women who understand fashion and enjoy the opportunity to wear jewelry." - Joan Hornig

Style

The line's inspired message and modern, yet feminine, hallmark style resonates across a wide range of tastes, including Oprah Winfrey and First Lady Laura Bush who have each made multiple purchases.

The Joan B. Hornig Foundation

In 2003, Joan developed a way to combine her passion for jewelry, education and philanthropy through the creation of the Joan B. Hornig Foundation.

The foundation's mission is to provide support for registered charitable organizations throughout the world.

Those choosing to purchase Joan Hornig designs are meant to derive pleasure not only from the jewelry, but also from the meaning of giving back. All profits from each item are donated to charity. Purchasers are able to direct the donation to a charity of their choice, in their honor.

Each time a new charity is chosen by a Joan Hornig Jewelry wearer, that organization is added to Joan's list of non-profits that benefit from the sale of her jewelry. [http://www.joanhornig.com/foundation.php Up-to-date list of benfiting non-profits]

Sales to date have generated substantial contributions to over 300 different organizations across the globe.

Retail Locations

In 2003, Joan began her retail business at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City. Today Joan Hornig Jewelry can be found not only in Bergdorf Goodman but also in leading department stores throughout the country including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Halls of Kansas City. Joan Hornig Jewelry is also available for purchase in some of the nation's top specialty and jewelry stores.

Her collection is available for purchase on her e-commerce website, [http://www.JoanHornig.com JoanHornig.com] , as well as [http://www.NeimanMarcus.com NeimanMarcus.com] and [http://www.BergdorfGoodman.com BergdorfGoodman.com] .

To view Joan's up-to-date store listings visit [http://joanhornig.com/contact.php JoanHornig.com] .

Awards and Recognition

In 2008, Joan was selected by the National Jewelry Institute to be part of the first contemporary jewelry Designer Showcase on display at The Forbes Galleries in New York City.

Joan was also asked to design a necklace specifically for the 2007 Riverkeeper Annual Benefit, which was presented by Bobby Kennedy to Ms. Ann Hearst.

She has been asked to be a speaker at non-profit organizations such as The Women's Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, honored as Citizen of the World at the Jennifer Mueller - The Works Spring 2008 Gala, and recognized as "New Yorker of the Week" on NY1 February 2008.

References

* [http://www.forward.com/articles/8377/ Forward article]
* [http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS233468+13-Mar-2008+PRN20080313 Reuters article]
* [http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/store/catalog/template/catB6.jhtml?itemId=cat207901&parentId=cat203700&masterId=cat203018 Bergdorf Goodman Collection]
* [http://www.02138mag.com/magazine/article/981.html 02138 magazine]
* [http://www.hauteliving.com/ny/augustseptember-2007-valentino/the-gift-of-giving/ Haute Living]
* [http://www.ny1.com/Default.aspx?SecID=1000&ArID=78080 NY 1]