'Jewelers for the Gulf' launch charity auction

'Jewelers for the Gulf' launch charity auction

Jewelers for the Gulf, a group of more than 30 jewelry artists who have united in the face of the ongoing Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster, has announced the launch of an online charity auction to benefit Gulf-area residents who have been impacted by the devastating effects of the oil spill.

Launched today on the eBay Giving Works Web site, the auction will run throughout September and October and will feature original jewelry works spanning a variety of styles, materials and price ranges, from chunky cocktail rings and stackable bangles to designs in high-karat gold, sterling silver and gemstones, as well as unique works made of materials such as glass, moss and concrete.

Jewelry enthusiasts around the world will have a chance to bid on the pieces, all while providing aid to the Gulf community, as 100 percent of the proceeds from each piece will be donated to the Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans, which has been providing food and other assistance to fishermen and their families since May of this year.

"We designed this event to help shine a light on the fact that many people are now out of work because of the BP oil spill, a tragedy that has wreaked havoc on our economy and our ecosystem," cloisonné artist Patsy Croft, an organizer of the auction, said in a media release. "The well may be capped, but the damage remains. A lot of people are hurting down here. This event gives people a way to help our fellow Americans while doing something nice for themselves or a loved one at the same time."

New artists and designs will be added each week until the auction closes. Among donors who have been confirmed are: Kristin Anderson, Carolyn Bensinger, Patsy Croft, Guy Harvey, Chris Hierholzer, Mary McBride, Tom McCarthy, Ileana Rojas-Bennett, Jerry Scavezze, Mary Timmer, Patricia Tschetter and Craig Vandeman.