Cartier rang in Love Day 2008 with a charming new Love Charity bracelet and an inspiring musical theme.

By Jade Wollman

Cartier aficionados know that their beloved jewelry company is quite the philanthropic enterprise. What they may not know, however, is that Cartier has donated more than $2.24 million of its Love Charity bracelet sales to 16 global charities over the past two years. The prestigious company has supported such nonprofits as Action Against Hunger, an organization committed to mitigating worldwide hunger in more than 40 different countries, and Unicef, which helps save, protect, and improve the lives of children in 155 countries.

Love Day 2008 marked Cartier’s most ambitious undertaking to date; the company hoped to exceed last year’s ample donations with its fabulous, newly designed Love Charity bracelet, along with support from the campaign’s A-list music ambassadors. Frederic de Narp, president and CEO of Cartier North America, expects the Love Charity initiative to elicit a substantial following as venerable musicians such as Janet Jackson and Fergie promote global charities like the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance and The Peapod Foundation through Cartier’s stunning silk and gold bracelets.

“Cartier is thrilled to have the support of such inspirational celebrities that have joined together to raise awareness for important charitable causes,” says the optimistic de Narp. “This year Cartier launched a new Love Charity bracelet to commemorate the arts as part of our philanthropic mission.”

Available in an assortment of colors, from gunmetal to deep jade green, the charming Love Charity bracelet features 18-karat white and rose gold interlocking Love wristlets set in gunmetal knotted silk cords. Each cord supports a cause, and each miniature bracelet boasts the word “LOVE.” For each Love Charity bracelet purchased (priced at $995 each), $200 will be donated to corresponding charities, ranging from Boys and Girls Club of America to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

This year’s Love Day took place on June 19 and, following suit of the past two years, Cartier plans on donating 10 percent of all its LOVE collection sales to its partnered organizations. Love Day 2008 included special guest Rihanna and musical performances by acclaimed artists, in addition to the lighting of the Empire State Building in Cartier Red. In addition, boutiques throughout the United States welcomed guest DJ’s to spin music while guests perused Cartier’s coveted Love collection.