Autism Awareness Jewelry – Ray Of Light Mtl is the new autism awareness jewelry collection and co-creation of two longtime friends, Charlotte Marie Flannery, makeup artist and mother of two children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and jewelry designer Tracy Gartner. All items will be available for purchase through the Ray Of Light Etsy shop as of World Autism Awareness Day: April 2nd, 2018.
Designed with the key symbolic colours of blue and white, the collection to date includes three stackable charm bracelets, a delicate y-drop necklace, a sterling silver pendant, and a pair of crystal drop earrings. Newly launched for spring, Swarovski’s radiant Majestic Blue crystal beads are a focal point of the collection, complimented by clear Swarovski crystals, sterling silver beads, and featuring silver plated charms of the autism puzzle piece.
The handmade jewels were created to be affordable, versatile and eye-catching. Simple yet elegant, the pieces can be worn individually or layered for a more contemporary look.
Initial inspiration for the new line came from Charlotte’s two-year old daughter Ariana and her love of all things shimmery. Every moment that she can find, she goes into my jewelry box to play with my jewels ‘the more sparkly the better!’, said Charlotte. Noticing a lack of quality jewelry designed to raise awareness, Charlotte asked Tracy
to custom create a set featuring the specific autism colours of blue and white as well as the puzzle peace symbol. The idea quickly took flight and evolved into a full collection. Committed to giving back, the pair will donate 20 percent of each sale to ‘Trails of Summer’, a local non-profit day camp for children with special needs.
About the co-founders
The jewelry pieces were designed and handmade in Montreal by designer Tracy Gartner. Known for the past decade as one of the leading jewelry designers in the wedding industry, Tracy custom creates jewelry and headpieces for the bride and the entire wedding party. Tracy also designs a collection of ‘yoga inspired’ jewelry called Reflect. Having practiced yoga for many years, Tracy started creating pieces that were symbolic to yoga and became a certified yoga teacher. With her second child on the way, Tracy’s main work focus is to take on projects that she deems not only important but close to her heart.
Charlotte Marie Flannery is an internationally trained hair and makeup artist working in the Montreal fashion and wedding industries for over 10 years. After navigating her own experiences as a mom of two children on the spectrum, she wanted to do something for the autism community. With Ray of Light Mtl, she and all those touched by autism will have a way to wear these symbolic pieces with pride.
RayOfLightMtl.Etsy.com to make a purchase from the collection
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