A Not-So-Guilty Pleasure

By Brianne Harrison

Shopping for luxury items, especially in these difficult economic times, is usually thought of as a guilty pleasure. But what if you could buy something beautiful and help make the world a better place at the same time?

That’s the mission of Ruff&Cut, a company that produces exquisite jewelry that features uncut diamonds exclusively from conflict-free areas. Ruff&Cut also donates 10% of every sale and a share of its profits to training, educational, and other programs in Africa. These programs help improve the lives of those who live there and who have been affected by the blood diamond trade and civil ware in Sierra Leone.

To give New Jerseyans a chance to see some of Ruff&Cut’s beautiful offerings, Devon Fine Jewelry in Wyckoff is hosting an exclusive showcase of some of the company’s latest designs. On March 26 and 27, customers can view such pieces as the Solitare Mediallion Pendant, Avens Earrings, and the Candor Ring. A portion of the money from each sale during the showcase will go toward the Devon Foundation, a nonprofit Devon Fine Jewelry founded to train the people of Madagascar in the art of cutting gemstones. So go ahead, treat yourself. You’ll feel better for it.