Pavé The Way® Jewelry is a unique social enterprise model that redefines the power of an investment in jewelry. Our goal is for every client to enjoy being a philanthropist and enable every non-profit they care about to benefit. Because we donate 100% of our profit to each purchaser's charity of choice, the power to direct support to what you care about is in your hands. Founded by Joan Hornig, the brand was launched in 2002 at Bergdorf Goodman in New York. Donations have generated millions of dollars spread over 1,000 non-profit organizations around the world -- all chosen by customers. Customers have kept the giving going.

There is a lot to choose from: Philanthropy is Beautiful® fine jewelry line pieces are one-of-a-kind or produced in very limited editions for the true jewelry aficionado. They are as personal as your passions for helping others.

The Pavé The Way® line is story-telling at its best. Tell others what you care about with a variety of charms enhanced by ethically sourced pavé diamonds that message empowerment, nourishment, respect, and gratitude.

Each Pavé The Way® piece is intended to be a conversation starter with its own punch of personality and intentional messaging.

Joan began her career as a professional fundraiser for Harvard University and Columbia Business School before spending 19 years on Wall Street. Since 2003, Joan has combined her love of jewelry and design, business skills and experience with non-profit organizations as Founder and CEO of her social enterprise company, Joan Hornig Jewelry, which encompesses Philanthropy Is Beautiful®, and Pavé the Way®.

Joan’s designs and unique business model have been honored by non-profits, educational institutions, and highlighted by media across the globe. She allows customers to designate any charity of their choice to receive 100% of her profit on each piece sold. Joan’s designs have been shown by The National Jewelry Institute in New York and Paris. In 2012, the New York Stock Exchange invited Joan to ring the closing bell. In 2014, Joan was honored by the Fashion Institute of Technology and received the NECO Ellis Island Medal of Honor. She was also honored, in 2015, by United Cerebral Palsy of New York City. In 2016, Joan received awards from the Museum of Arts and Design and the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Pioneer Award at the United Nations. Joan and her designs have also been featured in Kyle Roderick's book Bejeweled: The World of Ethical Jewelry and Women of Jewelry by Linda Kozloff-Turner.
Philanthropy is Beautiful® was named Social Enterprise Innovator of the Year by AI Global Media in 2023, marking the second year in a row receiving this award.

Joan’s donations have raised millions of dollars and are spread across, all selected by her customers, more than 1,000 nonprofits worldwide. She has designed limited edition pieces for UNICEF, HELP USA, ASPCA, The Girl Scouts of America, Habitat for Humanity, and other nonprofits. Her jewelry designs are worn by numerous stars, business leaders and government officials including First Ladies Laura Bush and Michelle Obama, Former Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Oprah, Lady Gaga, and Jennifer Lopez. Joan's work continues to be a favorite gift from the US State Department to visiting dignitaries.

Joan serves on the Board of the Fashion Institute of Technology and was also for many years a council member for the New York State Council on the Arts. She also was an initial Founder of the Havard Shared Interest Group FL&R and has taken leadership roles with the non-profit GlobalMindED. Joan holds a B.A. Magna Cum Laude in Fine Arts from Harvard College, is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and holds an MBA from Columbia Business School.

Joan and her husband George live in New York City with their children, granddaughter, and two dogs. She continues to work full time and remains committed to her goal of paying it forward and improving the lives of others.