Philanthropy is Beautiful® is a unique social enterprise model that puts the power to make a positive change in the customer’s hands. We donate 100 percent of profit to each purchaser's charity of choice. Founded by Joan Hornig, the brand was launched in 2002 at Bergdorf Goodman in New York and is currently sold online and at fine retailers and museum shops across the United States. Sales to date have generated millions of dollars in donations to over 1,000 non-profit organizations around the world -- all chosen by customers.
Philanthropy is Beautiful® fine jewelry 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 features pavé diamonds to highlight the messages you want to share with others as you actively change the world by empowering, nourishing and protecting what is most precious.
Our goal is for every client to enjoy being a philanthropist and enable every non-profit they care about to benefit.
Each Philanthropy is Beautiful® piece is intended to be a conversation starter with its own punch of personality and intentional messaging. Our jewelry is designed to be worn on its own or layered. Mix metals, gemstones, scale and price points to make your personal statement about making a difference.
FOUNDER + DESIGNER + OWNER
Joan began her career as a professional fundraiser for Harvard University and Columbia Business School before spending 19 years on Wall Street. In 2002, Joan again changed course combining her love of jewelry and design, business skills and experience with non-profit organizations and created a philanthropically-driven company, Joan Hornig Jewelry - Philanthropy Is Beautiful®.
Joan has been honored by non-profits, educational institutions and the media for both her designs and social enterprise business model. 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.
All selected by customers, Joan's donations total millions of dollars and are spread among more than 1,000 nonprofits worldwide. She has designed limited edition pieces for UNICEF, HELP USA, ASPCA, The Girl Scouts of America and other non-profits. 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 in 2018, joined as a council member for the New York State Council on the Arts. Joan holds a B.A. Magna Cum Laude in Fine Arts from Harvard College and an MBA from Columbia Business School.
Joan and her husband George live in New York City and also spend time in Los Angeles.
CO-OWNER + CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Alicia Duque became a Graduate Gemologist, the highest degree in the jewelry industry, through the Gemological Institute of America after completing her bachelor’s degree in Architectural Design from Parsons the New School for Design. Her first professional role was over a decade ago as a production manager and graphic designer with Joan Hornig’s brand in New York City. After years of honing her experience in the jewelry realm working with large national jewelers as well as leading smaller, family-owned shops and consulting for independent, talented designers, Alicia made the move to return to the company she started her career with.
The day she met Joan Hornig was the day she realized it was possible to combine her passion for jewelry with a greater mission. From that defining day, Joan has been a fantastic mentor and her ultimate inspiration – she considers it an honor to continue her legacy of giving.
Alicia and her family live in Dallas, Texas.