Jewelry designers to support Simmons gala

Rachel Roy's "Stacey Twist" cocktail dress is one of the yellow-themed items being donated to the Simmons' "Art for Life" charity event.

Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons' "Art for Life" gala, an East Hampton, N.Y., fete slated for the end of this month, continues to draw jewelry designers to its cause—support for art programs and organizations for underprivileged youth in New York City.

Newly announced participants to the event's "Yellow Wardrobe"-themed silent auction include jewelry designers Jeri Cohen and Ana Reign, as well as Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons' own brand, the Simmons Jewelry Co.

Cohen, whose jewelry has been donned by such stars as Jennifer Lopez and Sharon Osbourne, will donate an 18-karat yellow-gold diamond-flower necklace, which retails for $7,500.

Reign will donate a tiered necklace with yellow jade and silver, retailing at $1,600. Celebrities Heather Locklear and Nicole Richie are among the designer's loyal followers.

As for the event's hosts, Kimora Lee Simmons will donate a Hello Kitty diamond pavé watch with a yellow lizard strap from her "KLS for Hello Kitty" collection, and Russell Simmons will donate matching his-and-hers diamond, green rubber and stainless steel bracelets from the "Green Initiative" collection. Both collections are under the Simmons Jewelry Co. brand.

Jewelry designer Lorraine Schwartz had earlier been announced as a participant in the event. Schwartz will donate her gold "Evil Eye" bracelet, which retails for $8,300.

The "Art for Life" gala will take place on July 28, with all proceeds from the silent auction benefiting the more than 70 New York City art programs and organizations supported by the Rush Philanthropic Art Foundation.
Source: nationaljewelernetwork