I have found that life is all about give and take. Some people take more, and some give more. Some care less about others, and some care more. After having been an artist for almost a decade of my adult life, I realized the importance of giving back to society in any way we can. Not just because it makes us feel great about ourselves, but because helping others creates the right balance in the universe.

Through the years of selling my jewelry designs in artisan markets, I have met so many nice, generous and supportive people. Many have become loyal customers whom I get to see a few times a year. Some have been tourists, like the person who emailed me to say that the Shaya earrings she purchased are best possible souvenirs of her visit to New York City.

One of the people I met at the Nolita Market last year is LB, an inspiring, dedicated teacher in Brooklyn. I feel fortunate to have had the chance to see the effort, commitment, dedication, consistency, time, care and positivity that she shares with her young students. It was also amazing to see the joy she receives and the positive things that come to her because of all she gives to these kids. Over time, I understood how her thoughtfulness and generosity extend to everyone in her community. And I also learned that she has diabetes.

During the times we have spent together I have learned about diabetes as a disease and what it means for the people who live with it. I saw the devices LB needs to manage her diabetes every day. She must check her blood  sugar every few hours. She is incredibly disciplined and knowledgeable about the relationship between food and diabetes. Despite all she has to do every single day, I was mostly amazed to see how positively she manages her life. I was inspired.

In one of our conversations, LB told me about AYUDA, American Youth Understanding Diabetes Abroad, Inc., a non-profit organization that she volunteered with in Ecuador. AYUDA helps kids and young people with diabetes in poor areas of South and Central America. They educate community leaders about diabetes and the importance of spreading information and knowledge about the disease. I was touched by the great work they do and also by the places where they work. I traveled for a year in South America and was introduce to jewelry design there. So I have a lot of respect, great memories and a warm place in my heart for this region.

Being inspired and feeling the need to close the circle (or should I say the square?!) and give back to the universe, I designed the LB necklace. The necklace features four small, hammered metal beads. Each bead is one of a kind and has its own distinct shape, just like each one of us. The beads are plated in silver, 18k gold, rose gold and gunmetal, four different colors symbolizing the fact diabetes can effect any person regardless race, color, gender, age or origin. Some people are born with this disease, and some acquire it during their lives. The shiny silver chain represents the fact that it is possible to live, thrive and have a bright happy life with diabetes. But to do that successfully, you need to be educated, have access to the right equipment and latest technology, and keep a positive attitude!

September is Rosh Hashana and also the 4th Anniversary of Shaya NYC. To celebrate these important occasions, the LB Necklace will be available online for the entire month of September, and I will donate 20% of sales of the necklace to support the work of AYUDA.

I would like to dedicate this necklace to the beautiful kids of South and Central America and to a very special person, LB,  who inspires me to give and to care and who showed me that life is better with the right - positive - attitude!

Please share the LB Necklace with your friends and family to show support for AYUDA and the important work they do!

Thank you very much for your support.

~Shaya