NYC Permanent Jewelry Party Raises Thousands for Animal Rescue

The Seven West Village literally went to the dogs in mid-December, hosting a charity event benefiting WeACT.

Michelle Graff michelle.graff@nationaljeweler.com

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A selection of the permanent bracelets Aurelie G offered at “Permanent for Paws,” the fundraiser held at The Seven West Village to benefit the WeACT dog rescue charity. “I’ve always had a big place in my heart for dogs and for jewelry,” said The Seven’s owner, Camille Zarsky. “Combining these two passions made this event a joy for me to be a part of.”

New York—What do you get when you combine a charmed collection of permanent jewelry, champagne, and a couple of cute pups at a chic New York City boutique?

A fun day that raises thousands of dollars for dogs in need.

“Permanent for Paws” took place in mid-December at new jewelry store The Seven West Village in Greenwich Village, hosted by National Jeweler Senior Editor Ashley Davis—an avowed jewelry and animal lover—Gesswein and Aurelie Gi, Chic Pistachio’s bridge jewelry brand.

Attendees selected and purchased 14-karat gold permanent bracelets from Aurelie Gi’s “For Keeps” collection, which was making its New York City debut, and then sat down to get “zapped” by a master jeweler.

Veteran bench jeweler Ramon Andino used the PUK 6 Welder with SM6 Microscope and Flow Regulator, loaned by Gesswein for the evening, to clasp and seal the tiny jump ring on each bracelet, creating a permanent piece of jewelry.

“I’m a dog lover and support the health and safety of all animals,” said Gesswein Vice President Roger Gesswein.

“Our PUK6 gives jewelers not only the power to handle larger welding jobs and the accuracy required for delicate tasks, but also the technology and ergonomics to make welding easy and comfortable.”

1-20230217_permanent bracelet application.jpg — Bench jeweler Ramon Andino uses Gesswein’s PUK 6 Welder with SM6 Microscope and Flow Regulator to affix the bracelets to the wrist of each attendee, as seen here.

2-20230217_permanent bracelets group.jpg — A group of guests at “Permanent for Paws” show off their new bracelets.

One of National Jeweler Senior Editor Ashley Davis’ rescue dogs, Gemma, was the event’s unofficial mascot.

The evening raised more than $3,500 for WeACT, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, 100 percent volunteer-run organization that is dedicated to rescuing, treating, rehabilitating, and rehoming abused dogs in Korea.

The money funded six flights from Seoul, South Korea and covered U.S. customs clearance fees, to rescue and rehome six at-risk dogs.

“I have never encountered a group of people as generous as the ones I’ve met in the jewelry industry,” Davis said. “The teams at Aurelie Gi, The Seven West Village, and Gesswein created life-changing impact through this event, giving dogs rescued from horrific circumstances the opportunity to find loving homes.

“That gift cannot be understated. I’m so proud to have played a part in this to support WeACT, which saved my two precious dogs from the Korean meat trade.”

Aurelie G National Sales Manager Katherine Whitacre said, “Aurelie Gi is honored to have been part of such a meaningful mission. Not only did sales of our permanent bracelets generate over $3,500 in dog rescue funds, but we also created a beautiful and lasting experience for all the women and men who got zapped in the store that day.

“We are incredibly grateful to Ashley Davis, the team at The Seven West Village, [Gesswein President] Greg Gesswein, Roger Gesswein, and Ramon Andino for helping us create such an emotional, tangible, and lasting impact.”