Let's Band Together 

While grinding my coffee at my favorite local coffee house, Storks Wilton Manor, I came across a find that only someone who is mesmerized by shiny and sparkly objects would find fun.  Well, as it turns out, I am a big fan of jewelry.  Even though what I wear is minimal, I still appreciate craftsmanship, dedication, and, of course—diamonds!  Come to find out, it was a collection that contained exquisite pieces, not just applicable to the gay and lesbian community, but dedicated to us.  For the first time, I actually felt hope, that maybe someday in the near future, I might just be able to find a man and marry him.  I’m an old-fashioned one here and still want to get married in my church back home, and wear a kilt that is handcrafted by my Ma.  Why should the jewelry be any different or of a lower caliber?   

Gary Mosser, of Saks Fifth Avenue, in combination with Kelly Poston of De Plano Group brought us Love & Pride jewelry.  This collection showcases the latest line by Udi Behr, winner—Top Designer of the Year, which contains timeless designs that will redefine the concepts of Pride jewelry, same-sex wedding bands, as well as commitment and engagement rings.  Udi was inspired when, in 2004, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom courageously granted marriage licenses to same-sex couples.  

Udi Behr & Kelly Poston  

The Love & Pride Collection is the first major collection of wedding bands and commitment jewelry especially for same-sex couples and features rings, necklaces, bracelets, and accessories to fit every budget, from $30 to $5,000.  They contain pieces in 18K gold, stainless steel, two-toned combinations, diamonds, and exquisite accents.  The designs include same-sex motif rings that join as a whole, a double lariat loop necklace ending in gold hand-cuffs, and a contemporary black stainless steel pendant featuring interchangeable male/female insignias.  These cutting-edge pieces inspire a sincere emotion in support of the gay and lesbian community.  The best part is that Love & Pride advocates full marriage equality for lesbians and gays, and donates 10% of profits from sales to Marriage Equality—one of the nation’s leading non-profits working to win the right to marry for same-sex couples. [www.marriageequality.org] 

 The collections are:   

*Love & Pride:  for engagement through commitment rings and accessories.

*Love & Peace:  fuses the cool, contemporary, and cutting-edge into daring yet dynamic designs. 

*Love & Freedom:  trend-setting pieces using precious metals for the young at heart, with each one as vigorously alive and independent as you are. 

*Love, Peace & Hope:  featured at Saks and worn by celebrities at The Oscars and Emmys.  The collection also extends into exclusive timepieces, designer clothing, and fashion accessories that contain his vision of global and individual harmony.

*Love & Honor:  Udi reinterprets the triangle as a positive symbol of devotion in his diamond wedding bands.

*Love & Promise:  contains a magical medley of classic wedding and engagement rings, complimented by a selection with simplicity and sincerity that compliments your vows perfectly.    

Love & Pride is a venture founded on tolerance, respect and the continuing belief in the transformative powers of love, peace and hope.  As human beings, our most precious gift is freedom:  to think for ourselves, to be who we want, and to live and share our lives with whom we want.  But what really sets us apart is the ability to love and use our feelings for the greater good. This is both our greatest strength and greatest hope for the future—something our products reflect, inspire and celebrate.