This October will mark the 25th anniversary of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The objective of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to draw awareness to one of the world’s leading forms of cancer.

Jewelry designers everywhere are pitching in and creating “pink ribbon” jewelry. Some pieces are more delicate costume jewelry pieces while others consist of diamonds, pink sapphires and pearls in white gold. Designers will be donating a portion or all of the proceeds to fund the efforts of breast cancer research and generate awareness and education on the topic.

While the jewelry pieces usually feature the famous pink breast cancer ribbon and October is national breast cancer awareness month, the pieces can be worn year round. Awareness and education can and should be taught year round and what better conversation starter than a fine piece of jewelry.

Jewelry designers aren’t just focusing on breast cancer awareness but many have been contributing to other causes. Some designers choose to help when a particular cause hits close to home. Petra Azar, a noted artist, sculptor and jewelry designer has stated that her mother’s death from breast cancer turned her world around. Neda Behnam, a breast cancer survivor and jewelry designer, started her own Diamonds for A Cure line with the mission of raising funds for breast cancer research. Jewelry designer Jill Alberts lost one of her dear friend’s mother to breast cancer will be donating 10 percent of total sales on specific earrings to the Lynn Sage Foundation throughout the month of October. These and a number of other designers are creating hope for future breast cancer patients and survivors.

Breast cancer is something that has likely hit us all personally in some way or another, whether through ourselves or the life of a friend, family member or other loved one. Breast cancer awareness month is a great month to get yourannual mammogram and remind all your friends to do so as well. Consider sending each of your loved ones a pink ribbon or related piece of gift jewelry or item and a reminder card to go for their annual mammogram.