Santa Cruz Idol James Durbin Supports Jewelry that Supports Others

Last week when James Durbin sang on American Idol, he flashed some bright-round necklaces, including a blue Buddha.

The woman who makes the jewelry was thrilled to see it. So is the charity that will benefit, DoSomething.org.

The jewelry is the brainchild of Jessica Mindich, who started Jewelry For A Cause after leaving a job as counsel for an Internet company, Soliloquy. She wanted to spend more time with her two children and do some good. Her brainchild was an affordable jewelry company that donated a piece of the profits to charity.

Its motto is, "Jewelry that sparkles with good intentions," and a quarter of the $28 spent on the Buddhas goes to charity. Other designs have benefited other charities, including the American Cancer Society, the National Kidney Foundation and Doctors Without Borders, as well as schools and hospitals.

The company took off fast and was displayed in People magazine, Daily Candy and all of the major television networks.

Mindich's designs have been worn by Michelle Obama, Maria Shriver and Ashley Simpson, among many others.

Jewelry For A Cause is in 50 stores across the country—but none in Santa Cruz, says Mindich—who added that she would love to have her line picked up here. 

Mindich has added a stunning blue wave to benefit Japanese tsunami victims.

Meanwhile, the Santa Cruz City Council made a proclamation Tuesday to support Durbin's quest to be the next American Idol. The show airs Wednesday at 8 p.m. on FOX. Supporters have been watching together at Pizza My Heart on 41st Street.