New mom Padma Lakshmi (daughter Krishna Thea was born five weeks ago) is clearly focusing her efforts on things more personal and close to the heart. Witness the latest project to come from her eponymous fine jewelry line: a pair of special edition Jasmine Flower gold and garnet earrings whereby 20 percent of sales will benefit the Endometriosis Foundation of America, where she is a co-founder and board member of the foundation. “There is no cause closer to my heart,” said Lakshmi. “After years of suffering from endometriosis, I teamed up with the surgeon who literally changed the quality of my life.” The earrings complement nicely Lakshmi’s nature-inspired collection of baubles and can easily be worn with the “Top Chef” host’s other designs. I like these because they’re subtle yet chic for day–say at a ladies lunch–but just as fitting when paired with a LBD and cute Lanvin flats. What’s more, the earrings commemorate the organization’s annual Blossom Ball, to be held May 20 at the New York Public Library.
$350, available in May at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Mitchells of Westport and Richards of Greenwich in May 2010