Alicesjewelry raises awareness of thyroid cancer

Often seen in jewelry, butterflies are a recurring and popular motif. For Anne Mock, designer of Alices (Alices jewelry), the butterfly represents something completely unusual: the thyroid gland.

At the age of 25, Mock was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, initially thought to be strep throat. It was a shocking diagnosis for a young woman in good health, as she had maintained an active lifestyle and dutifully checked for lumps, which is what we always encouraged her to do. Thankfully, doctors were able to successfully remove the thyroid and affected lymph nodes and Mock has been cancer-free since 2016.

To raise awareness of this cancer, Mock has designed a collection featuring small butterfly-like glands in the neck.

“Alices James was born of the idea that jewelry is something that women often compliment each other on, so it’s a natural way to start the conversation about the importance of getting a neck check,” says Mock. Each necklace features a butterfly charm at the clasp, representing the thyroid gland.

“Alices James has been my way of turning the difficult experience of dealing with thyroid cancer into a positive,” says Mock, a graduate gemologist. “Prior to my diagnosis, I had signed up for a jewelry-rendering class at the New York Jewelry Design Institute. My design projects became a welcome distraction for me during this time and soon became a platform for me to promote thyroid cancer awareness.”

Not only do the jewels serve as a reminder of self-care and awareness, but they are serving a charitable purpose, too: Mock has partnered with CancerCare, a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance, as well as counseling and support, to assist cancer patients in need. Twenty percent of the profits of each Annie James necklace is donated to the fund.

As for others experiencing similar circumstances, Mock says the jewelry has helped to drive somewhat of a community through social media. “I have connected with other survivors and current patients through my Instagram account. People have reached out to share their cancer experiences and to show support for what I’m doing. One girl who reached out to me had a very similar story to mine—we have stayed in touch and actually got together this summer!”

All pieces are in 14k white or yellow gold, featuring brightly colored gemstones (a nod to maintaining a positive mindset), like sapphire and peridot. In addition to necklaces, Annie James also offers earrings, rings, and bracelets, as well as the option for a custom creation.

September happens to be Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, so this comes at an ideal time! Visit anniejames.com for a full range of designs and to get in touch with the designer.

Top: Necklaces in 14k white and yellow gold with blue sapphire, peridot, aquamarine, and pink sapphire, all with diamonds, $675–$1,250