NEW YORK-based Matthew Campbell Laurenza - of MCL marque - had to wing the design and production of the opulent L'Ange de la Foret necklace in less than two months, but it was for a good cause - for the environment; primarily, birds.

One of a Kind features 35 pieces of jewellery designed by international jewellers the likes of Kenzo, Horus, Pomellato, Yanni Melas, Khoulod Osama Kurdi, David Shilling and Poonam Soni, to name a few. The jewellers were rounded up by Eco Art International, a Monaco-based fundraising outfit helmed by two ladies who create art-based projects for the environment.

MCL's necklace, with at least 8,000 stones on it including black diamonds, and the 173-carat amethyst as the centrepiece, is worth at least US$120,000. It was inspired by the Asian hornbill. Another bird threatened with extinction because of their dwindling habitat is the Saker Falcon.

Singaporeans will have to fly to Abu Dhabi to bid for MCL's piece however, at a Nov 12 auction by Sotheby's in a Black Tie Gala Dinner, hosted by Abu Dhabi royalty Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al-Nahayan. Another way to support Birdlife International and other environmental charities in this exercise is to purchase MCL's limited edition $150 birds & the beads bracelet - available at the MCL store at Ion Orchard.

All designs in One of a Kind will be showcased at level one, Ion Orchard from today for two weeks.

[email protected]

For more information, please look up www.ecoartinternational.com and www.mcldesign.net

This article was first published in The Business Times.