Celebrated Baker Turns French Pastries into Jewelry Collection

(IDEX Online) - Celebrated US cookbook author and baker Dorie Greenspan has launched a collection of silver and gold-plate charms and necklaces inspired by French pastries and other sweet treats.

The idea is to bring her love of baking and French patisserie into jewelry, turning familiar treats into keepsakes that can be worn rather than eaten.

Greenspan's XOXO collection features six designs: a croissant, madeleine, macaron, cupcake and double cherries, along with a charm spelling out XOXO.

The pieces are available as individual charms, necklaces and customizable bracelets, with a choice of beaded or linked designs. The necklaces feature croissant and madeleine pendants.

Individual charms are priced at $27 to $30 at launch, with necklaces starting at $115. Starter bracelets are also available, while complete charm bracelets combining several designs are priced higher.

Greenspan, 79, has written 15 cookbooks, won five James Beard Awards and appeared three times on The New York Times bestseller list. She has also written columns for The New York Times Magazine and The Washington Post, and collaborated with culinary figures including Julia Child and French pastry chef Pierre Herme.

The collection's name comes from Greenspan's customary sign-off on letters, emails and books. XOXO is the familiar abbreviation for hugs and kisses, and the final charm reproduces her personal signature.

The collaboration also supports No Kid Hungry, the US campaign working to end childhood hunger.

Delicacies will donate $1 for each charm sold, $2.50 for each pair of earrings and $5 for each necklace or bracelet. The company says its charitable partnerships have so far helped provide more than 1.2 million meals.