October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and while there’s no dearth of creative products out there that raise money for worthy causes ranging from research to prevention education, it’s rare that I see something in the category I would want to buy regardless of its charitable angle.

Los Angeles fine jewelry brand KatKim has solved the purchasing-for-good dilemma with its Boob Locket, a tongue-in-cheek nod to the cause it’s supporting that is, in fact, an elegant and versatile piece of jewelry.

The sphere, available in 18-karat yellow or white gold for $2,000, or silver for $780, is embedded with a round diamond on either side and hinges open to reveal an engraved message of the purchaser’s choice—examples shown on the KatKim website are “fighter” and “survivor.”  

A view of The Boob Locket when closedThe inspiration behind the piece is close to designer Katherine Kim’s heart.

Kim created the necklace to aid her friend Yuri Chung, who, at the tender age of 33, is fighting cancer for the second time.

Chung’s first cancer diagnosis—stage III breast cancer—was in 2010, when she was 25 years old. After nearly five years in remission she was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer, which has spread to her lungs, bones and brain. 

“She has been anything but a quiet victim of her illness,” Kim explained via e-mail.

A designer by profession, Chung embarked on a creative project to share and process what it was like to battle the disease. The resulting series of writings called Notes To A Friend was eventually presented as a collaborative, multimedia art show in Los Angeles.

A version of the show also took place in New York City, featuring a voice-activated digital ink projection installation.

Yuri Chung hasn’t been a “quiet victim of her illness,” according to friend Katherine Kim. Instead, she’s shared her experience with cancer through a multimedia art project.Kim originally donated all proceeds from sales of the locket, which landed on her website last June, to fund the Notes To A Friend exhibitions.

“Under all the challenging conditions, she pursued her own passion project sharing some of her most vulnerable moments,” Kim said.

Last March, Chung was diagnosed with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis, a condition that affects around 5 percent of cancer patients, in which the cancer invades the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Doctors predicted Chung had only two to three months to live, but she’s continuing to fight.

Now, all proceeds from the KatKim locket will go toward Chung’s treatment through Hope 4 Cancer, an alternative and holistic treatment center offering a fully integrative cancer treatment program. 

Kim said the locket will remain in her permanent collection and once Chung recovers, proceeds will benefit an organization of her choice.

In addition to purchasing a locket, those interested can donate any amount of their choosing to Chung’s treatment via her GoFundMe page.