Last week, the jewelry line Altruette became available in Chicago for the first time (at the adorably quirky Gold Coast store Judy Maxwell, which my colleague Gina Bazer blogged about here). Pop quiz: Why is this a big deal?


a) Because Altruette’s classic charms—in sterling silver or gold vermeil—bestow a dose of Mad Men-esque retro chic


b) Because half of the net profit goes directly to the do-good cause that each charm represents

c) Because they make great gifts for Mother's Day (less than eight weeks away!)


d) Because you may bump into actress Joan Cusack as you shop (she owns the store)


e) All of the above 


That's right, smarty: E. Just don't buy all of the bee charms (pictured)—which support the Honey Bee Research Fund—before I get there.


$95 for gold vermeil; $75 for sterling (coordinating neck chains and bracelets also available) at Judy Maxwell General Store, 1151 N. State Street, 312-787-9999