Fashion, Evolved

A few months ago I wrote a post about an exciting young jewelry designer named Rebekah Green.  Green is a passionate environmentalist who launched her sustainable line of affordable, unique fine jewelry in 2009.  I’m thrilled to report that her business is thriving, and she’s just launched a new initiative on her retail site called Eco-Hero.

Eco-Hero is a way to recognize the efforts of everyday people as they work to make the world a better place.  If you, or someone you know, is doing something special–big or small–that deserves recognition, Rebekah wants to know!

“I feel like it’s high time we create a forum for all of us to toot our own horns and be rewarded for our efforts, big and small,” said Green. “The Eco-Hero Contest allows for everyone to celebrate his or her collective greatness and not-so-random acts of kindness. My goal with this contest is to emphasize that no matter how grand the act, that act itself may very well become the defining gesture that changes the entire life of a person in need or ignites an unexpected domino effect of generosity.”

“Our generation represents a paradigm shift in global consciousness and community citizenship,” explained Green.  “Philanthropy is the new sexy. Charity is the new black. Everything we do is done in style, and that’s why I want to reward my Eco-Hero contestants with a pair of my 100% recycled gold, fair trade gemstone earrings for the best, most inspiring story.”

If you’ve never had the chance to see Rebekah’s work, check out her online store and see what makes her pieces so special.  I own a pair of her 14k recycled gold earrings and I absolutely love them!  I know you will love yours, too.

By now everyone knows about the dreadful cost of mining and trafficking most of the precious metals and gemstones used in today’s jewelry industry.  But thanks to companies like Brilliant Earth, you can still have beautiful, exquisite fine jewelry without trading in your ethics.

Brilliant Earth works exclusively with ethically sourced or upcycled metals and stones mined in Canada.  The company provides a 100% conflict free guarantee, and it donates 5% of its profits to communities around the world which are adversely affected by the jewelry trade.  Their non-profit fund goes to education, medical aid, child labor prevention, and land restoration projects.

As a green company offering ethical products, Brilliant Earth has a very special Earth Day offer:

With any ring purchased during the week of Earth Day, Brilliant Earth will offer a free limited edition Green on the Inside recycled sterling silver charm necklace with an ethically sourced green sapphire. This adorable necklace is a beautiful reminder of what you value most – a vibrant future on a greener earth.

This is a wonderful opportunity to buy a beautiful piece of heirloom-quality jewelry while supporting an amazing company–and have a special memento to remember Earth Day 2010:

You can find out more about Brilliant Earth on their excellent, informative website or become a Fan of them on their Facebook page.

The earthquake that shook Haiti happened weeks ago, but the needs of the Haitians are greater now than ever.  Doctors, supplies, and provisions must continue to be sent to assist families that are still suffering from the effects of losing everything–including loved ones.

To answer the call, the independently owned jewelry company Love Heals has created four special pieces of which they will donate 100% of the profits to Doctors Without Borders.  If you’ve never heard of Love Heals, check out their website and touching story:

Love Heals is the mother, son and daughter team of Adriana, Gunnar and Elisa. We handcraft all our jewelry inside a 30-foot geodesic dome nestled in the golden hills of our family’s organic farm in Ojai, California. Many adventures and much hard work have brought us here. Adriana fled a dangerous military dictatorship in Argentina as a young woman, escaping to London, where she began supporting herself as a jewelry artist, selling her work in Portobello Rd. Adriana’s roaming, gypsy spirit took her all over Europe, eventually settling in Ibiza, Spain, where she gave birth to her son Gunnar in a 400 year-old farm house with no electricity or running water. In 1979, the family relocated to Santa Barbara, California, where she launched her American career. Little Elisa was born right here in Ojai. In recent years Gunnar and Elisa have joined their mother to help nurture the creative and spiritual endeavor that is the unique vision of Love Heals.

The four pieces they are selling to benefit Haiti are exquisite.  Don’t just shop for jewelry–do good at the same time.

Haiti:  Heart

A beautiful 16” necklace of braided champagne pearls hung with amber cubic zirconia drops and sterling silver reproductions of antique charms. This ornate, rose-filled heart was found in the Paris flea market of Porte aux Venues; it’s inscribed with the French proverb, “I want to spend my Heaven doing good on Earth.” $276

Haiti: Restore

16″ NECKLACE: Devotional Beauty. Vermeil charms of Buddha and Ganesh adorn this 16” handbraided strand of gold-filled beads. The Buddha reminds us to be thoughtful and aware of others in need, and Ganesh encourages one to remove obstacles for regrowth; there also is a single, startlingly deep Peacock Pearl representing charity, honesty, and wisdom. $264

Haiti:  Service

Dordogne: 18″ NECKLACE: braided small white pearls with silver charms and clasp. $367

Haiti : Strength

Wrap, Smokey Quartz : 42” BRACELET : braided smokey quartz gems with silver charm $235

One of the most heartbreaking parts of “going green” was that I had to put the brakes on what I like to call my “jewelry acquisition project.”  I love jewelry and not just the funky fashion kind–I like the real stuff.  Gold, silver, diamonds and gems.  I’m pretty sure I was a pirate in my former life.

Rebekah Green has come to my rescue.  Her designs use only 100% recycled metals, fair trade gemstones, and are manufactured locally in Los Angeles, CA.  And they are also completely gorgeous and…wait for it…AFFORDABLE!  Rebekah Green jewelry is hand cast and polished, based on designs that utilize the materials in a conservative but artistic way.  You really couldn’t ask for more.  (You can get the full lowdown on Rebekah Green’s eco-friendly policies here.)

As a life-long greenie with an impressive list of accomplishments, Green is not jumping on the bandwagon or greenwashing her company.  Her experience includes working in green building, organic foods, and green media.  By the age of 27 she had founded a multi-million dollar custom design company and had built 17 luxury green custom homes.

Ms. Green was kind enough to send me a pair of her gold earrings and they have quickly become my favorites.  Lightweight, unique, and totally genuine–I am proud to own and wear this jewelry.  Not  convinced yet?  Check out some of my favorite pieces from her collection below.

Learn more about Rebekah Green on her main website.

Last month I featured the ethical line of jewelry created by Jaszy McAllister in a blog post.  This month I am thrilled to welcome Jaszy as my newest sponsor–and to promote her fantastic clearance sale!

If you’ve been waiting to add a piece of ethical jewelry to your personal collection, now is the time.  Check out her commitment to environmentally friendly practices:

Jaszy Fair Trade Promise

Our Materials

• Fair Trade 14k & 24k vermeil components made by Hill Tribe artisans from Thailand and Indonesia
  
• 14k GF components from Israel
  
• Ethically sourced Fair Trade Gems from Columbia Gem House
  
• 100% recycled Argentium Sterling Silver from Hoover & Strong, a refiner with over 95 years experience in environmentally responsible refining
  
• Fair Trade Tagua (responsibly harvested South American fruit seeds from palm trees) from One World Projects
• Merchandise tags and gift boxes made with 100% recycled paper and/or non-wood plant fiber paper.
  
• Packing material is made in-house from shredded newspapers and magazines.

Jaszy’s aesthetic is simple, elegant and organically inspired.  It elevates ‘green jewelry’ from boho status to urban sophistication.

And now–you can get 50% anything you buy on JaszysJewelry.com using the code FE09 when you check out.

Need another reason to shop? Check out some of my favorite pieces for inspiration:

Fair Trade Tagua and Honey Quartz Necklace

Was:  $106   NOW:  $53

Jaszy Augustine Necklace

Was:  $79  NOW:  $39.50

Mexican Opal, Peridot and Turquoise Earrings

Was:  $140  NOW:  $70

Recycled Sterling Silver & Labradorite Drops Earrings

Was:  $24  NOW:  $12