” To see things in the seed, that is genius”    —Lao Tzu

These 3 jewelry makers create intricate, lively and elegant pieces that are as sustainable as they are beautiful. All three featured brands and organizations employ artisans from forgotten communities that use seeds to craft incredibly detailed and exotic earrings, bracelets and necklaces that echo the ornaments of rainforest dwellers. 

Organic Tagua Jewelry

Tagua, also known as vegetable ivory, is obtained from the seed of a palm tree nut. Practically as dense and durable as animal ivory, tagua can be dyed (it takes bright colors very well) and cut into thin discs and beads to make jewelry that brings together exotic materials and modern design. Since tagua trees produce several bushels of seed pods per year, with up to 100 tagua nuts in a pod, they are considered a sustainable and harm-free material for jewelry production. Organic Tagua Jewlery shares the creativity of the people of Ecuador, the native country of the tagua tree.

Chiapas Bazaar

Founded in order to facilitate access to international markets for rural artisans, Chiapas Bazaar brings us the most exquisite accessories from the crafty minds of Chiapas, Mexico.  The founding couple of the Bazaar established the marketplace in order to purchase pieces from these incredibly talented artisans and share them with the rest of the world. Using everyday ‘trash’ such as orange peels and guaje seeds as materials, these artisans have managed to create impressively beautiful and wearable jewelry. Who would have thought that tree resin or seeds could be turned into a pair of earrings? The seedburst earrings above are made from guaje seeds, found in the pods of the Tamarind tree, with a painted orange pea seed in the middle.

Eco-Vogue
Ecuadorian Angelica Cocha founded Eco-Vogue in 2010 in an attempt to improve the lives of locals craftsmen and the local economy. All of the necklaces, bracelets, earrings and belts in the collection are handmade out of nuts and seeds, making the completely organic, eco-friendly and sustainable. The Ecuadorian artisans most often use tagua nut for their exotic creations but acai seed and pambil also appear in their work, as with the bracelet above. These seeds have been used for hundreds of years in South American communities and promoting the jewelry crafted from them helps to improve the local community and reduce rainforest destruction.

Images: Organic Tagua Jewelry, Chiapas Bazaar, Eco-Vogue

Related on EcoSalon:

4 Eco Jewelry Makers Inspired By Bones, Stones and Recycled Metals

Beauty of the Trees: 4 Natural Jewelry Makers Inspired By Forests

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How better to appreciate the beauty and majestic elegance of the creatures, rocks and precious metals that share Earth with us than turn their remains into gorgeous, wearable masterpieces? The following eco jewelry makers have taken  inspiration from natural stones, animal bones and organic shapes, combining them with recycled metals to create striking and sustainable pieces.  From bold statement pieces to simple and casual accessories, these jewelry collections demonstrate the amazing variety and platforms for creativity that natural materials provide for making modern tribal  jewelry.

Jennifer Trask
This New York-based jewelry artist creates pieces that give a glamorous new life to the bones and teeth of animals. Each piece is hand carved to precision, and assembled into a stunning piece of jewelry that beautifully marries baroque-style detailing with the raw concept of a living being’s supportive structure. Trask combines carved natural materials such as tusks, antlers, bones and teeth with elegant detailing in the form of diamonds and vintage for a truly regal art piece.

Kirsten Muenster
Kirsten Muenster’s philosophy of eco jewelry making lies in “finding beauty in the unexpected.” She creates one-of-a-kind modern heirlooms featuring materials such as fossilized walrus tusk, betel nuts and stones sourced from small, family-owned mines. Muenster also uses 100% recycled precious metals and other repurposed materials, making sure to carefully research the origins of each artifact. Her work demonstrates quality, fine craftsmanship and longevity as each piece carries a unique but timeless appeal. Muenster’s work is substantial but simple, as demonstrated by her combination of clean, minimalist lines and raw, organic elements.

Natalie Frigo
Natalie Frigo is a maker of heirloom jewelry pieces and believes in offering wearable, unique and timeless pieces that will stay with their owners forever. Frigo is constantly inspired by nature, and hand-casts organic forms for creating her exquisite necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings.  All of the stones and gemstones used in her work are ethically sourced, and the precious metals are recycled. The venerable yet raw essence of her work is contemporary, but will stand the test of time.

Monique Pean
Monique Pean’s pieces are recognized as luxury, eco-friendly jewelry and are known for the use of unique materials and avant-garde designs. Although distinctive and bold, Pean’s pieces are wearable and pair up perfectly with the latest fashions (or with jeans and a tee). Made from 100% recycled metals and sustainably sourced feature pieces like conflict and devastation-free diamonds, eco gemstones and locally sourced, eco-friendly fossilized woolly mammoth and walrus ivory. As a member of the No Dirty Gold campaign, supporter of Too Precious to Wear and a contributor to charity:water and Partners in Health, Monique Pean is truly committed to philanthropic sustainability.

Images: Jennifer Trask, Kirsten Muenster, Natalie Frigo, Monique Pean

Related on EcoSalon:

Beauty of the Trees: 4 Natural Jewelry Makers Inspired by Forests

Link Love: Kirsten Muenster’s Seasonal Jewelry Collection for Health Ceramics

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As the taste for mass-produced goods wanes, the handcrafted design scene is banding together to support the artisan design movement. EcoSalon favorite, Jeweler Kirsten Muenster, joins a growing roster of independent artisans whose goods are now featured at Heath Ceramics stores.

Simplicity. Handmade. Designed to last. These are the principles of the Californian artisan design movement that hopes to revitalize and transform the way we live our lives. As one of the scene’s leading figures, Kirsten Muenster creates unique heirloom jewelry pieces made from sustainable materials that exemplify this vision. Muenster’s take on this season’s trend for bold metal linked chains is characteristically holistic. “I really put the entire focus on the chain itself, it’s front and center. I explored the links themselves, experimenting with construction, scale, weight, layering and the way they hang on the body, “ she said.

The resulting line of eye-catching and beautifully crafted chains was featured as part of the seasonal collection from Heath Ceramics, the Sausalito-based pottery company founded in 1948 by Edith Heath. Designed to complement the bright blues and dipped hues of Heath’s Summer seasonal collection, it may seem an unlikely home for Muenster’s statement jewelry with its solid style credentials. With its impressive new retail space in the mission district of San Francisco serving as a gallery, coffee shop and gathering spot for events, Heath is quickly becoming the design world’s Chez Panisse.

I caught up with Muenster recently to discuss the collection and her thoughts on the latest developments, here’s what she had to say:

Rowena Ritchie: Your work is currently featured as part of Heath Ceramic’s Summer Seasonal Collection – can you tell us how that came about?

Kirsten Muenster: I produced some posters for each of my jewelry lines last year, Cathy Bailey owner and creative director of Heath saw the chain collection and liked the work. They started carrying the pieces in the San Francisco store before the holidays and recently added it to the Sausalito and Ferry Building locations, as well as online. There was an amazing response to the chain pieces, the Heath stores have been doing really well with jewelry in general. It seemed like a natural progression for them to include jewelry in their collections. This season’s palette is gorgeous – deep to pale blue, light green and a little hint of orange and brass. I’m thrilled to have two of my large half Persian chain bracelets in the collection – they pair beautifully with the two necklaces from Julia Turner and the bronze bowl by Alma Allen. By including jewelry, it’s like they’ve added another layer to the experience. You picture the dinnerware making up a stunning table setting at a party with friends – and now you have something special, a statement piece to wear as well.

RR: Your line of hand-made chains is reinvigorating interest in your work. Can you describe the process of creating them and what they mean to your artistic journey?

KM: Each piece is made by my hands, every link and every clasp. They are all one-of a-kind. The process is important, but in the end, it’s all about how the pieces look and feel. I’ve modernized ancient chain weaves into bold, strong statement pieces that feel amazing on the body and are substantial without being heavy.

RR: What do you think it is in their design people are responding to?

KM: Collectors respond to the versatility of the pieces – they can either read ‘tough’ or ‘elegant.’ They look amazing with a gown, or jeans and a t-shirt, and pair beautifully with silver, gold, or both. The chain starts with a raw spool of wire. The wire is hand spun into a coil, then hand cut into individual links. The links are then “woven” into chain, one by one. I work with brass and bronze; sterling silver can be special ordered. The finish is either oxidized or brushed. The patina changes and evolves over time. Changes in coloration occur with time, environment and also in response to the touch of the wearer. This process highlights the inherent beauty of the material and gives the chain a unique depth, which I think is what people are really interested in finding these days.

RR: How does Heath’s aesthetic reflect your own views on design and sustainability?

KM: We share a similar aesthetic; clean, minimalist, modern design. But more importantly, we share similar values: handmade, fine craftsmanship, environmental integrity, heirloom quality and timeless design. I really connect to how they describe themselves on their website,  “We thoughtfully make, gather, and sell enduring objects that enhance the way people eat, live, and connect.”

RR: What’s next for your line?

KM: I’m really excited to push the work to another level now. In the next series of pieces I will combine all of my skills – hand fabricated chain, stone work and even some cast elements as well. My next pieces will be about balance and the interplay between the elements. The chain will still be an extremely important component of the work, but the main focal point may be a large piece of fossil coral, dinosaur bone or walrus tusk.

Top Image: Heath Ceramics

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The easiest way to add brilliance to your New Year’s Eve outfit is to accessorize with sparkly (sustainable) jewelry.

I don’t care where I spend New Year’s Eve as long as I am surrounded by people I love, don’t have to make resolutions I cannot keep and get to wear something with some serious shine and sparkle. Here are our top fashion picks for a sparkly New Year’s Eve.

African Cactus Quartz Pendant Necklace
This gorgeous African Cactus Quartz pendant necklace by Mineralogy hangs elegantly from a vintage brass chain that measures 15 inches long. It will add some subtle sparkle to your outfit without becoming overpowering.
$70, Workshop

White CZ Ring by Kevia
This classic yet unusual ring features a faceted white cubic zirconia stone surrounded by 15 flush white cubic zirconias. The hammered band is made from 22k gold vermeil and is adjustable. You may find it exciting to know that Oprah has one.
$188, Olivine

Recycled Diamond Necklace
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Smile inducing and budget friendly, this recycled necklace stylishly comments on the conflict-heavy diamond industry. Made of recycled 14K gold overlay, it’s handcrafted in California by designer Kris Nations.
$39, BTC Elements

Lulu Frost G&S Mezze Necklace
Lulu Frost is something of the master of sustainably made statement jewelry. This piece, from the Modern Vintage collection is made from vintage rhinestones, gold and silver chains. Pair it with a simple dress and you’re center stage stunning.
$385, Lulu Frost

Metronome Bracelet by DLC Brooklyn
The beauty of this mixed ball chain bracelet is the simplicity of the three knots. Made in New York from nine vintage chains of various sizes in silver, brass, hematite and gold plate. Maybe sometimes a bracelet is all you need but if you feel you need more, a matching necklace is available as well.
$155, Green With Glamour

Carole Tanenbaum for Atelier-Mayer 1950s Rhinestone Necklace
Be the belle of the ball in this amazing statement piece. Wear it with a strapless gown and keep accessories minimal to let this really be the center of attention. Carole Tanenbaum started dealing in vintage costume jewelery 20 years ago. Her trained and critical eye helped her to cultivate a stellar collection of over 20,000 pieces, which includes pieces from designers like Dior, Chanel, Lanvin and Sherman. Every piece is hand selected with an eye for design, creativity, strength and exceptional workmanship.
Roughly $2890, Atelier-Mayer

Lulu Frost 100 Year Necklace
This necklace is truly one of a kind. Made entirely of vintage jewelry, it spans a century with elements from 1860-1960. This means that each necklace will vary, and you can be sure nobody will be wearing the same thing to the party.
$1925, Lulu Frost

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Because it’s refreshing to see celebrities try out a little eco sometimes.

Actress Jessica Alba was recently spotted enjoying a day of family fun with her husband, Cash Warren, and three-year-old daughter, Honor, at the L.A. County Fair in Pomona. She looked casually cool in slouchy capris, a loose top with shoulder cut-outs and flats. Out favorite part, however, is her necklace from the Futurelore collection from Kyler by Joy O and boosts some serious eco-cred. The pieces in Kyler’s funky geometric collection are all made from upcycled scrap steel and recycled precious metals and created to stand the test of time and trends. Designed by Joy Opfer, the Anode Collar Necklace, as Alba’s piece is called, is made from two recycled steel intaglio pendants and will set you back about $98.

Now, if she could only ditch that bottled water…

Images courtesy of Kyler by Joy O.

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For the perfect parable of how current fashion mores have come into alignment with sustainable design concepts, take a look at Los Angeles-based jeweler, Jeffrey Levin, and his eco-minded, stacking rings.

The locally manufactured rings, in recycled silver, gold and rose gold, exemplify the unexpected richness of fashion’s current mix and match style. Along with their white, black, and chocolate diamonds sourced and certified conflict-free, the rings land a solid eco blow. Instead of head-to-toe designer looks, the current fashion ethos favors a melding of mass market with thrift store and vintage with high-end designer to create a look that feels modern. And while you might have thought it was all Kate Moss’ idea, this concept of modularity is informing design across all disciplines.

The eco benefit of all this modularity for the jewelry-lover is there’s no waste. Unlike the days where ladies wore pearls with pastels during the day and gold with black in the evening, there now isn’t really a need to have extra jewelry waiting for the right occasion. Jewelry consumers are embracing mixing metals and hanging convention.

Inspired by his recent engagement, Levin’s stacking rings represent a metaphor for the relationship and the varied levels as they build one on another – from coming together, to the engagement, to the wedding and on to the milestones yet realized. So, while the true inspiration of this story is discovering an eco-modern classic that masterfully melds diverse elements – if for no other reason, invest for love’s sake.

Available online at jeffreylevin.com.

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Much like the parting of your hair or a swipe of lipstick, a signature standout piece of jewelry makes any look new and fashion forward. We’re not talking a delicate subtle piece either – Oh no! We are talking about an IN YOUR FACE almost overtly over-the-top statement ring that begs for attention!

Seen on the many of fashion’s foremost attention seekers themselves like Rachel Zoe, Rihanna and Mary Kate Olsen, buzz-worthy bling is where it is at! Amisha Jewelry provides just the piece to start a conversation with a contrasting jagged yet glimmering gem. Or, stick the the animal theme with Alkemie’s square owl. And if you are are loving the beautiful colors and influence of the Native Americans, Erica Wiener has just the ring for you!

The best part about wearing these snazzy finger rings is that they show off your personality, so go ahead and express yourself!

The post Mama’s Got a Bold New Ring! appeared first on EcoSalon.

Dear Rebecka:

Did you know I had a thing for Swedish designers? For years this has been true.
Don’t think I’m stalking you, but I think the combination of this and the fact that you live in Brooklyn, a place I’ve really come to love, makes my heart soar. I even like the fact you spell your first name with a k.

I also like how your jewelry is sort of raw and yet stunning with all your recycled metals and stones being transformed from potential ugly ducklings into handcrafted, beautiful swans. I’m smitten.

And what’s this I hear you base your lines on “Fairytale narratives?” Taking your line the extra step into fantasy? Oh you.

I love you, I mean, what I mean is that I love your line and your ideas for inspiration and even though I’ve already tied the knot almost 14 years ago, I still think the idea of using recycled platinum for custom engagement rings and wedding bands sounds divine.

I would’ve done that had I known you.

Can I commission you to create an exclusive EcoSalon Shops! pendant for everyone to wear so that we shine like no other at our event in New York City on June 4th? I’d really like everyone to come meet you, and I for one hope to be first in line. Don’t be scared, I’m really harmless.

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