ColumnNine statement necklaces that simply cannot be ignored.

The best and perhaps easiest way to elevate a simple look to a new level is by adding a statement necklace — the kind that truly packs a visual punch and simply cannot be ignored. Here are nine of our standout favorites, all consciously made, which ensures that you are making the right kind of statement.

1. Radial Necklace by Erin Considine
Made from recycled cast brass, sewn and handwaxed cotton, handbraided cotton and oxidized vintage snake chain, and dyed with logwood, this eye-catching necklace by Erin Considine is the perfect mix of elegant and outrageous. It’s guaranteed to not go unnoticed.
$450, Erin Considine

2. 50 Year Necklace by Lulu Frost
This one-of-a-kind necklace is Lulu Frost’s take on a history lesson. It’s made by elements that span a century, including a champagne cut-steel buckle from the late 19th Century, Czech celluloid buckles and hand-carved maroon bakelite from the ’30s, “harmoniously united on brass brick chain with adjustable lobster closure.”
$900, Lulu Frost

3. Desert Rose Necklace by Gretchen Jones NYC
This porcupine fringe necklace by Project Runway winner Gretchen Jones is a little bit disco and a little bit hippie — perfect for you urban bohemians out there (you know who you are).
$245, Gretchen Jones NYC

4. Long Mixed Box Chain Necklace by Kirsten Muenster Jewelry
Made entirely by hand, in Muenster’s San Francisco studio, this box chain necklace is available in oxidized brass or oxidized bronze. Due to the custom nature of the piece, it can be made in any size desired. We love that it’s both tough and delicate at the same time.
$800, Kirsten Muenster Jewelry

5. Trinity Necklace by Delusions of Grandeur
This necklace, shown here in shock pink, butterscotch and gold, but available in many other colorways, just puts a smile on your face. Made from lightweight cast acrylic and gold filled wire “the Trinity forms a unique contour around your neck emphasizing asymmetric focal points while you remain the center of attention.” We like the sound of that.
$64, Delusions of Grandeur

6. Crochet Chain Necklace by Kaight
Crocheted and woven using vintage brass chain, this his necklace is truly a showstopper. Reminiscent of both chainmail and vintage lace, it’s discrete enough to wear to work, but packs enough sparkle for a night on the town. Each piece is unique and handmade in Brooklyn.
$98, Kaight

7. Hette Turquoise Necklace by Gemma Redux
Like all Gemma Redux pieces, this turquoise and 18K gold plate necklace is handcrafted in the label’s studio in New York City. Because all pieces are made to order, allow two weeks for your order to be completed and shipped.
$216, Gemma Redux

8. Necklace No. 5-05 by Iacoli & McAllister
Featuring powder coated brass and un-coated brass square tubes that hang from black ultra suede, this necklace is at once serious and playful. Un-coated brass will tarnish and get darker and duller with time, something the designers, who make all pieces by hand in their Seattle studio, say drew them to the material.
$58, Iacoli & McAllister

9. Raidne Gold Collar Necklace by Gemma Redux
Made from solid metal, with 18K gold plating and a silver tone chain, this collar necklace makes a truly powerful statement. Hand made to order in New York City, it is also available in a great gunmetal finish.
$248, Gemma Redux

Photos courtesy of the designers, top collage by Johanna Björk

The post On Trend: 9 Powerful Statement Necklaces appeared first on EcoSalon.

New York City’s Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) recently welcomed their first 12 designers to the CFDA Fashion Incubator located in New York City’s historic Garment District.

CFDA president Diane Von Furstenberg led the designers on a tour of their new home just last week.
The first 12 designers are: Alice Ritter; Bibhu Mohapatra; Rachel Dooley of Gemma Redux; Grant Krajecki of Grey Ant; Waris Ahluwalia from House of Waris; Joel Diaz from Jolibe; Prabal Gurung; Dao-Yi Chow & Maxwell Osborne of Public School; Yuvi Alpert & Danna Kobo from Ruby Kobo; Sang A Im-Prop of Sang A; Justin Giunta from Subversive Jewelry; and Tom Scott.

According to a press release, the incubator was announced in November 2009 by Mayor Bloomberg as “Part of the City’s efforts to foster the development of entrepreneurs across all industry sectors, and to encourage small businesses to locate and grow in New York City.”

New York City currently has five incubators currently open or in development throughout the Five Boroughs, with at least two additional spaces expected to open by the end of 2010. Other cities like Chicago, L.A., Atlanta and Dallas have their own incubators which foster affordable work spaces, networking opportunities, and financial support to designers loaded with talent who might not otherwise be able to thrive.

With this mentoring and cultivation of designers sponsored by the CFDA, will we see New York’s Garment District slowly come back to life from its rapidly decreasing amount of tenants? And from an eco-design standpoint will there be opportunities so that more than just two of the 12 are afforded and educated on sustainable materials for their collections?

We can only hope.

Regardless, NYCEDC President Seth W. Pinsky says “This diverse group of designers is a reflection of the depth of fashion talent New York City is known for. It is because of designers like these, as well as the retailers, wholesalers, and numerous fashion-related businesses that choose to locate here, that New York City is, and will remain, the world’s fashion capital.”

Image: Gemma Redux

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