Jewelry designer, Susan Domelsmith of Dirty Librarian Chains crafts handmade jewelry and elegant accessories out of second market materials from past jewelry factories on the eastern seaboard. Materials dating back to as early as the sixties have found new ways to shine through in Susan’s collections. EcoSalon caught up with Susan to discover more about her craft, upcycling process and made in NYC appeal.

Juliette Donatelli: Your line is produced in New York City?

Susan Domelsmith: Yes, by me.

JD: Do you do all the labor yourself?

SD: Yeah pretty much. I have a few assistants that come in and I teach them as well. It’s like continuing the manufacturing process and trying to keep it here.

But I also work with materials that were primarily made in the United States. I shop at factories that have shut down in Providence Rhode Island, and components from the sixties to the eighties. Second market

JD: Are all of those factories closed down now?

SD: A lot of the production has moved overseas since primarily the mass market stuff is made in China now. But I feel like there is a resurgence where people are starting to care more where their products are made and who makes them. So I feel like there are some new ones that are opening back up.

JD: When bring your handmade jewelry to a buyer or the larger public, and they find out it is made in NYC, is that an appeal to them?

SD: Yes definitely. I do a lot of markets where I am selling straight to the customer and they definitely love meeting the maker and knowing there is a nice person who made the jewelry, infusing it with good energy, rather than someone being forced into this kind of way to make a living. Which you know, some people still have to do in other parts of the world.

If they can identify with the way of life of the maker then I think that’s nice for the customer.

JD: Are more jewelers using reclaimed materials?

SD: Yes. When I first started — I’ve had my line for almost ten years — so when I first started I saw that was not really something people were doing. But it has definitely become more of a common way of designing and producing jewelry. I am really happy a lot more people are taking the more environmentally conscious route, because then it takes all the chemicals that are involved in plating and the mining of the materials as well — it takes that out of the equation, and it is still nice things that are beautiful to wear. So I am happy that that’s becoming more of a movement.

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images from the brand

The post Second Market Sophistication: Handmade Jewelry by Susan Domelsmith of Dirty Librarian Chains appeared first on EcoSalon.

It’s officially the holiday season! As we decorate our living spaces with bright holly and cheerful trimmings to soften the cold weather outside, don’t forget to carry that sparkle over to our style. Below are some fun metallic holiday fashion trends for 2013, pieces to carry the holiday cheer throughout the season—and as always our roundup is from the brightest picks of eco fashion. 

1. Cream Eye Shadow by RMS Beauty

RMS Beauty is a top natural beauty line created by celebrity makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift. These simmering eyeshadows are made with ingredients that support natural beauty and promote long-term health. Made with raw mineral pigments, these cream eye shadows double as a moisturizer for your lids because rms Beauty is all about the “synergistic interchange” between their products and your skin. Packed in recyclable glass containers with an air-tight lid to preserve freshness, these cream eyeshadows won’t dry out.

rms beauty, $28

2. Manta Ray Ring by Alkemie

Alkemie jewelry is one of our favorites. Run by a husband and wife team based out of Topanga Canyon, in California, they are continually inspired by the nature around them. Alkemie jewelry is made from 100% reclaimed metals, and handmade in Los Angeles. This ring of a Manta Ray is a reminder of the inherent value in spending time with yourself, and being peaceful in your own skin—just like the Manta Ray.

Alkemie, $176

3. Large Heart Necklace by See Me

The universal symbol of a heart resinates everywhere, but this necklace isn’t just any heart. See Me works with victims of domestic violence in Turkey and Tunisia, offering employment, escape and community by using their artisan skills to hand craft these beautiful pieces. See Me is dedicated to providing sustainable work, not charity. “Each heart is unique, just like yours.”

See Me, 123 euros

4. Metallic Gold Pillow Cover by Kyle Wayne Taylor Home

A great Etsy find, these pillow covers are a modern addiction to any color scheme. Handmade 100% cotton covers are handmade in Williamsburg, Virginia. You could even get crafty, and wrap a gift in them!

Etsy, $35 each

5. Relaxed Blazer and Pleated Mini Skirt by SUNO

SUNO is a high-end label with sustainability embedded in their DNA—a great example of a brand that is both design-driven and sustainability minded. All SUNO clothing is made in New York City a few blocks from their design studio. Sophistication meets edge with this metallic blazer and skirt combo.

Relaxed Blazer, $477

Pleated Mini Skirt, $405

6. Katherine Shell Clutch by KAYU

KAYU is a California based label founded by South East Asia native Jamie Lim. Jamie’s upbringing was surrounded by artisanal craft and KAYU is an ode to preserving and cultivating the survival of traditional techniques, and economically supporting the artisans. This clutch is intricately laid with mother of pearl shell onto a hand-carved wooden base. A percentage of each sale is donated to education and health initiatives in the area it was made.

Minz, $590

7.  Large Wood-Carved Journal by Raven + Lily

Raven + Lily is a B Corporation, an Ethical Fashion Forum award winner, and one of the most widely know eco-fashion brands. This beautiful journal is hand-carved from wood and bound with vegetable-tanned leather. Fair trade made by women in northern India, proceeds from the sale of this notebook go to fund literacy programs for the women artisans and children in the community.

Raven + Lily, $24

Want more On Trend? See Also:

Eco Fashion Brands Prove Beauty in Simplicity With Burgundy and Basics On Trend

 The Unbelievable Value of Upcycling Clothes 7 Ways: On Trend

On Trend: Dark and Tan – The Smartly Sexy Fall 2013 Color Trends

Covering Up With Ethical and Organic Leggings: On Trend 

Personality Pops With Patterned Pants: On Trend

Images from the eco fashion brands, collage by Juliette Donatelli

Keep in touch with Juliette on twitter @spadesandsiLK

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