Column Fall jewelry trends this year are all about statement pieces and bold and beautiful embellishment. Check out our top 6 picks from our favorite brands.

Fall 2014 Jewelry Trends

1. Tarsis Necklace by Akola Project Tribal necklaces are big this season, and Akola Project’s Tarsis necklace (pictured above) from the Horn Collection is made from naturally shed ankle horn and hand-cast metal beads from Ethiopia. All of Akola Project’s pieces are carefully hand-crafted by dignified Akola women in Uganda, helping to create sustainable livelihoods for members of underprivileged communities. Akola Project, $88

2. Long Frontal Necklace by Melissa Joy Manning It’s all about chains this season, and we love this softer take on the trend by jewelry designer Melissa Joy Manning. Made from a combination of sterling silver and recycled 14k gold, this gorgeous and delicate necklace is made in the USA. Wear it over simple tees and sweaters or be more daring with a low cut dress. $315

3. Cuff to Post Earring by Free People Accessorizing only one ear was a big trend on the A/W 2014 catwalks, and has translated gorgeously into sexy and rocking ear cuffs and earrings at our favorite retailers. This cuff to post earring from Free People is made in the USA, and perfect paired with a figure hugging dress and some kick ass biker boots. $18

4. Bamboo Hoop Earrings by Gucci Creole hoops are this season’s hottest earring trend, and the ideal statement piece for almost any outfit. Simple yet striking and definite head turners, wear them with anything from formal work outfits to a casual jeans and tee ensemble or a sexy LBD for date night. This pair from Gucci is made in Italy from sterling silver. $465

5. Scale’s Handpiece by Free People We love the hand bracelets we saw on Alexander McQueen’s  runway, and this one from Free People channels the Victorian meets rocker chic vibe perfectly. Made in the USA from silver plated pewter and brass, this feminine and mysterious piece looks gorgeous with collared shirts or dresses. $88

6. Triple and Single Ring by Topshop Topshop is always on top of all the trends, and we absolutely love the multi-ring jewelry trend for Fall 2014. You’ll find every fashionista sporting a multi ring or knuckle ring that matches their style, but we love the simplicity of this gold toned set. $15

Check out your favorites here:

What are your favorite jewelry trends for fall?

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The post Bold and Beautiful Jewelry Trends for Fall: On Trend appeared first on EcoSalon.

We know that during the winter months creating stylish outfits seems like afterthought. Our main concern is mostly staying warm and deciding if it’s okay to wear leggings, dresses and boots to work–everyday. But, it’s important to keep one’s sartorial spirit alive and to that end here are some great chunky handmade jewelry pieces (and one vintage design we love) from Etsy that are just perfect for the season.

1. Lisner Winter White Vintage 1950s Jewelry Set

Image: STLvintage

Go vintage with this pretty Lucite style chunky necklace from the 1950s. Make a vintage statement and pair this pretty set with a cardigan and a pencil skirt for a librarian-chic look or wear with a rockin’ rockabilly style cocktail dress. Wearing vintage is the ultimate in re-purposing chic!

2. Chunky Knit Necklace

Image: IKKX

Get bold and sport this knitted statement necklace made from mint green polymer clay rings and super soft grey cotton yarn. It’s fastened by tying on the cotton ribbons and so the length can be adjusted. This handmade jewelry style comes in a variety of color combinations to suit your winter wardrobe.

3. Knit Necklace

Image: NeekaKnits

This chunky handmade jewelry design is part necklace and part scarf and is the perfect necklace to add some drama to your look without sacrificing comfort and warmth! This easy to wear piece is made from hand-knitted circles that are joined to form a necklace that slips over the head. Who says fashion can’t be comfortable?

4. Winter Bangle Grey Branches Chunky Perspex Bracelet

Image: JessicaSherriff

For a true statement design, consider this chunky bangle. It’s made from Perspex acrylic, which is similar to Lucite, and features a gorgeous photo image of grey silhouetted winter tree branches. The way the bracelet is constructed it creates an optical illusion of softness as the image is viewed through the Perspex. Each piece is one-of-a-kind.

5. Scandinavian Winter Textile Bead Necklace

Image: TomBjornDesigns

This chunky necklace is made with eco-friendly cotton beads and is more than just a chunky handmade jewelry statement necklace–it can also be used as sweet nursing necklace. This design features icy white, silver grey and deep burgundy cotton beads, but other color combinations are available.

6. Winter White Choker

Image: jursvi

This chunky winter white choker is made from lightweight polymer clay, so it makes a statement while still being completely comfortable to wear.  This stunning handmade jewelry design fastens together with magnets for easy on and off too.

7. Branches Pendant and Earrings Set

Image: BeautySpot

Finally, here’s a more delicate resin jewelry design featuring a stunning photograph from Russian photographer Tatyana Kirsanova. In shades of cool winter blue and greens is a photo depicting the first hints of spring.

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The post 7 Chunky Handmade Jewelry Designs for Winter appeared first on EcoSalon.

Concrete Polish’s Crystalline Crush collection uses clustered gem stones and reclaimed metals to create heirloom-quality jewelry that packs some serious bling.

Sometimes a girl just needs to add a bit of bling to her daily life. Just because we can. The Crystalline Crush collection from emerging jewelry company Concrete Polish delivers with genuine gem stones and raw metals. The collection is inspired by nature and the earth’s inhabitants and ranges from multi-chain clustered crystal and tourmaline necklaces to butterfly skeleton and tree trunk inspired cocktail rings and serpent bangles. The pieces tell a story of rawness and refinement, with a philosophy firmly anchored in sustainability.

Concrete Polish uses 100% reclaimed precious metals whenever possible. Recycled jewelry and industrial materials are repurposed to cast new pieces infused with history. The company also employs environmentally conscious studio practices to diminish their footprint. This includes collecting scrap metal for reuse, choosing safer, lower-impact chemicals, and using recycled and recyclable packaging and other shop materials.

Founder Angela Monaco spent years studying various forms of art, from printmaking to glassblowing, and finally found her calling while taking metalsmithing classes at the Maryland Institute College of Art. Marrying this with a love of crystals that dates back to her childhood, she put mineral and metal together to create these heirloom-quality statement pieces that that are designed be passed down from generation to generation. Each design is individually handcrafted in Monaco’s studio, and produced on Philadelphia’s historic Jewelers’ Row.

Available at Concrete Polish. Prices range from $110 – $400.

The post Concrete Polish’s Crystalline Crush Collection appeared first on EcoSalon.

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

The post On Trend: Shine & Sparkle appeared first on EcoSalon.

Amanda Walker approaches her jewelry box with the same kind of statement-making spirit she does the creation of scents.

For her company A Perfume Organic, Amanda Walker designs scents using equal parts experience and imagination.

She’s inspired by memories as wide-ranging as the jelly bracelets and cherry Chapsticks of her childhood to a current weekend walk in the woods smelling tree bark and dirt. Besides being incredible, layered and sophisticated, Walker’s scents are all certified organic, a step she saw as an extra assurance to herself and her customers of her awareness and commitment to sustainable principles and true health. Whereas many mainstream perfumes contain potential toxins, Walker’s scents are designed to possess health benefits. “Anything you apply to your skin,” she says, “is absorbed into your blood stream and can therefore benefit you.”

Walker approaches her jewelry collection with the same statement-making mentality as she does her scents. Her favorite pieces are a ring that has been with her for a long time and a newly acquired necklace.

“The ring was my first piece of ‘real’ jewelry. It’s by Stephen Dweck, made from bronze and faceted amber. I purchased it with my first couple paychecks from my first job in New York when I first moved here. I was doing marketing for Perkins Eastman Architecture firm and it was a super difficult job, seriously tough boss and I really wanted to spoil myself. Without fail, I’m always complimented on it. It constantly reminds me of how hard work can be rewarding.”

When it comes to jewelry, it’s incredible how “power-pieces” like this can work wonders for our confidence.

“The second piece is by House of Waris. I just discovered this brand and it’s the newest addition to my wardrobe. I was first introduced to Waris when a colleague wore a similar necklace to the office (hers was red and her desk was right next to mine). I was instantly obsessed and searched for days trying to find a similar piece. The words on the necklace means ‘Love Conquers All’ in Latin. I totally agree. I never wore it to the office though… and never told my colleague I bought it.” (See top image.)

Sometimes, what we wear closest to our hearts can possess meaning that is a secret to everyone but you. Keeping some mystery on our everyday lives is what makes it all so much more interesting.

The post Closet Stories: Organic Perfumer Amanda Walker’s Power Jewelry appeared first on EcoSalon.