Add a favorite pair of jeans, throw in a wear-everywhere blouse, include a pencil skirt for good measure, then combine those staple pieces with other interchangeable elements, and you’ll have the perfect day to night, work to weekend wardrobe. Now, imagine being able to do the exact same thing with your fine jewelry.

TARA (The Artisan Row Accessories) has made that dream a reality for fine jewelry lovers everywhere. With designs inspired by founder and CEO Annette Lasala Spillane’s childhood in the Philippines, you get to have fun mixing and matching pieces to make your own personalized creations while subtly paying homage to her Southeast Asian roots. Both convertible and stackable, TARA jewelry is designed to stand alone or be built upon in whatever way your heart desires. And with materials like 14k gold, black and grey diamonds, opals, and mother of pearl, you’ll be taken aback by the quality of the materials and the artisan-made craftsmanship.

When asked where her inspiration for starting the business came from, Spillane replied, “The idea came to me while I was packing for a move and then realizing I had amassed a very embarrassing amount of jewelry that I had to throw out. I knew why I bought all the trendy and throwaway pieces–I couldn’t afford to buy anything else,” she said, “But the reality is, the older you get, you want better quality things.” So, rather than waste money on fast fashion jewelry purchases, Spillane asked herself, “What if women were given the ability to build up to their dream jewelry wardrobe?”

With the capacity to buy something small now and add on higher-end pieces as your budget allows, TARA has given individuals the chance to curate a sustainable, fashionable, heirloom-quality jewelry collection that can, fundamentally, be adapted for any occasion. It comes with a price point that can accommodate most budgets, $148 for the Cassie earring (my personal fave) to $4,086 for the Signals fine jewelry combo package, especially if you don’t waste any dough on those cheap $8 throw-aways.

Basically, you begin with an earring, ring, or necklace as your base, and stack them with what TARA refers to as danglers. Rings convert to earrings, studs become chandeliers, danglers form delicate bracelets, and chokers become lariats in the blink of an eye. And what’s beautiful is that the pendant hanging from your choker can become the asymmetric dangler that hangs from your stud. Then, you have the power to extend it even further by connecting yet another one of TARA’s delicate additions for a truly spectacular statement earring.

“I am inspired by architecture and art,” declared Spillane, “But sometimes it’s an interaction with someone, or a feeling I get. The last collection was inspired by a conversation with a friend about our childhood in the Philippines–days that moved in slow motion and in bright saturated color, uninterrupted play, immersion in nature, analog toys. That’s why you can find jackstones and hibiscus flowers, we used to make bubble solution out of crushed hibiscus flowers, in our last collection.”

Evidently so, TARA’s abstract examination of modern art and architecture strings collections together so well, that they essentially become one grand, cohesive idea. The fluidly is such that you’d never guess where one piece ends and the other begins, making both the concept and execution something acutely special.

Timelessness and utility is just as important as aesthetic when it comes to sustainability and longevity. Fortunately, Spillane put a great deal of thought into the implementation of this feature, as well. “I think that there are familiar themes that make the designs [sic] classic and timeless–like round shapes and long lines,” but beyond that is her attention to personalization because of the interchangeability. “They’re worthwhile because you can always have something so unique and personal to you. I know customers who have the same TARA pieces, but they almost always wear them so different from each other. There’s an immediate point of differentiation when you have at least 3 to 4 pieces to play with,” says Spillane.

And when asked about the ease in which TARA fine jewelry can be built and customized, Spillane replied, “It’s actually very easy. We’ve created a solution on the website that will let you build combinations in the comfort of your bedroom, pants optional.” And who doesn’t love that kind of freedom when shopping for jewelry?

“Women have told me that it’s been very addicting to try out different combinations. I don’t think that there are bad combinations–there are just ones that are more universally favored than others.” In other words, you can’t mess this process up, even if you tried. So, please, for the love of beautiful jewelry, go create the personalized masterpiece you’ve always dreamt of wearing.

Related on EcoSalon

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17 More Ethical Jewelry Choices for the Responsible Fashionista

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One of the things I struggle with is how to balance my love of fashion with my desire to be a socially and environmentally responsible shopper. I eschew fast fashion, choose more sustainable fabrics, but I struggle with my sustainable jewelry options. I recently went looking for more ethical jewelry choices and decided to share what I found.

Choosing to shop for ethical jewelry combines concerns about: the environmental impacts of mining and processing, the working conditions for mine workers, contributing to dictatorial regimes, the corporate monopoly of resources, the lack of economic development in mining areas, and more. No matter what your particular concern is, it is difficult to avoid the reality that jewelry creation can come at a high cost to the planet and the beings that inhabit it.

There are more ethical jewelry options out there options. Many jewelers wanting to have less of of an impact on the environment and in contributing to the conditions of peoples in mining areas, and realizing that there is a demand from consumers, have started using more ethical jewelry sourcing of raw materials. Ethical Metalsmiths is a group of jewelers who have organized and are committed to encouraging more ethical jewelry production and to educate consumers. In addition, there are campaigns to raise the profile of issues surrounding ethical jewelry, like Earthwork’s “No Dirty Gold” campaign and the Global Witness campaign to stop Conflict Diamonds.

Here is a list of amazing jewelry companies who offer more ethical jewelry options. From using recycled metals and gemstones to repurposing vintage jewelry, these jewelers have a commitment to offering lower impact jewelry choices, so consider their goods the next time you want to add a piece to your collection or you need to purchase a gift.

17 Ethical Jewelry Companies for Responsible Jewelry Shopping

1. East Fourth Street
2. Rose and Fitzgerald
3. Smart Glass Jewelry
4. Brilliant Earth
5. Alexis Russell
6. Anna Fine Jewellery
7. Honey Rosenk
8. Andrea Bonelli
9. VKeco Jewelry
10. Bario-Neal
11. Cred Jewellery
12. Nightfox Jewelry
13. Valkasinskas
14. Kara Daniel Jewelry
15. Rebecca Mir Grady
16. April Doubleday
17. Amalena

Related on EcoSalon

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Image: Alexis Russell

The post 17 More Ethical Jewelry Choices for the Responsible Fashionista appeared first on EcoSalon.

EcoSalon interviews Lily Piyathaisere, the brains (and hands, and heart) behind  the made in NYC jewelry line, Gamma Folk. 

Juliette Donatelli: What is at the heart of your jewelry line Gamma Folk?

Lily Piyathaisere: Gamma Folk is really about the merging of new materials. So the new collection incorporated ceramics, which is a white earthenware clay, and I like to incorporate that with natural fibers. Everything is naturally dyed using different plant based materials including indigo and log wood. What I love about log wood is that it has a range. You can add modifiers and different things to have a range of purples to grays.

The ceramics are all hand built. It is my first time incorporating ceramics. I love the fibers but I was always looking for weight. It is a comfortable necklace but you want it to hang, and I thought it was a good was to incorporate that.

JD: Is there a history to where the fibers are sourced? Or how they are dyed?

LP:  Well, I do everything myself. I do all the dying in small batches. There are variations that occur and that is what is part of what is beautiful about it. They are all cotton.

JD: How does your customers respond to the specialty and craftsmanship behind each piece?

LP: I think that people who like my stuff, really like my stuff. Meaning they appreciate the handmade quality of it, and that there is variation. There are times I will work with people who are kind of like, “Oh that is too different.” You know, they make that point. And I always say, ‘Variations are natural.’ And that’s how you know it isn’t a good fit. The right people appreciate that. If they want something mass produced they’ve got to go elsewhere.

Part of textile arts in general is the labor part of it and embracing that part.

JD: You participated in the Market 605 pop-up shop in NYC, which brought together conscious designers throughout NYC into a single retail space. In your experience, what has the public response been to Market 605?

LP: The response from the public, whether they have found us online or through press, or even walk-throughs have been really nice. The locals around here get really excited to find something unique in this area because they have a lot of chain stores moving in, so the people that I have met get excited to see something new going on.

images: photographer Christine Han for Gamma Folk

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Nettie Kent: Value Driven Brass Jewelry Designer

The post Made in NYC Wearable Artist Lily Piyathaisere of Gamma Folk appeared first on EcoSalon.

Value driven jewelry designer Nettie Kent talks with EcoSalon about her process, what changing color in brass jewelry really means and why she chooses to hand make her jewelry in New York City. 

Juliette Donatelli: When people find out your line is made in NYC what is the reaction you get?

Nettie Kent: Buyers here [in NYC] care. My showroom is actually in LA, it’s on the west coast, and they don’t care [laughs]. But people here definitely care. And also people that care about sustainable design, where things are made and all that–they definitely care.

One of my biggest selling points is that everything is handmade in my studio, and all my metals are recycled. I work with an amazing caster. This is all brass and he has just the best quality brass. A lot of casting techniques afterwards they rinse the casting in these super gross harsh chemicals– he doesn’t do that. And he doesn’t do that because he necessarily cares about the environment. He is so funny; his name is Frank and it is a family business. His daughters work there and so does his son, and when I first interviewed him — it was important to me — he was like, in this thick Long Island accent, “My family works here! I am not going to put that shit around here, I am not going to expose them to that.” I said I love you we are working together!

So, it’s more work because when my castings come back they are really dirty and it is more work polishing them and cleaning them up. But for me it is worth it. Sometimes is it a curse [laughs] you know. But the color I can achieve from his brass is amazing.

JD: Yeah, I would have never been able to tell it was brass, I thought it was gold. 

NK: Yeah, it is wild, [matches up gold ring against Nettie Kent brass ring] this ring is gold and you can hardly tell the difference.

Also, I don’t do any plating, plating is a really dirty business.

JD: Why is plating a dirty business? What does it entail?

NK: A lot of customers want things to be gold plated; they think it is more valuable and they think it means that it will stay. But what happens when you gold plate something is first it is washed–it has a nickel coating on it and nickel is a white metal, a lot of people are allergic to it, so that is why I say my brass is nickel-free. Because people think they are allergic to brass, it is not actually brass they are allergic to, they are allergic to nickel. So when something is plated it is dipped in a nickel bath and then dipped in the gold. So between the brass and the gold it has this kind of like a poison on it. It is really hard. The only kind of plating that lasts a long time is micron, and  it is a real thick layer. And it very expensive. It is hard actually to find someone in New York that is good at it. Rhode Island is actually the best.

So I just decided not to do it. People ask me too, and I say sorry I just don’t do gold plating. If you me to make it in gold, I would love to make it in gold for you. It is just not part of what I do.

Here I am going to all these lengths to make my jewelry and make my practice clean. And then to cover it in that seemed totally silly.

I love brass, I love how it changes color with the environment and ages. And it is just an interesting metal. It reacts to your body’s pH too. Your body reacts to brass when it is too acidic, like when you are overtired or drinking too much coffee.

I had to learn all this about brass when I switched over. I had to learn this because people would ask me, ‘Why is my brass turning color?’ And I would say, let me figure that out!

I try to have fun with it, and make things I want to wear. I am not a sales person, but I feel like if I believe in it I can recommend it to people.

images from the brand

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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

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 The Unbelievable Value of Upcycling Clothes 7 Ways: On Trend

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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

The post Metallic Holiday Fashion Trends 2013: On Trend appeared first on EcoSalon.

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

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Since the beginning of time we have had an innate connection to adorning ourselves with the beautiful objects we find in our forests, deserts, river bottoms and seasides. The following natural jewelry makers are taking inspiration from the detailed work of our ancestors, creating modern but sustainable pieces that bring our Earth’s often overshadowed objects into the limelight. Ranging from simple and wearable to ornate and artistic, these jewelry makers are demonstrating the impressive versatility of our precious raw materials.

Third Eye Pinecones

Santa Cruz-based Third Eye Pinecones makes emblematic, organic jewelry from the center of the world’s densest pinecone, the Knobcone Pine, which can only reproduce post-forest fires. These incandescent and talismanic pieces are all lovingly handcrafted and many are inlaid with a wide variety of crystals and fossils such as sustainably obtained butterfly wings. Third Eye Pinecones also works in partnership with conservational foundation American Forests with their own “buy a cone, plant a tree” seed-harvesting and replanting scheme whereby 1-3 trees are planted per pendant sold.

Mr. Lentz

Mr. Lentz is a Colorado based crafty cowboy that has taken woodworked natural jewelry to the next level. Sustainable harvesting and production are the cornerstone of Mr. Lentz’s pieces, which are made from solid wood and naturally preserved plants. His unisex rings and pendants are carefully handcrafted, representing Mr. Lentz’s philosophy of “capturing the beauty of Mother Nature without harming her.” Inspired by the beauty of California’s Redwood Forests, these pieces truly convey the beauty of those magnificent trees in wearable form.

Jacomin van der Donk

Jacomin van der Donk is a jewelry designer that allows nature to flow into her designs with endless and unexpected ease, resulting in interesting pieces that give a completely new life to varying natural objects. Twigs, stones, goat hair, antlers and other found objects combine in jewelry that not only is wearable, but stands out as a truly unique piece of art. A modern take on the body adornment creations of our ancestors, these pieces embody an intriguing juxtaposition of raw nature and refined design. As the designer states, “I try to bridge the material world and the life source that energizes it.“

Sarah Hood

Sarah Hood is a jewelry artist who creates pieces ranging from wearable limited editions treasures to sculptural art pieces displayed in galleries. Her work tactfully displays the sculptural and detailed beauty of natural materials and objects, as demonstrated in her Organic Collection. Constantly drawing inspirations from the natural world, Hood brings a distinct elegance to each dimension of a necklace, ring or earring she creates, giving new life to many, too easily discarded natural materials.

Images: Third Eye Pinecones, Mr. Lentz, Jacomin van der Donk, Sarah Hood

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A sense of community: A recently opened jewelry store in San Francisco might have hit on the secret to sustainable success.

Design and sustainability collide at the unique D & H Jewelers in San Francisco’s Castro district. Since opening its doors a year ago, the store has created a recession-resistant niche by not only changing the way people buy jewelry but reviving the art of customer service and engaging the local community in the process.

The staid days when conventional bridal jewelry formed the core of the jewelry business are gone. Today’s jewelry buyer wants more than a beautiful piece to mark a special occasion. Instead, they long for jewelry that is an occasion in itself. D&H delivers by taking customers on a magical journey brought to life through storytelling of a diamond’s travels, the people who sourced it, and the modern fashion that influenced a final piece’s design. And, it’s a journey made all the more warm and inviting when they’ve offered you a fine glass of organic wine.

Skillfully co-curated by the owners Lindsay Daunell and Shawn Higgins, the store includes items from the Bay Area’s established sustainable designers like Kirsten Muenster, Dawes Design, Jeannie Hwang and new talent like Corey Egan and Studio Dong. We caught up with engaging co-owner Shawn Higgins recently. Here’s what he had to say:

Why did you decide to open a store of your own? As a graduate gemologist with more than twenty-two years in the jewelry business, I got tired of explaining to others what I could be doing myself. With the many years worth of connections I have made throughout the world, I saw an opportunity to begin a better way of doing business. I’ve seen the worst of my industry – how it adversely affects people and their communities. I even considered changing careers at one point because I didn’t want to contribute any more to that. Then it dawned on me, why not take what I already know and change the way it’s done.

How have you seen the jewelry industry evolve in recent times? The industry is starting to bend to the will of the consumer to provide more transparent knowledge of blood diamonds, and “dirty” gold. More people want to know that their jewelry is locally made. They want to know where the precious metals are from and where their stones are sourced.

In engagement rings we are finding that consumers are much more attracted to the non-traditional center stones, instead of the traditional big white round diamond. More often than not, we are designing and selling engagement rings with color centers, like sapphires.

We’re constantly pushing the limit of design in our store. We try to keep a traditional feel in the pieces but focus on unique and specialty designers, so that people can end up with a timeless piece that is both handmade and fashion forward. We love showing and designing work that can’t be found anywhere else.

The Morning Star Eclipse, by Jeannie Hwang, made in reclaimed 14K white gold with obverse set black diamonds

I’ve never seen jewelry like this anywhere else. Tell us about what makes the jewelry lines in your store unique? Most of the designer lines that we carry are actually local people we have known for years and grown up with in the industry.  Each line has a unique vision, feel and personality.  What is also unique is that every artist we carry, including our own line, has signed on to a recycled metal campaign. That means all of the precious metal is from a recycled source. Sometimes the diamonds are sourced through Canada, but we have many other collectives we tap into.  One in particular I am very proud of is a collective of women in Lesotho Africa. The collective was set up with the help of a Dutch company so that women who had been miners for DeBeers for over 30 years could instead do river mining, or panning for diamonds, and the money that they would earn would help pay for their retirement. They are now retired with a little more cash than they would of working for DeBeers.

Other colored stone sources in the store and direct sales of colored stones have provided a scholarship for an African girl to go to faceting school. They have helped fund wells in the communities where these farmers have small mining operations – and by small I mean a hole in the ground large enough for a single individual to drop into.  We are trying to bring the dollars back to the community where the wealth actually comes from.

You also create custom jewelry. How do you verify the stones you use are conflict free? We have third party certification that documents a clear chain of custody from miner to customer 90% of the time. We are still striving for that 100%.

Ice Cube rings by Jeannie Hwang, made from reclaimed 14K white gold and either blue or white diamonds

Hanging out in your store is so much fun! Is this part of the strategy? Our store is the first and only of it’s kind to have a wine bar within the store. On our mezzanine level, clients can enjoy wine from sustainable vineyards and just hang out or shop with us. The Rose Cut wine bar really epitomizes our philosophy of creating a fun luxury environment that people want to come and shop and enjoy. One of the main reasons internet sales has grown so much is because customer service has been dying a slow death in America. I believe an experience like this is the new future of retailing. Thanks to my contacts throughout the world we’re lucky enough to end up with some amazing finds. We have a hand-made chess set by Hratch Nargizian, one of the finest metal artists alive today, which took 5 years to make. We also have things like Frida Kahlo’s earrings made by Pablo Picasso for her, here for sale.

Fostering a sense of community is the secret to your success. How have you achieved this so quickly? We have no secrets.  My industry has been shrouded in secrecy both from customers and each other for many years. When we find a new more sustainable source for our products we share with our artists. It sounds simple but most people tend to hold their knowledge and sources close to their cuff because they think it gives them the competitive edge.

Frankly, what’s missing in today’s customer service is customer service. I am amazed when I visit other stores how the associates will not even bother to say “hi.”  Call me old school, but I’ve always said, “If you can’t make a customer, make a friend.” Especially in the jewelry industry where you might be selling someone an important purchase like an engagement ring. We meet wonderful people who share our interests – quality, sustainable jewelry and wine – and so a natural – and very fun – community results.

 Hand woven bronze chain by Kirsten Muenster

Ila & I locket made from reclaimed 18K and sterling silver oxidized and re-purposed antique diamonds. The locket opens to reveal a place to put precious pictures or have a special message engraved on the sterling silver insert.

The post D & H Jewelers Create Sustainable Retail Magic appeared first on EcoSalon.

A luxury artisan-designed bangle inspired by the eastern jaunts of disco icons from the 1970’s.

Spend some time exploring A Peace Treaty‘s truly lustable accessories collections. Founded by Dana Arbib and Farah Malik,  the ethically produced luxury line is made by Third World artisans and sells scarves and jewelry everywhere from Barneys to Rugby Ralph Lauren.

The handmade engraved Baiga bangle from the mesmerizing THAR collection heralds ancient disappearing traditions in smithing. The unique design is inspired by the eastern jaunts of disco icons from the 1970’s as well as the Thar gypsies’ ancient civilization. A Peace Treaty employs desert artisan fam­il­ies in Rajasthan to craft these hand-carved, gold-plated brass pieces and enables a revival of centuries-old recycled mater­i­als and sus­tain­able techniques includ­ing the use of dis­carded camel bone.

Antiqued gold plated brass.

$130.00

Look for Lustables daily at EcoSalon. 100% gorgeous green finds, and never sponsored. Submit your favorite to tips@ecosalon.com

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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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