"Just a little green, like the color when the spring is born," is how my childhood idol, Joni Mitchell, waxed poetic about her favorite color.
I concur, there’s nothing fresher and more natural than that shade found in wild grasses, sparkling emeralds, fragrant limes, mint ice cream and avocados.
Jewelry designers are also gaga for green, stringing for us big, chunky stones and glass beads this summer in necklaces, bracelets and earrings sprung from vintage and earth-friendly sources.
Here’s what I plucked from the season’s treasure trunk:
At Smartglass Recycled Jewelry, artist Kathleen Plate of Washington State produces modern geometric green glass designs, such as the new Open Clasp necklace ($72). While at her site, also check out her cool recycled glass cabinet and ceiling fan pulls.
I love this chunky necklace and bracelet of handmade natural green stones and sterling from Fair Indigo ($159 for the set). Pair it with clean white garments and you’ll be the freshest green fashionista on the block.
Also on the chunkier side, see this glass and bead bracelet from Archana Handicrafts of India ($18) at Ten Thousand Villages.
Take a trip down memory lane to pluck fun, inexpensive pieces at Vintage Costume Jewelry including an 8-strand Japanese Spring Goddess necklace ($68) of faux stones and gems; the Avon Green Thermoset Drop earrings ($12) and the stunning Green Garden of Eden necklace of emerald and peridot rhinestones, green glass and gold enamel ($58).
Another great source is Penelope Poet where I feasted my eyes on a striking Polished Green Pendant choker ($62); A Wood Stretch Bracelet with chunky kelly green beads ($22); and the super chic Nashelle Decadent Cuff Ring ($38).
As Joni says: "Little green, have a happy ending."
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