Brilliant Earth Diamonds are the Planet's Best Friend

As a leader in supplying conflict free diamond jewelry, Brilliant Earth Diamonds is a company also committed to spreading the word regarding socially conscious concerns of the world. With fascinating designs and master craftsmanship, wedding and anniversary rings sparkle on eco-friendly gold or platinum bands with breathtaking Canadian diamonds and fair trade sapphires. Donating 5% of profits to communities plagued by the diamond industry, the company also educates consumers by using the beauty and meanings behind their Brilliant Earth Reflections Collection, thus giving a voice to a handful of inspiring causes in the world. When purchasing an exquisite piece from this collection, you'll support the greater good…and do so in style. Silver Brilliant Earth Diggers Pendant If you've seen the movie, Blood Diamond (with the very own eco-conscious, Leonardo DiCaprio), then you're already familiar with the plight of diamond diggers residing in diamond-rich regions in Africa. Death, famine, child abuse and brutal violence are just some of the hardships that fall upon the shoulders of unwilling participants in a vicious cycle of power and greed. The Digger’s Pendant serves as a reminder of the struggle by encouraging the purchase of fine jewelry through safe and fair trade practices. Black oxidized silver is used to highlight the teardrop imprint of the palm belonging to a diamond digger – thus the name, Digger’s Pendant. A small conflict free diamond completes the design. Sea of Cortez Pearl Pendant This cultured organic pearl pendant with milgrained diamond accent is absolutely enchanting as it hangs from an 18K white gold cable twist chain. Originating from the Sea of Cortez (the Gulf of Mexico), the pearls are a product of a pearl farm established by a group of marine biologists focused on preservation and environmental safety. Chocó Fair Trade Pendant For an eco-conscious 18K yellow gold pendent, the Chocó Fair Trade Pendant offers two decorative sides hailing from what is known as the first true sources of fair-trade gold from Oro Verde. Upholding environmentally responsible harvesting practices, cooperatives in the Chocó region in Colombia, South America produce limited quantities of this exclusive pendant – a treasured find in a world where fair trade gold is limited. With a hand-hammered finish and eye-catching, pre-Colombian petroglyph pattern, the Chocó Fair Trade Pendant allows you to easily make a fashion statement for a good cause. Grape Garnet Dangles To dress the ears in elegant classic style, consider the Silver Grape Garnet Dangles featured in the Brilliant Earth Reflections Collection. Comprised of recycled sterling silver with small Canadian diamond accents, complete your look with the more contemporary Grape Garnet pendant. Image Credits: Brilliant Earth

Fashion for a Good Cause: Let It Bee Jewelry

Following a September 2009 launch at the Eco-Luxe Expo in New York City, Let It Bee Jewelry is still generating a buzz as an eco-conscious luxury company with a purpose. Let It Bee Jewelry founder and creative designer, Meg Bryson, has made a commitment to elevate awareness of an environmental issue threatening the existence of honey bees – who play an often overlooked, integral role in our world. Sadly, one of the planet's busiest little workers faces an uncertain future. Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) involves the disappearance of worker bees from their hives, which leads to the downfall of their colonies. The issue is much larger than the possible extinction of bees because the 'disorder' jeopardizes the pollination of agriculture and significantly affects the food-supply chain. Currently, Let It Bee Jewelry contributes 5% of proceeds to a Penn State research group devoted to investigating the plight of honey bees all over the world. With eye-catching creations paying homage to the industrious insect, the goal of Let It Bee Jewelry is simple – spread the word and actively participate in finding a solution. Bryson, formerly of Elle jewelry, is presently more focused on using her jewelry designs to draw attention to the wave of collapsing bee colonies than dominating the high-end market. Upon request, fine pieces are available, and Bryson has also expressed interest in working with other eco-friendly companies, such as the Green Connoisseur. Hand-painted ceramic beads, sterling silver, and acrylic are used for producing two striking collections of necklaces, bracelets and earrings: the Honey Bee Line and the Colony Culture Collection. A few pieces straight out the Let It Bee honey pot include: Honey Bee Signature Bracelet – Stretch bracelet features dangling bee charm with striking hand-painted ceramic beads. Apiary Bracelet and Earrings – A collection of natural and acrylic stones coupled with signature bee charm. Clover Honey Bracelet – Warm, neutral-colored stone blended with hand-painted ceramic beads, presented in a stretch-style bracelet. Colony Necklace – Silver links and bees accent this natural and stone bead creation. Sunflower Necklace – Brighten up your day with a bee-kissed, ceramic sunflower hanging on a 20-inch rope and beaded chain. Image Credits: Let It Bee Jewelry

Connoisseur Spotlight: Alberto Parada, Eco-Friendly Jewelry Designer

One of the most satisfying aspects of working for The Green Connoisseur is having the chance to get to know individuals who are wildly talented - and who use their talents to increase awareness and eco-consciousness. I recently got a chance to learn a little more about one of those individuals. Please allow me to introduce Alberto Parada... How Alberto Got Started Alberto spent many years in the jewelry industry as a buyer and appraiser. He often worked with customers to create something new and unique from jewelry that they no longer wore, and this inspired Alberto to create custom jewelry. In May of 1999, Alberto opened his own boutique doing just that; creating one of a kind designs for his customers. Alberto began researching and creating eco-friendly jewelry after an eco-conscious customer asked him about making 'green' engagement rings. This customer wanted a conflict-free diamond, but also wanted to know how their ring could be created to be totally eco-friendly. Alberto was soon researching gold mining and eco-friendly practices in jewelry making. He realized that the only way to create a truly eco-friendly piece of jewelry was to use gold from reclaimed pieces. So, he began working locally with individuals who could guarantee that the gold used in his pieces was reclaimed and that no further harm was being done to the earth in order to procure it. One thing led to another and soon, Alberto was creating sensational and beautiful jewelry that was not taking a toll on the earth! How Alberto Gets Inspired Alberto was born in New York City, but has spent a lot of time in his parents' native South America. Alberto travels frequently to Paraguay and Uruguay, and the cultural background has provided him with the opportunity to bring together the best of both worlds. Alberto infuses boldness and delicacy into his jewelry with a harmony that is almost musical. His rich designs are American with hints of exotic culture, mainstream with a rare edge, and polished but with a raw element of unhindered and wild beauty. Alberto says, "My designs are inspired by my travels and influenced by European and South American designers. The bold colors of the gems that come from South America inspire me to create pieces that stand out...bold yet elegant." Favorites... Alberto told me that his favorite collection is his new 'Rose Gold Collection,' which features open spaces and architectural design. He specifically loves the square Rose Gold pendant featuring diamonds on both sides. I'd have to say that my absolute favorite is the Tulipan ring (above) - clean and elegant but so dazzling. No matter what your favorite is, there is no denying that each and every Alberto Parada piece is gorgeous, bold, fashionable and breathtaking. Of course, you know what we love best - the fact that Alberto creates so much beauty without taking any of it away from the earth. Amazing work, Alberto!

5 Luxurious Recycled Accessories

If you've never looked at the soda can you were drinking from and thought, 'Hmmm, that would really make a great earring,' well, you can now be glad that someone did! Check out these 5 luxurious recycled accessories - you might be surprised just how elegant they are! 1. Recycled Soda Can Earrings This is probably my favorite of the list, because the earrings are adorable and elegant. It would be very difficult for anyone to guess that they were originally part of an ugly can! These are beautiful and could easily be matched with a sleek dancing dress...or your favorite pair of blue jeans. 2. Cute Totes Made from Recycled Traffic Signs These totes are absolutely adorable and while you probably wouldn't want to carry one of these with you everywhere you go - they would be stellar for a day at the beach or even a night on the town. They're flashy and eye-catching, and if you need a great gift for a unique friend, they're perfect! 3. Recycled Vinyl Record Cuff Bracelets I adore bracelets. When I saw this one, I knew it was making it onto the list. This is a super chic cuff bracelet that would be the perfect accessory for a summer sun dress or jeans and sandals. This is not your typical 'recycled jewelry,' and actually looks like you might have paid a pretty penny for it. The secret is that it's created from recycled vinyl records! 4. Recycled Newspaper Earrings These earrings are a bit whimsical without being flamboyant, and they're really cute. Who would guess that they were created from old newspapers? No one - that's who! These earrings would be perfect for any kind of outfit, from elegant dinner party to shorts and flip-flops. Plus, you can justify the purchase because it's good for the earth! What more could you ask for? 5. Recycled Skateboard Necklace Another favorite, the recycled skateboard necklace is the perfect accessory for the casual outfit. It has the perfect 'spring' look and would make a lovely gift for friends that are just as eco-conscious as you are! There is actually a variety of recycled skateboard jewelry, but this necklace is too cute to leave out. Next time you go shopping for accessories, start with eco-friendly or recycled ones. With most, it's very difficult to tell what they're created from and some of them are so elegant you'd just never guess that wearing them is a positive step for our environment!

4 Summer Eco-Friendly Must-Haves

Summer is upon us – the humidity is proof of that! It’s time to open up those windows, let in the warm breeze, sit outside in the sun and enjoy the beautiful Earth. This summer, there are 4 eco-friendly luxury must-haves that will help brighten your summer, keep you cool, or keep you looking amazing! 1. English Retreads Mini Purse This summer, whether you’re visiting the beach, a backyard barbecue, or your favorite cozy book store – you need an adorable eco-friendly bag. This mini purse is made from the recycled inner tubes of truck tires – and you would never believe it from the way it looks! It’s absolutely gorgeous and it’s so versatile it can work with jeans, slacks, heels, or running shoes. The straps are also available in British Racing Green, English Toffee or Chrome – so you can get all three and match them up with your favorite summer apparel. The English Retreads Mini Purse is available here with a price tag of $85. 2. Gold Chandelier Earrings These glittering, elegant earrings are recycled from glass beer or wine bottles, and will make an eye-catching addition to your summer trinket box. Each earring has four individual, circular glass shapes that dangle and sparkle in the light. They’re elegant enough for a formal dinner party but can just as easily dress up a t-shirt and jeans. One of the greatest things about these earrings is that you can get them in seven different colors – including amber and lime! You can get them here for $112 a pair. 3. Mohop High Maple Wedge Platform Sandal If you love showing off your toes in sandals, you’re not alone. In fact, sandals are a must-have for summer, period. The Mohop High Maple Wedge Platform sandal is absolutely beautiful and the base is made from solid maple out of sustainably managed forests in Pennsylvania. The shoe is gorgeous, and each pair comes with 5 sets of ribbons that you choose! This makes it easy to wear this gorgeous sandal with all of your favorite summer outfits – from breezy and light dresses to capris and shorts. Don’t worry – if you want to get extra ribbons, they’re available from Mohop a la carte! The High Maple Wedge Platform sandals are available here for $148 a pair. 4. Pull Tab Bracelets Chunky bangle bracelets are definitely in style – just take a look at the wrists of any diva on the red carpet and you’ll see why! These pull tab bracelets are one of a kind, and are created by using the pull tabs from soda cans, although you’d never be able to tell without looking very closely! They’re soaked in vinegar and water and then polished to a high shine. They’re bound together with strips of scrap leather trashed by furniture makers, and the leather is available in purple, black, tan, chocolate, sand, and many other colors. These are great for any occasion and will allow you to make a fashion statement as well as an environmental statement! They’re available here for $20. You might even get inspired to create your own pull tab bracelets! With these 4 summer eco-friendly must-haves, you'll be dripping with luxury and environmental taste! Photos courtesy of sale sites for each product.

Batucada Designs - Eco-Plastic Jewelry

Wrap your body in French eco-allure with necklaces and bracelets fashioned from a synthetic rubbery substance meant to stand the test of time. Strong, flexible, and resistant to seawater, Batucada designs are responsible for combining earth-friendly certified components that contain no phthalates. Since the designs stay flat on the skin, the wearer gives off the illusion of displaying eye-catching, intricate tattoos. This concept is known as 'eco-plastic' with high-quality selections sold in Asia, Europe, and across America. With a Batucada design, you may truly feel like a chameleon, as the extremely lightweight jewelry adheres to the contours of the body. Necklaces and bracelets actually possess the ability to remember the shape of your wrist, neck and other parts of the body, which helps to create a perfect fit. It's almost like slipping into a second skin – one that highlights sustainable beauty. Some say you'll never know that you're wearing your jewelry; it's so light that it even floats. The versatility of Batucada jewelry is boundless, as it captures your ever-changing moods. Creative minds attach two bracelets from end to end to form a distinct choker necklace. Bracelets are also sometimes worn on the ankle. In some cases, joining a handful of bracelets together can also create an appealing belt. No matter what you do, ill-fitting pieces can be repaired with a snip of the scissors. Washing Batucada designs is also easy, as it only takes mild soap and water to revamp its appearance. Ready for casual activities or fancy get-togethers, designs are molded into functional and lux-fashion masterpieces. Buyers of Batucada necklaces and bracelets have worn their designs to business meetings, gym workouts, romps on the beach, and nights out on the town. With a range of colorful shapes, sizes, and designs, Batucada produces sustainable fashion that creates a tattoo-like appearance for people interesting in elaborate jewelry or who simply wish to take a walk on the wild or expressive side. For example, step out on the scene with all eyes on your blood red necklace from the Oriental Batucada collection. Other collections use the countryside, rock and roll, and tropical gardens for inspiration. Besides jewelry, Batucada also uses their eco-plastic to design, create, and manufacture fashion accessories and other decorative items, such as attractive placemats in colors of black, blue, purple, green, and pink. Image Credit: Batucada

Eco-Friendly Jewelry: Tips to Add More 'Green' to Your Jewelry Box

Accessories truly are the icing on the cake. Jewelry has the power to bring an entire outfit together and create an attractive, polished look. Whether you’re the kind of individual who enjoys making a simple statement with just one or two pieces, or you prefer a more flashy finish to your daily attire – eco-friendly jewelry can make you feel great about your accessory choices. You’d be surprised to learn that being ‘green’ doesn’t mean you have to compromise one bit when it comes to your bling. Diamonds, Gold and Silver If you’re a fan of diamonds, gold and/or silver - you’ll be delighted to know that you can make choices in jewelry that really make a difference. For instance, Brilliant Earth features stunning diamond, gold, and silver jewelry that not only helps you look amazing – it helps our planet and the animals, plant life, and other people we share the planet with. These diamonds are harvested from Canadian mines which monitor local wildlife and aquatics to ensure that neither is disturbed. Brilliant Earth’s partner companies provide them with recycled gold and silver for their exquisite pieces to reduce ‘dirty’ mining – and all of their diamonds are conflict-free. A portion of profits also goes to help African communities which have suffered due to conflict diamonds. Unique and Vintage Jewelry For those of you who appreciate jewelry that is artistic, unique, and features hints of days gone by – there are many possibilities. KYYOTE is one company bringing eco-friendly choices to individuals who love staying in style as much as they love the planet. KYYOTE uses rescued exotic woods, found objects and items that others would consider ‘trash.’ Once these materials are in the designer’s hands, they are transformed into wearable art for sophisticated tastes. Some of the materials found in KYYOTE pieces include rescued ebony wood, organic and humane feathers, and Bakelite plastic. Natural Jewelry If you enjoy a more natural, untamed look for your accessories – why not choose jewelry that Mother Nature has provided? Eco Artistic Products is a company offering a wide array of accessories created from natural products; exotic wood that has fallen to rain forest floors, coconuts, seeds, and other natural items. From beautiful hair clips and necklaces to beaded bracelets and belts – Eco Artistic Products creates eco-friendly jewelry for the nature-loving spirit. One of the greatest things about Eco Artistic Products is that each and every piece is unique – no two pieces are identical. So, when you wear it, you’re wearing a functional and unique piece of art that no one else will own. Each of these choices is a great one for your jewelry and accessories – and there are thousands of other companies that create eco-friendly and beautiful products which will complete your look and reflect your own personal style and taste. Photos Courtesy of www.brilliantearth.com, www.kyyote.com and www.ecoartisticproducts.com

Mark Edge Jewelry - Chic and Recycled Eco-Vintage Line

Mark Edge has created gorgeous handcrafted jewelry for more than two decades. His stunning creations, once only available near his hometown of Atlanta, GA, now accent the wardrobes of women around the world - including a number of celebrities like Drew Barrymore, Sophia Choi of CNN, and View hosts Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Joy Behar.

The latest addition to the Mark Edge jewelry line is the eco-vintage collection, a timeless assortment of earrings, bracelets, and necklaces fashioned from reclaimed gems, reused charms, and vintage chains.  Each piece within this green jewelry collection is remarkable and unique with styles that complement every mood and occasion.

Sterling silver, brass, and vintage chains are the foundation to most of the Mark Edge eco-vintage pieces, although a few of his recycled creations start with a deep, rich strand of chocolate suede for a sophisticated, but trendy flair.  

Earrings, bracelets, and intriguing necklaces make up the 75-piece line of eco-vintage jewelry, ranging in price from $79 to $284.  The collection, appealing to both men and women, features fun, classic charms like the vintage peace sign and handcuffs with key, as well as timeless pendants including reclaimed cameos and vintage crystals.  Mark Edge enjoys integrating the colorful beauty of turquoise into his wearable art as well. 

If you're interested in owning a piece of recycled jewelry, handcrafted by Mark Edge, you can order online at his website for international delivery or you can find Mark Edge jewelry in a number of fine jewelry and department stores in 27 different states.  If you're giving a Mark Edge creation as a gift, complementary wrapping is included with most items.

Visit Mark Edge Jewelry for more information.

Images via MarkEdge.com