Category: ‘jewelry’

Everyone wants to look good, but no one wants their fashion to be responsible for sweatshops or environmental destruction. We've already given you a bunch of ways to shop for clothes that are good for the globe, but what about your accessories?

Introducing three ways to shop for unique jewelry and affect social change, all without leaving your laptop.

1. Emerge Global

Emerge is a non-profit organization based in Sri Lanka that aims to help female victims of sexual abuse reclaim their lives through employment and art. All of the jewelry is handmade by the women, and also happens to be very beautiful. Many of them like this ribbon necklace ($22) combine colorful ribbons and beads for an effect that will brighten any outfit. 

2. The Leakey Collection

This Kenya-based retailer uses natural materials to manufacture their beads and other products. They are dedicated to both sustaining the environment and providing employment and business training to rural Kenyans. Their products also give you a chance to show off your creative side. You can buy assembled pieces like Zulugrass bracelets ($30), or mix and match single bead strands ($13) to create a look that is all you.

3. Brilliant Earth

Just say no to blood diamonds. Brilliant Earth not only sells gems harvested using environmentally and socially responsible practices, they also donate 5% of their profits back to communities that have suffered from the exploitation of the jewelry industry. Not a bad way to buy some bling like these silver leaf earrings with green sapphires ($175).

Check out our Jewelry Guide for staples everyone should own. 

Something about wearing a huge, sparkly precious-stone necklace doesn’t quite seem right for summer (or, as the case may be if you live in Manhattan, 88-degree spring). These five are fun, colorful, and under $40 – perfect for sprucing up a flirty sample sale find.

1. Buy a couple of these disc necklaces ($8 to $14.50) in different colors to layer or wear alone.

2. One redeeming piece in the Erickson Beamon for Target collection: this slightly kitchy necklace ($39.99) – I imagine it’s something like what the country-club set wore in the’70s.

3. A sweet, sunny wooden bead necklace ($28) would work nicely with a solid shift.

4. This turquoise necklace ($19.50) could lend a little beachiness to a cardigan and shell.

5. This beaded necklace ($38) – in cotton-candy pink glass and quartz – feels light enough to go with summer dresses.

We have to agree with TrendHunter … Tiffany’s new Fleur De Lis Key pendants ($1450) are beautiful. The real things are made with platinum, 24-carat gold, and diamonds, but we found three eye-catching necklaces at more wallet-friendly prices that will look just as gorgeous dangling from your neck. 

1. This Victorian skeleton key pendant ($34) from Eve's Addiction has an antique feel incredibly similar to the styles sold by Tiffany’s.

2. Emitations’ cubic zirconia and silver key pendant ($59) is modeled after the pave diamond necklace that Alicia Keys rocked recently.

3. This gold key necklace from Jessica Elliot ($180) may not come with pricey diamonds, but it will undoubtedly dress up any simple top.