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By Jan Butsch Schroder
An ancient proverb says you can’t make a silk purse out of a swine’s ear. That may be so, but after seeing these beautiful pieces of jewelry made from nuts, paper, sand and even license plates, we found out you can create things of beauty from well, just about anything. These pieces of jewelry are not only earth-friendly because they are made from recycled materials, but many of these companies are fair trade and/or donate portions of the proceeds to help others.
Monk-Made Beauty
Look closely and you’ll see this gorgeous pendant is made of sand, set grain-by-grain into a silver pendant by Tibetan monks. It has been blessed with a prayer for love and has symbols for love, peace and hope. $95 at www.loveandpride.com
The Power of Five
This necklace is handmade from wood in Kuta, Bali and sold through a company called Five Accessories, named when the founders were honeymooners and met a man who said a gift of $5 a month from an American company years ago had impacted his life. Fifteen percent of sales go to villages where the goods are made. $20 at www.fiveaccessories.com
Paper to Pearls
These shiny, colorful necklaces are actually handmade from paper by women in refugee camps in Northern Uganda. They use the income to buy food, medicine, and school supplies for their children. Prices start at $15. www.papertopearls.org
Show You Care
Designer Cynthia Holvey got inspired after watching Al Gore’s Live Earth Concert and created this bracelet from organic cotton and recycled scrap metal. Comes with an Eco-Tote for $48 at www.cynthiahdesigns.com
Wrist Not, Want Not
When her daughter dropped one of her favorite record albums, Meg Musick-Makely cut out the label and got the idea to make it into a bracelet. Now she has a business selling bracelets and tote bags made from records from the '50s, '60s, '70s and '80s. $24 at www.eco-artware.com
Beers to You!
Just when we’re finished with our wine, beer and soft drink bottles, designer Kathleen Plate is just getting started. She handcrafts earrings, necklaces and bracelets from the recycled glass and sets each piece in sterling silver. Portions of the proceeds go to the artist’s favorite non-profit organizations. www.smartglassjewelry.com
Treasures from the Sea
Designed by artist Jessica Lee, these pieces are made from seaglass, beer and Coca-Cola bottles and handcrafted by fair trade silversmiths in Bali. For a few extra dollars, select the carbon neutral shipping option. www.jl925.com |
