Green Tuesdays: Conflict free bling

Eco-Friendly, Ethically Sourced Diamonds?

We all go into marriage with expectations of honesty, and ethical beliefs – in fact it’s safe to assume that ethics are a pretty darn good-sized chunk of how marriage comes about…or at least we hope! The there is the RING (one of my favorite parts - I do love good bling!) Yet…have you ever thought about where the beautiful rock that’s glistening on your finger came from? It's SO easy to get caught up in the moment and about the style of the ring (and size of the diamond), and worrying about uncompromised ethics in diamond mining is probably not in the forefront. Yet, if you are still reading, it may be one of many things to consider (and for some, the only, or main, issue).

With all the hype of ‘green’ trends – weddings have moved full speed ahead with going green – it’s the hottest trend in the industry and diamonds are a part of that trend. Ethically sourced, conflict-free, fair labored diamonds show a commitment that extends into your marriage and future. There are other ways to go green with your engagement ring or wedding bands – why not pair your ethically sourced diamond with a recycled gold or platinum band?

Brilliant Earth offers a fabulous selection of Canadian mined and Namibian diamonds. Brilliant Earth has amazing design techniques and a wide selection of bands, diamonds, sapphires and recycled gold and metals. Plus, they honor only 100% fair labor and eco-friendly practices, and 5% of profits are donated to help local African communities.

Brilliant Earth uses environmentally responsible precious metals, including recycled gold, silver, and platinum.

Why choose conflict-free diamonds? Conflict free diamonds are guaranteed to originate from ethical and environmentally responsible sources. Conflict free diamonds are free from violence and human rights abuses, and are produced with minimal environmental impact. What is a Conflict Diamond? Conflict diamonds have funded devastating civil wars in Africa, ending millions of lives. These conflict diamonds, also known as "blood diamonds", are associated with rights abuses, and environmental damage.
With so many ethically sourced, conflict-free choices these days, it seems only natural to do your homework before making the purchase. If we all do our part, maybe we’ll make a healthy impact in an industry that has too long thrived on violence, abuse and unethical practices. Know that the symbol of love you’ll cherish for a lifetime was a product of a fair trade industry. What a great way to celebrate the commitment of marriage!

Kudos to Brilliant Earth for their commitment to the wedding industry, ethics, and charities. Fantastic design, exceptional values and a commitment to the environment make Brilliant Earth our green pick of the week! Check out their site for beautiful pieces! I'll take a few myself!

Daniela

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Green Tuesdays: Eco Jewelry

okay, so perhaps you are noticing that I ADORE jewelry. And when it's 'green' and stylish, I fall even harder. Thanks to twitterer @daniellejewelry, I came across Kristin Coffins Etsy Shop, where I found all sorts of fun, beautiful and eco-friendly gems and baubles, crafted with care.

The wave band (above) would make a fabulous wedding band with it's sinuous form, don't you think?

Oh, you need bridesmaids gifts? What about the Orange Sapphire wave band in Sterling, or the 14k petite diamond pendant for something really nice? Great prices for fabulous gifts.

Personally, I am swooning over the twig bracelet. Really. want. this. bracelet!!

Besides looking fabulous on my wrist, it would also be a great gift for a bridesmaid or mother of the bride as a special thank you..

Beautiful work!

All of Kristin's Jewelry is made out of recycled gold or silver, and all stones are fair trade and cruelty free. For more eco-friendly wedding tips, search thought our "green tuesdays" labels!

Daniela

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Covet Mondays: Schwa Designs

Not only is Lauren of Schwa Designs sweet and unassuming, but very talented! Her designs are organic yet clean, beautiful yet, at times, simple. I think what I love most is her color combinations, she has a way with combining colors and hues that just makes me want to buy something for every day of the week!

I totally love those smoky gray quartz earrings, below - what a fabulous bridesmaids gift if your wedding is one of this season's HOT colors, like slate or charcoal.

I covet these earrings below, though - elegant, fabulous go with an evening dress or your favorite pair of jeans.

Thanks for your great designs Lauren - Seattle is lucky to have you!

Daniela

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Coveted Item: Dawes Design Bling!

Every Monday we will be featuring a new luxurious wedding/event related item that I would LOVE to own or use at an event...yes, unfortunately I have a long list of coveted items that I dream of - but it's all in the name of work, right? Well, as my luck would have it, I recently actually became the lucky owner of one of my coveted items, so I figured what better to start off our Coveted Monday's with!

I first came across Jennifer Dawes Designs on the fantastic blog Ecochic weddings (which you should all checkout!) The pictures of her designs made me check out her website immediately - and I was in love! Jennifer creates custom pieces of exquisite jewelery, using only recycled gold and conflict-free stones, which appealed to be immensely. We hit it off on the phone, and have worked up a great working relationship since then. When my husband said "why don't you order that ring already you keep staring at" I leaped at the chance - and soon Jennifer was searching for that perfect Peridot. For those of you who know me well, imagine when I saw this giant chartreuse colored gem stone perched on my finger (my love of the color chartreuse borders on obsession).

Once she found the perfect stone, she created the ring, and sent it my way- it was that easy! The setting is gorgeous, the stone AMAZING - I love it, and wear it anytime I don't have my fingers deep in floral arranging...

Next on my list of coveted items by Dawes Design? It would have to be the stunning diamond below - I can definitely see that on my hand! Jennifer has an online catalog that shows a lot of her great designs, and in addition, she will also custom-create items such as bridesmaids gifts (think orange sapphire pendants) or a special gift from the groom to his bride. I have talked to her about some of my brides, and she has come up with some fantastic ideas for the bridesmaid gifts!

Thank you Jennifer, for not only creating stunning jewelery, but doing it in a sustainable, responsible way that allows us to enjoy it guilt-free. I cherish my ring that you created.

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