Who doesn’t love pretty things, especially pretty jewelry that makes you feel gorgeous and unique? And doesn’t it feel even better when you find out that the adornments you’ve chosen also do some good in this world? That’s what I thought when I met the founder of The Andean Collection, who developed a company for the indigenous people of Ecuador to do what they do best and actually make money to improve their lives and the state of their community. She is an impressive entrepreneur (and what can I say, I dig awesome entrepreneurs!) and I thought it would be so fun to share their work with you so that it might inspire some ideas for your wedding jewelry — or for that matter, jewelry for any moment!
With spring already in full bloom throughout most of the United States, it is once again that special time of year, when the lucky among us send out invitations for the joyous celebrations of weddings or commitment ceremonies. On these cherished days amongst our loved ones and opposite a life partner, there is also a special opportunity to commit to a future that respects the Earth and our fellow human beings. What better way to celebrate the present moment and a hopeful future than with a sustainable and ethically themed wedding? These sustainable interventions may range from the small (using eco-friendly decorations) to the larger scale (eco-couture wedding gowns and menu choices that limits environment impact). However, in the increasing and overwhelming endeavor to be “as green as possible” there are some small choices that make a big difference, and jewelry is one of them.
The couple’s choice of jewelry (not limited to the wedding, engagement or commitment rings) generally becomes a significant expenditure in any ceremony. Thus, jewelry from ethical or sustainable sources provides an avenue not only to support the protection of the environment, but also to support individual craftsmanship that benefits the community where it was created. In addition, jewelry gifted or worn at a wedding is particularly visible, and thus makes a strong statement on an already powerful day.
As you consider the possibility of “greening” your ceremony in every way possible, the following are several ways to incorporate ethical or sustainable jewelry:
- Bride’s attire (rehearsal dinner or the Big Day) – the bride’s choice of accessories is certainly the most notable place to feature jewelry that respects our planet and its inhabitants, whether this includes conflict-free diamonds, “clean” or recycled metals, or natural materials harvested from the earth in sustainable ways. For metals that follow the ‘Golden Rules’ of clean metals, companies such as Blue Nile, Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Lisa Lindhart, and Kirsten Muenster are wonderful, ethical choices. For a non-traditional look that incorporates natural materials, Andean Collection statement necklaces such as the Cascade necklace in lilac or salmon, or the Tagua Bib necklace in rose pink or violet, carry a powerful message for change.
- Bridesmaids’ attire or gifts – given that bridesmaids are such important members of the special day, they are certainly due for attire or gifts that reflect the couple’s appreciation and commitment to a better world. To give thoughtful jewelry, you might consider a single style in a variety of colors that can be selected to reflect the bridesmaids’ personalities. Andean Collection’s Tagua or Rivered bracelet has been popular with wedding magazines because it offers this possibility; lavender and coral are both spring-inspired tones.
- Guest favors – similarly, if guests are to leave the wedding with a token of the celebration, what better way to commemorate such a beautiful occasion than a gift that creates ripples of well being across the world? Ethical, sustainable jewelry is a beautiful and practical gift for female guests who will remember the occasion for years to come.
As the big day approaches and the guest (and gift) list grows, look for several ethical and sustainable companies that provide a diversity of options for all your special gifts. These inspired choices will certainly result in memorable treasures, of a celebration that honored our planet and gave a hearty toast to cultivating happiness in all its corners.
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Katrina Pennington is the Manager of Public Relations Online at Andean Collection. The company is founded on a belief in ethical, sustainable accessories that do not compromise style. Our look integrates the two worlds we span between New York and Ecuador, and the resulting designs are a fusion of the urban with the rural; the natural with the modern. For more info or to purchase, visit the website, read the AC blog, follow on Facebook, or email katrina@theandeancollection.com.
