Monday, November 29, 2010

'Tis Better to...WIN!

It's Cyber Monday!

Why rush to the mall when you can WIN something from the luxury of your laptop?

That's right...we're rewarding you for shopping online! Why? It's the GREEN way to shop...saving gas & the environment!

Because we know the more people who know about eco jewelry, the better...we're offering you the chance to win the REAL SWEET Pod Necklace in 18 karat gold over sterling silver with conflict free diamond (retail: $100)!

Just surf over to our revamped site and use the "TELL A FRIEND" option to notify 5 fashionable pals about Real Jewels (tell more and increase your shot at winning) to enter!



The winner will be chosen on December 15th and notified via E-mail.*

But, while you're waiting...how's about crossing some names off your shopping list? Going GREEN doesn't have to cost a lot of green. Real Jewels has sterling silver pendants starting at only $35!

Responsibility is contagious. Pass it on.

Stay real,
The Real Jewels Team

*Valid E-mail address required. We will contact the winner via E-mail. Winners must reply within 24 hours with their mailing address, phone number, and E-mail.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

REAL JEWELS - HOLIDAY STAFF PICKS

The leaves aren't the only things that have changed colors!

We have, too (well, more like added colors)!

And we are so excited for you to see the cornucopia of new items you'll be thankful for on the revamped Real Jewels site!

But, between baking your pumpkin spice pie from Mom's secret recipe and setting the table for 12, you may not have time to give the new site the perusing it deserves.

Not to fear! As an homage to Julie Andrews (OK, really just to help you out), our staff has picked out a few of our favorite things from the always eco-friendly Real Sweet Collection -- one of 5 totally green, totally stylish collections offered at our website.

REAL JEWELS STAFF PICKS!











With so many 100% recycled, fair trade pieces that look amazing layered or solo (starting at only $50)...you'll be singing FA LA LA LA LA in no time at all!

Make sure to keep checking back for more STAFF PICKS and holiday gift tips!

Until then, the Real Jewels family wishes you and yours a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving! We are so grateful to do what we love and share it with the best customers in the world!

Stay real,
The Real Jewels Team



Thursday, November 11, 2010

Out with the old, in with the NEW!

 
So, maybe it's a little early for New Year's, but we're already in the holiday spirit!

Why wait 'til 2011 to show you what we've been working so feverishly on when it could be sitting under your Christmas tree or shared with a loved one on the first night of the Festival of Lights?

If you're friends with us on Facebook and following us on Twitter (we hope you are!), you know that all month long we are celebrating Thanksgiving!  Because we want you to know just how grateful we are for everything & everyone in our lives (this includes, you, of course!). 

And, just in time for Thanksgiving, we are giving all you eco fashionistas out there something else to smile about -- our revamped website!  With so many new styles...you may have to call in sick (or at least surf the site during your lunch break).

We don't mess with success, so we still have all your classic green faves on the site ready to be wrapped up in our eco origami inspired envelope or 100% recycled gift box, but take a few moments and explore our new additions -- especially the Real Spirit and Real Sweet collections...now bursting with COLOR!

Real Jewels has bejeweled its pieces now more than ever before...Amethysts, Rose Quartz, and Pearls -- oh my!
The new site has launched...check it out NOW!

Stay real,
The Real Jewels Team 


Friday, September 24, 2010

National Geographic Green Council




That would be how to solve this week's "Before and After" Real Jewels puzzle if we were on Wheel of Fortune...

But enough with the games!

We here at Real Jewels are honored to announce that National Geographic Magazine has recognized our company for its responsible jewelry practices and leadership role in the industry!

Get your copy of National Geographic Mag today and share in the glory :o)

In other exciting green news, we are as pleased as punch to be brand new members of the Responsible Jewellery Council.

Now, don't get the wrong idea, we don't sit at a long wooden table and throw down the gavel on other jewelers...

The Responsible Jewellery Council is an international not-for-profit organization bringing together 250+ member companies (including Real Jewels!) across the jewelry supply chain. 

Members of the council are committed to promoting responsible ethical, human rights, social and environmental practices in a transparent and accountable manner throughout the industry from mine to retail.  Their commitment aims to reinforce consumer and stakeholder confidence in jewelry products. 

The RJC has existed since 2005 and in that time has grown from 14 to more than 250 organizations!  We are so proud to make that number one greater and hope that joining the RJC becomes the newest trend in fashion.



The council rests...(just kidding!)

Have a great weekend!

Stay real,
The Real Jewels Team

Monday, September 13, 2010

Freshly PRESS-ed



REAL JEWELS was featured as a "local gem" in last week's issue of Hamptons Magazine (you know, the one with the fierce photo of Serena Williams on the cover).

In the piece, founder and CEO Ilia McCormick shares that the inspiration behind Real Jewels came from a "respect for the environment" and her "desire to create jewelry that's relevant in design and substance."

As our loyal customers know, we use only 100% certified recycled gold and sterling silver and support local economy by producing our wares exclusively in New York City!

Some of you more curious fashionistas out there may wonder who an eco brand like this is geared towards?  Ilia explains, "There's something for everyone.  Real Jewels was designed to speak to many tastes and price points."  And, of course, we also create signature pieces for charity like the pelican pendant we crafted after teaming up with Waterkeeper Alliance to raise money for Save Our Gulf.

Interested in learning more of the inside scoop?  Check out the full interview HERE

And don't forget to check back next week...we have a feeling we may have some more green press to share with you...

Until then...

Stay real,
The Real Jewels Team

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Sendin' Out an SOS!



Calling all our philanthropic fashionistas!

Although the oil spill seems to be under control, so much work still remains to be done to reverse damage done to the Gulf communities! 

 The Waterkeepers Alliance is doing an amazing job and we here at Real Jewels want to keep supporting them the best way we know how – with 100% of the profits from our eco-friendly SOS (Save Our Shores) pendant!

The SOS pendant makes a great back-to-school gift for your nature-loving high schooler or your college kid who made sure her dorm room was set to separate plastic and glass this semester!

The SOS pendant features the iconic pelican and is made of 100% recycled sterling silver.  And, at $85 and with 100% of profits going to Save Our Gulf, this is one fashion statement anyone can get behind.

Also, we’d love to give a big thank you to TreeHugger.com for giving us some props on their site!  Check out their fab article HERE

Stay real,

The Real Jewels Team

Friday, July 30, 2010

Philanthropy's Afloat at Real Jewels



Ahoy matey! 

Real Jewels has been out at sea, dreaming up a way to help fashion and the planet in unison.  And now, we are so very proud to introduce our SOS (Save Our Shores) Collection, our personal effort to save the Gulf Coast’s communities and environment from the long-term devastating impacts of the BP oil spill.

Real Jewels will be donating 100% of the profit of sales from our new SOS green jewelry collection to the Save Our Gulf, an initiative by Waterkeeper Alliance whose vast knowledge of the marshes, wetlands, beaches, and inner-coastal waters make them invaluable first responders.

The SOS Collection features the iconic symbol of the Gulf disaster – the pelican - transformed into gorgeous (and 100% recycled) sterling silver charm.  You can float away with this lovely creature on a sterling silver necklace $85!

Because you’re reading our blog, we’re guessing you know that showing respect for the environment isn’t merely a trendy tactic for Real Jewels.  Doing good by the environment and by the people who craft our pieces is kind of the Real Jewels M.O.  Since the company’s start in 2009, Real Jewels has been making pieces exclusively out of 100% recycled precious metals, alleviating the need for irresponsible and dirty mining practices.  Each Real Jewels piece is also embellished with a signature fair trade, natural green Peridot Tag, your assurance that the piece your are wearing has been made in a responsible manner.

So, what are you waiting for?  Surf over to http://www.real-jewels.com and help Save the Gulf!  Wearing a piece from the SOS Collection shows that you care, and, because the entire collection is made in a responsible, sustainable manner in New York City, you can feel good about doing your part to help save the environment in more ways than one!

Stay real,

The Real Jewels Team



 

Monday, June 21, 2010

Your Daily Dose of Inspiration

"Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you, but do so with all your heart."
 -Marcus Aurelius 

No matter what religion you follow (or if you're even religious at all), we think there's one thing we all can agree on -- we all need a little daily inspiration!

Lucky for you, we have created the Real Jewels Real Spirit green jewelry collection....a little something you can slip on to help you through whatever obstacles and challenges life throws your way!

These eco jewelry pieces act as touchstones, talismans of sorts...giving us strength and constantly reminding us what's really important in life...like...

FAMILY
Keep the Tree of Life pendant close to your heart when loved ones can't be by your side

PEACE
Our Peace Sign pendant will remind you and those around you to take a breath before irrationally acting on things both big and small


HAMSA
We don't know about you, but we can never have enough protection and guidance through the journey of life!

HEART
Wearing our Heart pendant can act as a simple reminder of love and the fact that we all have the ability to give...

Each piece of eco friendly jewelry comes on a unique quotation card (a different quotation for each motif), is made from 100% recycled post consumer product, and printed with soy based ink.

These cards fit neatly into our signature origami inspired envelope which makes them the perfect present!

And what better gift is there than one of clarity and tranquility?

Stay real,
The Real Jewels Team


Monday, May 24, 2010

Max & Chloe and What to Get the Graduate!

Hey there, avid jewelry wearer!

Hope you are enjoying the sunshine and this fabulous summery weather!

As the sun shines brighter, our spirits here at Real Jewels headquarters are doing the same.  We have more good news to share with you -- Real Jewels is now on MAXandCHLOE.com!

We're so happy to be featured amongst a slew of other great jewelry designers!  And, if you can't click the link above, no worries!  Just type www.maxandchloe.com into your browser, go to "NEW ITEMS" in the left sidebar and see what Real Jewels pieces are being featured (or type in 'Real Jewels' in the Search Box at the top of the page)!

This is such a great way to kick off our Summer and we just couldn't wait to share the deets with you!  But, don't get out your beach bag and suntan lotion JUST YET, 'cause the kids still need to graduate!  Oh, but don't worry, we've got that covered, too!  

Initial pendants from our REAL ME collection make fab graduation gifts AND they can be engraved with the date of your child's/friend's/niece's/granddaughter's/cousin's/girlfriend's/whoever else you can think of's graduation for a small additional fee.  Order today and we'll zip it to your door faster than you can say "eco friendly jewelry"!  

Now, we're getting back to work...all this good news has motivated us!

Stay real,
The Real Jewels Team



Monday, May 10, 2010

We're Back!

Whew! If you were wondering why you hadn't heard from us in a few weeks, it's because we here at Real Jewels have been working around-the-clock...and our hard work has paid off!

We just came back from our very first trade show - ENK Accessorie (no, that's not a typo!) Circuit in New York City...the premiere accessory show in the country!

What's in style this season? Lucky for us, GREEN is totally the trend and we are at the forefront! Our fellow accessory creators applauded Real Jewels' dedication to the environment...and, of course, our amazing sense of style!

Press and buyers alike couldn't stop telling us that REAL JEWELS is the first green jewelry brand they've seen that is truly fashionable and speaks to many demographics with our five introductory collections!

Oh, and the icing on this delicious, eco-friendly cake? We were also featured in this week's Watch and Jewelry Review!

We probably should take a nap now, but...designing and showing off our jewelry is just too gratifying!

Until next time...

Stay real,
The Real Jewels Team


Friday, April 16, 2010

We're Playing in the Big [Green] Leagues Now!

We here at Real Jewels are so proud to be among only 12 jewelry retailers who have pledged support for permanently protecting Alaska's Bristol Bay watershed from large-scale metal mining, including the controversial Pebble Mine.

When local Alaskans interested in protecting Bristol Bay's salmon fishery (the world's largest remaining wild sockeye salmon fishery and the source of roughly 50 percent of the world's commercial supply of sockeye salmon) asked jewelers to not buy gold from the Pebble Mine, we simply had to agree!

After all, the proposed mine at the headwaters of Bristol Bay is projected to be the largest in North America and would generate billions of tons of mine waste (gross!).  How could we support a mine that would industrialize important salmon habitat?  It just didn't seem right.

We hope you think about national treasures like Bristol Bay when you buy jewelry.  No matter how beautiful something may look, if people or the planet were harmed to create it, how beautiful can you feel while wearing it?

That's why we are so proud to make eco friendly pieces that look amazing and can be worn with a clean conscience...we owe it to the people, to the planet, and to our loyal, responsible customers like you!!

Inspired to come and support green, trendsetting companies like us?

Just a reminder that the EcoLux Boutique is happening RIGHT NOW through April 24th!

THE DEETS:
The GreenShows EcoLux boutique
(part of Earth Day New Work)
Monday, April 19th-Saturday, April 24th, 2010
10AM-7PM
Grand Central Station's Vanderbilt Hall
42nd Street and Park Avenue

Stay real,
The Real Jewels Team

PS: Hit us up on Facebook and Twitter if you're planning on coming to the EcoLux Boutique...and make sure to say hello!  And HAPPY EARTH DAY (it's today!)!!!!

Monday, April 5, 2010

Celebrate Earth Day in Eco Style!



Hey trendy girl, don't be so sad that fashion week is over!

The GreenShows Eco Fashion Week is going to turn that frown upside down with the launch of the ecoLUX Pop-Up Boutique in conjunction with Earth Day's 40th Anniversary -- April 19th-24th, 2010!

This totally exclusive boutique will feature sustainable designs from fashion and accessories designers around the world!  Oh, and guess who is one of those designers?  That's right, us!!

Stop by New York City's Grand Central Terminal - Vanderbilt Hall starting this coming Monday, April 19th to see, touch, feel, try on, and fall in love with our 100% recycled, fair trade Real Jewels collections!

While we know our fabulous green earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets will surely catch your eye, we'd like to give kudos to these other trendsetters who have gone green and will be sharing our limelight: Samantha Pleet, Ajna Collection, Allison Parris, STUDY by Tara St James, deux fm, c. Marchuska, Auralis Herrero Lugo, Willian, Joann Berman, .tomate d'epingles., DLC Brooklyn, Wired and more!!

With so much eco friendly cutting-edge fashion and Real Jewels accessories in one room...this event is not something you are going to want to miss!!

Oh, and, if you want a fresh face to go with all the new Real Jewels you pick up, Dex New York Cosmetics will also be on-site offering complimentary consultations and makeovers!

And, if trying on so many gorgeous recycled Real Jewels pieces whets your appetite the way it does ours, Sambazon will keep the tummy groans to a minimum with free sustainable and certified organic acai smoothies and juice!

The only bad news we can think of is that it's not April 19th yet..'cause we find it pretty hard waiting for what's sure to be an amazing eco event in honor of Mother Earth!

THE DEETS:
The GreenShows EcoLux boutique
(part of Earth Day New Work)
Monday, April 19th-Saturday, April 24th, 2010
10AM-7PM
Grand Central Station's Vanderbilt Hall
42nd Street and Park Avenue

We'd say "we hope to see you there," but with this line-up, we have no doubts in our mind.

See you at the Real Jewels display! 

Stay real,
The Real Jewels Team 

PS: RJ would like to give a shout out to Jen Pleasant over at http://showthelove.com/who has been keeping us on her greendar!  Check out her site today! :o)

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Make an Eco Statement!




Been scratching your head trying to figure out what to get your daughter for her Sweet 16?

Spending late nights brainstorming what to buy your grad?

Tired of surfing the web to get an idea for a wedding attendant gift?

Fingers sore from paging through magazines for something that would delight Mom this Mother's Day?

Have no fear, Real Jewels eco friendly jewelry is here...and we've brought our best-selling recycled sterling silver and gold initial pendants with us!

Our small single initial pendants in sterling silver ($75) are in stock at all times, but we encourage you to be creative!

Here are some descriptions of special orders we've just made...

- A beautiful large Real Me sterling silver initial pendant for a customer with two children -- the first initial of each child's name flanks the middle initial which is the first initial of the family's last name! ($125)

- A necklace for a Mother's birthday with three of the smaller sterling silver initial pendants ($75 each) to represent each of her three children!

But, we can create whatever kind of green gift you'd like! Special dates can also be made into disks to represent a wedding anniversary, birth of a child, graduation from high school or college, or anything that might be significant to the wearer!

Please allow 2 weeks for all special orders and remember that small single initial pendants in sterling silver ($75) are in stock at all times and should ship 24 hours after you place your order!



The only thing better than a gift that's beautiful is a gift that's beautiful, thoughtful, and responsible!


Challenge your imagination and create your perfect Real Jewels green gift today at http://www.real-jewels.com!

Stay real,
The Real Jewels team

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Here Comes the [Green] Bride...

Spring is blooming and love is in the air...

Here at Real Jewels headquarters, we're getting ready for one of our favorite times of the year...wedding season!

Whether you're a glam bride or a laid back bride, green jewelry will be an important part of your special day...for you and the entire bridal party!

Any piece from our eco friendly REAL ME collection makes an amazing gift to say thank you to your wonderful bridesmaids...and with prices as low at $75, your wallet will thank you, too!



Need a little something precious for your flower girl?  Try the petite pearl necklace (only $34)!  After all, you're never too young to start a green lifestyle!  

And, of course, you can't entry matrimony bare...get a pair of Blossom Pearl Earrings for yourself!  Hey, like the old saying goes, you do need something new!


Now work that aisle like a runway, Green Bride!

Stay real,
The Real Jewels Team

Friday, March 12, 2010

Cool Moms Picked Us!

Mother Earth, Meet Mother...

Below article from http://www.coolmompicks.com:

Most people imagine Mother Earth being all Birkenstocky and granola eating, but me? I think Mother Earth has got it going on. And if she wore earrings, she might very well be wearing the Real Light collection from Real Jewels, a company with a conscience that designs jewelry to have minimal impact on the environment, while having maximum impact on the wearer.

The light, airy designs are made from recycled sterling silver, and gold to protect Mother Earth's precious resources, and the 18-karat gold plating is completely nickel-free. Even the gemstones in the Real Gems collection are all fair-trade, including conflict-free diamonds. 

There's a big range of prices -- some pieces are under $40, some over $400, so chances are you can find something that you love at a price you can deal with. With Earth Day coming up on April 22nd, besides Mother Earth, I can think of at least one other mother who might love a pair of dangle-y new earrings. I'll give you a hint, Honey: It rhymes with "shme."--Betsy 

Check out the recycled gold and silver Real Light collection, the fair-trade precious stoneReal Gems collection, and other lines of eco-friendly, totally gorgeous jewelry at Real Jewels.


Stay real,
The Real Jewels Team 

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Extra! Extra!

Check out some sweet press for Real Jewels!

Big thanks to Uptownlife.net and Fashion Insomniacs for recognizing Real Jewels as a trendy brand with a conscience!  

We appreciate it!

Stay real,
The Real Jewels Team


Monday, March 8, 2010

Annual Spring Sale (just in time for Earth Day)



Whoever said having great taste wasn't a talent? Not us!

We admire you, our loyal friends and fans, so much that we want to reward you for your impeccable taste and commitment to being a responsible fashionista!

Starting tomorrow (Tuesday), when you Tell A Friend about Real Jewels (using our fancy shmancy Tell A Friend option on the home page of
real-jewels.com) you will receive a discount code that entitles you to 30% off anything you purchase...oh yeah, and your friend can also get 30% off by telling a friend of theirs and so on and so on!  We're determined to create a recycled chain of eco jewelry lovers! 



Remember, this sale starts TOMORROW, Tuesday, March 9th and only lasts through Tuesday March 16th...so you've got ONE WEEK to cure those Winter blues with our fabulous eco jewelry collections featuring recycled Sterling silver and gold!

We want to make as many people aware of our beautiful Green jewelry as possible and we want to thank you for your support of a healthier, happier, and more stylish planet!


And, don't forget that Mother's Day and graduation are right around the corner...how special would a piece of Real Jewels be for Mom or your high schooler heading off to college?

Or maybe you've got a Spring 2010 wedding?

Remember, Real Sweet necklaces make an awesome Bridemaid's gift!

And, of course, what kind of an eco jewelry brand would we be if we didn't mention that EARTH DAY is coming up on April 22nd?  We can't think of a better tribute to Mother Earth than rocking some jewelry that's as responsible as you are!

There's a Real Jewel right for all the special people in your life...and a unique piece of jewelry for any occasion!

Stay real,

The Real Jewels Team



Monday, February 22, 2010

FASHION WEEK GOES GREEN (with some help from us!)


Exciting news, Real Jewels fans!  On Monday, February 15th, we had our first press event during New York City’s world famous FASHION WEEK!

It was an amazing debut and we thank everyone who came out to be dazzled by our eco-jewelry.

Check out the pics below!




In the past few weeks, we’ve been talking about NO DIRTY GOLD and the fact that we’ve taken the NO DIRTY GOLD pledge, but, really, what does that mean?

Well, in short, we pledged to work towards sourcing precious metals that would not make them complicit in the destructive impacts of mining.

This commitment means working to ensure that our suppliers of precious metals use RESPONSIBLE practices including:

-respecting basic human rights as outlined in international conventions and laws;

-obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) of affected communities;

-respecting workers’ rights and labor standards, including safe working conditions;

-not operating in areas of armed of militarized conflict;

-not forcing communities off their lands;

-not dumping mine waste into oceans, rivers, lakes, or streams;

-not operating in protected areas, fragile ecosystems, or other areas of high conservation or ecological value;

-not contaminating water, soil, or air with sulfuric acid drainage or other toxic chemicals;

-covering all costs of closing down and cleaning up mine sites;

-allowing independent verification of practices. 

In addition, we also committed to auditing our current sources, to inform our suppliers of this Golden Rules sourcing commitment, and to increase recycled content in our products.

Sounds like a big commitment, huh?

Absolutely!  But we owe it to the Earth, to the people making the jewelry, and to you, the responsible customers who have chosen to wear green jewelry! 

And…just to give you that extra little bit of assurance that your jewelry has been made in a responsible manner, Real Jewels eco jewelry comes with our signature Peridot tag.   No one else has one!  I mean, after all, we did receive an A rating for our responsible practices so why not brag with a tag? 

When you see our Peridot tag, you know your jewelry has been created in a responsible manner. Fair trade, recycled precious metals, now that’s Green Jewelry! So when you are looking for sterling silver jewelry or gold jewelry and you want it to be green, think Real Jewels! 

‘Cause really, why would anyone want to hurt another human being or Mother Earth for the sake of jewelry? 

Need more reason to shop REAL?  Well, our mailers are made from 100% recycled post consumer product...so are our gift boxes and envelopes!  And oh yeah, we use soy-based inks as well!

Listen, we know our product is good...but we want EVERYONE to know it's good!

Spread the word on GREEN -- tell your friends about Real Jewels via our Tell A Friend feature at REAL-JEWELS.COM and you'll get 10% off your first Real Jewels online order!  With free shipping on top of that, how can you say no?


REAL JEWELS. BEAUTIFUL. SUSTAINABLE . REAL.

 

Stay real,

 

The Real Jewels Team


Friday, February 12, 2010

We have many great loves...

our customers, our jewelry...and, of course, the planet!

Any company can talk about how they're eco-friendly and green, but how many actually have the ratings and press to back those claims up?

Not to boast, but Real Jewels is one of only two US companies that received an 'A' rating from Earthworks No Dirty Gold NGO in Washington, DC.

Check out our amazingly positive press in National Jeweler Magazine!

We worked hard for that 'A' rating and we're proud of it!  

But, guess what?  You should be proud of yourself, too!  You're a responsible shopper and you deserve some bragging rights for choosing fair trade pieces with no green washing!  To help you out with that, all our jewelry comes with the signature fair trade peridot as your assurance that the jewelry with which your adorn your figure has been made in a responsible manner.

It's important to us to make a commitment to you and to the jewelry industry!

To commit to these values, we've taken the NO DIRTY GOLD pledge, we contribute to The Madison Dialogue, and we're a member of Green America!

How's that for some seriously ecological credentials?

Have a beautiful Valentine's Day!

Stay real,
The Real Jewels Team



Monday, February 1, 2010

Valentine's Day? OK!

Love is a promise, love is a souvenir, once given never forgotten, never let it disappear.
-John Lennon

Love our website, but wanna see Real Jewels in print?  Your wish has been granted -- look for Real Jewels in OK! Magazine's Valentine's Day guide on newsstands tomorrow!

Speaking of Valentine's Day, you have less than two weeks to find something that special for that special someone!  Thank goodness we thought ahead to make some beautiful, Earth friendly pieces:

Mini Heart Disk Pendant made of 100% recycled sterling silver $38
Matching earrings (not shown) $42



Solid Heart Pendant on chain made of 100% recycled sterling silver $70


Looking for something else?  Well then you'll have to check out REAL-JEWELS.COM to see our entire collection of responsibly made jewelry!

Remember, no matter who your Valentine is this February 14th, don't forget to love the planet by shopping responsibly, too!

Real Jewels.  Beautiful.  Responsible.  Real.

Stay real,
The Real Jewels Team

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Responsible + Chic = Real Jewels

So, you wanna accessorize responsibly, but you don't wanna look like your jewelry was crafted from old aluminum cans...?

Have no fear!  Here at Real Jewels, we know there is a common misconception of what "green jewelry" is...and we're happy to report that it's not twigs and leaves glued together!

In fact, eco jewelry can and should be chic.  No matter what your style, you can be a responsible consumer and fashionista!  It's up to you to demand sustainable jewelry of a certain standard (and, thankfully, we hold ourselves to these same high standards as well).

Every time you put on a pair of earrings or clasp a necklace, you probably don't think about where it came from or who made it, but it's our job to do just that!

Because of this, we can guarantee that any piece you choose from any of our collections (like, say, maybe the Real Light Domed Pear Earring in 100% recycled sterling silver shown below) was created under sustainable business practices and fair labor standards.  




As nice as it would be to believe that jewels are in unlimited supply, nature's resources are running out and by creating sustainable pieces, we hope to eventually assist in reversing this.

We always say, why choose between fabulous fashion and your conscience?

Stick with Real Jewels and you can have both!

Beautiful.  Sustainable.  Real.

Stay Real,
The Real Jewels Team

Monday, January 18, 2010

We've been shot by Cupid's eco-friendly, recycled arrow!

This Valentine's Day, show your sweetheart you don't only adore her, you adore this beautiful planet of ours, too!

With so many romantic, eco-friendly pieces to choose from...all of her friends will be green with envy of her totally green accessories!

Here are just a few LOVE-ly gift ideas from our collections:

Heart Charm on solid bangle bracelet made of 100% recycled Sterling Silver/$210


Real Love Heart Pendant made of 100% recycled Sterling Silver on 17" Chain/$70

Engraved Heart Pendant made of 100% recycled Sterling Silver on 17" chain/$85


Single initial Disks made of 100% recycled Sterling Silver on 17" chain/$75



Real Sweet petite Disks on made of 100% recycled Sterling Silver on 16" chain/$38
And no need to worry about presentation, all our Real Jewels come in 100% recycled paper gift packaging or in our origami-inspired green vine envelope!

It's not smart to recycle love, but it's surely smart to buy jewelry made out of recycled materials!

We know that special someone in your life will love our green pieces!

Confused about what eco piece to get this Valentine's Day? Feel free to E-mail a member of the Real Jewels team at info@real-jewels.com for some shopping advice!

There are just so many REAL ways to say I love you on February 14th...

Stay Real,
The Real Jewels Team

Monday, January 11, 2010

The Green Bride

Are you planning on getting married this Spring or Summer?

Why not get a head start on gifts for those amazing bridesmaids of yours?


The REAL ME collection of 100% recycled sterling silver initial pendants make perfect personal attendant's gifts...and at $75 each, they're perfectly priced, too! Start the recycled jewelry trend at your wedding and pretty soon all your friends will be walking down the aisle planet-friendly!






We also offer the REAL SPIRIT collection -- including the Hamsa, Heart, and Tree of Life!

The Tree of Life is a wonderful gift for the Mother of the Bride (And, if she'd prefer 14 Karat Gold, fear not! Contact us for pricing.) What better way to show Mom thanks for the support than with some green jewelry? The earth will thank you, too!

(Pendants on chain are $85/each and matching earrings are $125. Hamsa, Heart, and Tree of Life pendants and Heart earrings pictured below.)







Looking for something for yourself on your special day?

The REAL LIGHT "Y" necklace with pearls is a beautiful complement to any wedding dress. Try pairing it with the Blossom and Pearl or Organic Pod and pearl earrings! Because in 2010, no bride should enter married life without some eco jewelry!






To help you weed through the jungle of wedding websites out there, we have compiled a list of great blogs and sites to visit to inspire you and your green wedding!

THE WELL BRIDE
Yoona Hawkins' blog (of Brilliant Eco Events) that offers up great green wedding tips. Yoona is a local green wedding event planner.

ECO CHIK
A blog with some Canadian flavor. This blog features sustainability for all aspects of your life with a modern flair.


TALEN EVENTS

A Canadian event planning service with great ideas for sustainable weddings.

GREEN WEDDING SHOES
Follow Green Wedding Shoes to view spotlights on vintage, green and very creative weddings.

ERIN.EVER.AFTER.
A blog great for wedding ideas (it focuses on design). The weddings featured here are very unique and simply lovely.

BRIDE CHIC
An inspirational blog for today's bride!

ECO CHIC
This local Green Lifestyle website will not only address your wedding needs, but your day-to-day life, too!

ECO CHIC WEDDINGS
Ideas and inspirations that are ethical, thrifty, & chic!

THE GREEN BRIDE GUIDE
Check out this website for green wedding photos, stories from past prides, and tips on how to create your own green dream wedding!

INDIE WEDDING GUIDE
A guide to recycling, reusing, and reducing for today's weddings!

ONCE WED
We heart this site for the inspirational ideas we see! The Real Jewels Team is planning on showcasing a lot of DIY wedding ideas at the wedding fair! (Details to come!)

GREAT GREEN WEDDING
The name of the site says it all -- great tips for a great green wedding!

Phew!

Well, if you didn't already have wedding fever, we're pretty sure you have it now!!

Join us this week on Facebook and Twitter as we celebrate the beauty of matrimony! Yup, it's wedding week here at Real Jewels!

Stay real,
The Real Jewels Team