Real Jewels Tested, Mom Approved!

  

“A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.”

-Washington Irving

We here at Real Jewels know how tough it is to decide on a Mother's Day gift, what, with all the jewelry ads on TV, the deals on flowers, the signs in Hallmark seemingly shouting at you "MOTHER'S DAY IS SUNDAY, MAY 8TH!"...so we're cutting you some slack and giving you a cheat sheet to a few 100% Mom (& planet) approved gifts!  Take out a pencil...you may want to take notes...

THE CLASSIC CHOICE:

Is your Mom kind of like Mrs. Cleaver?  Kind of, well, perfect?  Then check out one of our newest items just for Mom, this recycled Sterling Silver necklace will let everyone on the playground know who's boss (and they'll also know that the boss is a responsible, green kinda lady). 

1/2" diameter 

17" chain

$90

THE SNAZZY CHOICE:

Is your Mom a bit of a...showstopper?  Does she always dress to impress? Throw the best holiday parties?  Makes a punch that makes your lip pucker? Sings along to American Idol?  Then may we suggest our Real Sweet Star Necklace?  She may not be on the cover of Vogue, but, let's be honest...she should be.

Measures 3/16"

16" chain

Sterling Silver with Diamond

$100

THE SPIRITUAL CHOICE:

Has your Mom found inner peace (or is she at least on a mission to do so?). Help her on her journey to spiritual bliss and enlightenment with something eco-friendly to hold close to her heart like our Real Spirit Tree of Life necklace.

5/8" diameter, 17" chain

On semi-precious beaded chain 18 karat gold over sterling silver

Choose from: Rhodolite Garnet, Pearl, Amethyst, Pink Amethyst, Golden Pyrite, Black Spinel, Peridot and Iolite Faceted Beaded Chain

$195

PENCILS DOWN!

Hope our tutoring session helped get your brain juices flowing!  Now, get online and shop, shop, shop!

And because we think you deserve a little extra credit for being such a thoughtful child...we're shipping for Mother's Day until Friday!  Phew!  Class dismissed!

Stay real,

The Real Jewels Team 

The Valentine's Day Post You Expected Us to Write (Only Different!)

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

Most jewelry companies love Valentine's Day because it means panicked men and women rushing out to their shop and logging onto their website with a credit card ready to swipe their way into the heart of their object of desire, but here at Real Jewels...we've actually been sidetracked thinking about TRUE LOVE!

Did this love bug stop us from picking out our most favorite heart pieces from our 5 eco-friendly collections?  Well, of course not (as you can see below)....but it also didn't stop us from getting totally romancy!  So, go ahead, immerse yourself in our green jewels...and then keep on reading to immerse yourself in love.

For isn't love the most precious jewel of all?

Real Spirit Heart

Real Spirit Engraved Heart Earrings

Real Me Small single initial disk with Heart

Real Sweet Heart Necklace

Real Sweet Heart in Square necklace

Real Sweet Double Heart Earrings

Real Charming Heart

A coward is incapable of exhibiting love; it is the prerogative of the brave. -Mahatma Gandhi A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous. -Ingrid Bergman A loving heart is the beginning of all knowledge. -Thomas Carlyle Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind; And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind. -William Shakespeare True love is like ghosts, which everybody talks about and few have seen. -Francois de La Rochefoucauld The greatest happiness in life is the conviction that we are loved - loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves. -Victor Hugo True love begins when nothing is looked for in return. -Antoine de Saint-Exupery "Who travels for love finds a thousand miles not longer than one." -Japanese Proverb XOXO Stay real, The Real Jewels Team

Fortunoff Goes Green (and we're totally in on it!)

The Real Jewels team LOVES spreading the word...the GREEN word, that is!

Because of this, we were super excited when our friends at Fortunoff decided to take a big step in spreading the word on responsible jewelry practices by carrying...that's right -- REAL JEWELS!

We are especially pleased to announce that in addition to them carrying our creations  ONLINE ...they are also one of the responsible companies that have signed the "No Dirty Gold" pledge!

While crafting pieces that are gorgeous is something we do, our fans and loyal customers know our passion is eco friendly jewelry!  

It gives us great satisfaction to support a retailer like Fortunoff in their efforts to support No Dirty Gold and understand the importance of responsible mining and refining practices.  We just love getting the green word out there!

For new fans of our company, Real Jewels exclusively uses 100% recycled precious metals, and conflict-free diamonds...plus, even our packaging is eco-friendly!

If you're interested in seeing how our pieces look at the Fortunoff site...CLICK HERE (Spoiler Alert: they still look AWESOME!)

Stay real,

The Real Jewels Team

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!

Long Fringe Earring with Pods - Real Sweet Collection - $350

Textured Bangle with Pods in Sterling Silver - Real Sweet - $250

Large Pod on Beaded Rhodolite Garnet Necklace - Real Sweet - $150

Pod Necklace 18 Karat Gold Over Sterling Silver - Real Sweet - $170

Heart Pendant with Diamond in Sterling Silver - Real Sweet - $90

Pod, Star and Lentil Ring in 18 Karat Gold over Sterling Silver with Diamond - Real Sweet - $190

Multi Pod Hoop Earrings in 18 Karat Gold over Sterling - Real Sweet - $190

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

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

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

 

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

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

http://www.thegreenshows.com 

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)

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

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