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

Resolutions Made NOT to be Broken!

So, it's a new year, right?

You've resolved to kick your cookie & chip obsession, exercise more, turn off the TV, put out the cigarette, and feng shui your living space.  Cool.

But how about some resolutions you can actually keep (we'll help)?

Here at Real Jewels, we have this idea of "resolutions we can live with"...these will be our small ways to help the environment in 2011 and we guarantee they'll make ya feel good!  Because if we all help a little...it will amount to a lot, right?  Right!

We're curious to see what kind of eco-friendly magic tricks you have up those 100% cotton recycled sleeves of yours (just sayin')!  Leave your best ideas on our OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE!

While we're talking green, we'd like to take a moment to salute the pioneers in the following organizations and give our public support to their continued effort in educating consumers on the environmental benefits of using recycled precious metals.  We here at Real Jewels are proud to be affiliated with the following organizations and encourages all consumers to learn more about what they can do to help the environment.  We now have a choice!

NO DIRTY GOLD

EARTHWORKS

RESPONSIBLE JEWELLERY COUNCIL

MADISON DIALOGUE

We invite you to take a look at these amazing organizations and the tireless work they do to protect our precious natural resources and promote sustainability! 

At Real Jewels, we believe that "responsibly made" should be synonymous with trendy and fashionable...and that NOW is the time to embrace sustainability and promote awareness for future generations.  Real Jewels believes that one person REALLY CAN make a difference...and when you wear our jewelry, you are doing your part to make the planet a healthier place! 

Happy GREEN new year!

Stay real,

The Real Jewels Team

'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.

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

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 

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

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