Eco Chic Jewelry Statement Pieces

I’m typically the type of person that keeps it simple with my jewelry: diamond stud earrings, wedding ring, and a simple David Yurman necklace. This “uniform” works equally well with a little black dress or a plain white t-shirt and jeans. However, after spending years living in NYC, I’ve gained some confidence to mix up my usual ensemble with some vintage statement pieces. I saw it on the Academy Awards red carpet this spring with Amy Adams and others: Statement Pieces Are In! Turn up the volume on your everyday ensemble with a statement piece of your own.

Here’s how to do it without breaking the bank and without buying newly mass produced generic plastic jewelry: one of the best ways to “go green” is to reuse existing pieces in new ways. Made popular by the legendary Coco Chanel, costume jewelry became a part of everyday life in the 1930s – women began mixing inexpensive semi-precious or plastic stones, rhinestones and base metal chains. Those pieces were generally made with high-quality craftsmanship and are still around today, found in your mother’s back drawer, grandmother’s jewelry box, antique stores & flea markets. Take a walk down memory lane with your family members or seek out the antique fairs and festivals that summer brings – what a perfect opportunity to spend some time outside browsing with a mission.

Last summer, I stumbled upon an antique fair and after digging through a few baskets of vintage jewelry, I found four necklaces for six dollars each that caught my eye. Although I wasn’t entirely sure how or if I’d wear all of them, you can’t go wrong for $24.00! Two of those pieces have now become regular go-to statement pieces that draw compliments with each wearing. Another tip I recently discovered is that most antique stores have $1.00 jewelry bins with mismatched earrings, necklaces, bracelets and broaches. While these pieces might seem uninteresting at first glance and perhaps are even missing a stone or two, they are often gems in disguise.

How To Create Your Own Custom Eco Statement Piece:

1. Start with a collection of vintage pieces – even disassemble a few “damaged” necklaces to collect the best beads.

2. Restring a mismatched collection of large beads onto a fancy piece of ribbon - get creative and try mixing beads with a standout broach, locket or cameo! Using ribbon allows you to adjust the length of your necklace to match any neckline

3. Pin a broach on a satin headband.

4. String beads onto a metal or ribbon chain to create a charm on a plain purse.

5. Layer several costume pearl necklaces of different lengths.

Now that you’ve created these beautiful pieces, don’t be afraid to wear them! Change up your look, wear them for day and night – try a killer cocktail ring with a pair of jeans and a white tank top. Or throw on a casual summer dress with gladiator sandals and one of your dramatic, newly “renovated” necklaces. Simply put: go vintage, go green, make a statement, and be a conversation starter!

(Photo Courtesy of The Itzy Ritzy Fashionistas)