A Magpie's Nest

When it comes to ethical and sustainable shopping, jewellery is possibly one of the easiest things to find. Drumming up some fair trade and environmentally friendly jewellery makers for this week's blog was no hard task... however, choosing which gorgeous pieces to include was much more difficult!

Just like the magpie, I love glittery things, especially if they come in the form of beautiful necklaces, earrings or bangles. So here's my selection of jewellery that will make you sparkle on the outside and leave you feeling great on the inside.

Golden

You can't beat a bit of gold. Timeless yet fashionable it helps to spark up any outfit. Here are some of my golden favourites.

One: Hand-Made hammered brass cuff and ring with a wood-like effect from Made. Operating under fair trade and ethical principles, Made's goods are all hand-made in their workshop in Kenya. Made has collaborated with names such as Louis Vuitton, Tommy Hilfiger and Top Shop. Prices range from £20 - £40.
Two: Cute disc earrings engraved with leaves in copper and brass from Peopletree, one of the UK's biggest fair trade fashion houses. At £10 its incredibly affordable.
Three: Stunning Fern Leaf Wedding Bands made from certified fair trade and fairminted 18ct gold and Fallen For You Leaf printed bangle made from recycled sterling silver coated in 18ct gold. Both items are made by CRED Jewellery. Pioneers in ethical jewellery since 1996, CRED specialises in fair trade classical jewellery, engagement rings and wedding bands... Just in case you were considering popping the question! The wedding band also comes in 100% recycled platinum... good to know.
Four: Brass statement necklace also from Made. This necklace is a strong choice and ideal if you want to add a bit of spike to an outfit.

Colourful

Tired of the endless grey weather? Bring out all the colours of the rainbow with some of these fresh and happy pieces.

One: Multi-coloured choker incorporating beads and semi-precious stones. Shared Earth has made it their mission to improve the livelihood of disadvantaged people in developing countries and contributes towards keeping traditional skills alive that would otherwise be lost. Shared Earth has been selling fair trade goods and promoting ethical practice for over 20 years.
Two: Peacock bangle, also from Shared Earth. I've been a little obsessed with peacocks lately, so absolutely love this piece, and at £6.95 it's a steal!
Three: Brass hoop earrings with mint green glass beads from Peopletree. Yes, we're back to the mint green, just in love with that colour at the moment.
Four: Johari's Tabaka necklace incorporates unusual handcrafted paper beads and hammered brass triangle. 

Unusual

The accessories below may look normal, but each item comes with a bit of a twist. Looking for jewellery with a bit more to it? Then you'll love these pieces made rather unconventional materials.
 
One: Golden necklace with a blue stone made from recycled glass, from Made.
Two: These cute studd earrings from Peopletree are made from recycled sari fabrics. Hand-made in India, only £6!
Three: Environmentally friendly earrings from Urban Lace. These earrings are carved from the inner tubes of old bike tires which Urban Lace collects from local bike shops! They make deadly bracelets, necklaces and masks as well.
Four: Call Me Necklace from Hearts. As the name suggests, this fashion necklace is made using old phone cord. Hearts' mission is to sell accessories and jewellery that are vehicles for change. With every purchase from Hearts you help make the world a more sustainable, ethical and better place. Check out their 21 core values here.
Five: Up-cycled pendant necklace incorporating a bullet shell, also from Hearts. The necklace is made by a stay-at-home mum and designer from Alaska, who incorporates her daily finds and discarded items into her creations. Prices for Hearts jewellery vary, but generally start from about $20.
Six: Bracelet made from old parachutes and military material. Peacecord bracelets are made by women in Afghanistan. Peacecord ensures fair labour practices, creates employment and opportunities for artisans and disadvantaged women and provides them with training and education. What a great way to support the cause of women for only $15!

Favourite Find

And finally, I just want to share one of my favourite finds with you. I just recently bought this beautiful brass leaf necklace at Hibiscus Flower, a great fair trade fashion shop in Edinbufgh (there's more to follow on that one!). Like some of the pieces above its from Johari and I can't wait to wear it. Johari, which means "something precious" in Swahili is a social enterprise that works to empower vulnerable young adults in Kenya. 100% of the profit from Johari's sales are used to fund community projects run by the Johari Foundation. The programmes provide for children and youn adults educational, vocational, social and basic needs and help them to a better future.

Right, I'm magpied out! I hope you enjoyed some of my selections... What a better way to change the world is there than by treating yourself (or someone else) to some beautiful jewellery!

Which was your favourite piece? Do you know any other ethical or sustainable jewellery places?

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