OWNER'S BLOG
Manika is now a proud sponsor of Helge Hellberg’s radio show “An Organic Conversation” Saturdays at 10am on Green 960 AM. Helge, the Executive Director of Marin Organic, picked Manika because of our dedication to supporting local artisan jewelers who practice sustainable jewelry production. His show is a lively and heart felt conversation about ground breaking initiatives in the food, food production, and holistic health movement. It’s a show about getting real with ourselves, our health and the world we live in. Stream the show live on Saturdays at Green960am or listen to his shows archived on his website.
Buying green jewelry, or a least jewelry that has less of an impact on the environment has become quite popular recently. Eco-jewelry, made widely know by designer Toby Pomeroy, is jewelry made using precious metals that are reclaimed instead of mined. Mining an ounce of gold can mean acres of earth are strip mined and processed at huge energetic cost. Many of our jewelers are choosing to fabricate their jewelry lines using eco-gold and silver. This is as simple as simply asking for gold or silver that is 80% or more reclaimed. This can add peace of mind when you’re looking for a wedding band or a piece of significant jewelry.
My favorite new addition to our collection is the work of young New York designer Becca Straus. Becca’s jewelry has an abstract yet organic and natural look, taking much of its influence from nature and natural objects. Her “Wing” earrings iin white 18k with diamonds are one of her signature pieces – delicate but big enough to been seen well – and very light and comfortable to wear. The diamonds add a sparkle that catches the eye.
Another new addition is “Amali” a collection of woven 18k gold chain – truly amazing and beautiful. Creator Sara Freedenfeld discovered her passion for making jewelry while backpacking through South America. In Valparaiso, Chile she learned to combine natural elements with knotted strings to form intricate wearable art. In Venezuela she met an artist who taught her the how to link and mold metal. What Sara has created is a line of jewelry that unites the natural simplicity of handcrafted artistry with the sophistication and glamour of high fashion.
