Unfortunately, the rainforest is under increasing danger from loggers, farmers and big business these days.  Huge chunks of forest are being cut down every day – but there is something you can do to help.

“Plant a Billion Trees” is a cooperative effort with the Nature Conservancy to raise funds to reforest the Atlantic forest of Brazil.  The Atlantic forest is one of the most damaged areas of the rainforest – the end goal is to plant a billion (that’s right, a billion) new trees to help repair some of the damage.

The makers of “Brazilets” bracelets have pledged to donate 20% of the profits from the sales of the jewelry to the Billion Trees effort.

So what are Brazilets?

Brazilets are a tradition, dating back more than 200 years.  They’re soft, printed pieces of ribbon that are believed to grant wishes.  You tie one around your wrist, using three knots.  When the ribbon finally wears off, your wish will be granted!

They’re available in a rainbow of colors, either individually or as a “wish pack”.

image: Brazilets

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Plant Trees With Jewelry?

Her classic earring designs are perfect for complementing your outfit – never overwhelming it.  Her work does have an interesting twist though…

From conflict-free stones to exclusively recycled precious metals, every earring is designed to be as environmentally-friendly as possible.

Here’s what they do to make sure:

• All of the 14kt and 18kt gold is from recycled sources.
• The diamonds used aren’t mined from the earth – did you know that 250 tons of earth must be mined to produce one carat of diamond?
• All gemstones used are certified Fair Trade.
• The designs are all manufactured in the USA – in Los Angeles to be exact.

Let’s take a look at some of the lovely pieces you can wear guilt-free:

“Bee Mine” chandelier earrings, made from 14kt yellow gold.

14kt yellow gold “Rebekah’s Flower” large hoop earrings.

14kt gold “Canary Tear Drop Fleur de Lis“.

images: Rebekah Green

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Clean, Classic & Eco-Friendly Jewelry

Shakira sported a pair of very shiny snake earrings during her trip down the red carpet for the American Music Awards last night:

image: Zuma Press

There are quite a few designers using snakes as inspiration for their jewelry these days, but Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen from Elizabeth & James have created some elegant and realistic pieces:

image: Saks 5th Avenue

These drop earrings are made from a combination of rose gold and sterling silver, accented with diamond eyes.

If those are a little too realistic, Kara by Kara Ross has a more stylized option:

image: Bergdorf Goodman

These gold-plated brass earrings suggest snakes rather than reproduce them exactly.

Or you could wear a snake on your hand instead…

image: Net-A-Porter

This snake ring is from Kenneth Jay Lane’s latest collection and features black and silver-tone metal with clear and black crystals.

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Shakira and Her Snakes at the AMAs

I know that you’re thinking, “Holy God, why didn’t I know about this?” But, it’s okay. Pamela is a relative newcomer to the fashion scene. But she made a huge splash in Bryant Park this year, so I have a feeling the magazines are gonna catch on fast. Talon Claw Cuff available from Bona Drag. See more by Pamela Love.

Photo Credits: Bona Drag

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Talon Cuff by Pamela Love

Gorjana Jewelry wants to treat you today!

Until midnight tonight, you’ll save $20 off your order – as long as you enter the code “SPOILME20″ at the checkout.

So what kind of goodies can you find at Gorjana?  Let’s browse through their only shop…

The “Diamond Petal” necklace is available in their fine jewelry shop.  The necklace is made from 18kt yellow gold and features a single .025 kt diamond with a 16 inch chain.

The “Madison” is a set of three sterling silver bangle bracelets.  Each bracelet features two circles, making for a unique look when you stack them on your wrist.

I think the “Vine” ring is one of my favorites from the entire collection.  It’s available in either sterling silver or 18kt yellow gold (shown here).  The 5/8″ wide ring is made of layers of wrapped vines and leaves – only in precious metals.

images: Gorjana Jewelry

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Save on Gorjana Jewelry – Today Only!

Images: Skagen Designs

Silver Oval Necklace ($170)
Silver Oval Bracelet ($65)
Silver Oval Earrings ($30)

The design of these silver stainless steel ovals were inspired but the seashells found in the Danish sea.They all have a smooth and glossy finish that is not only elegant and sophisticated but they’re modern in style as well. These are the kind of accessories you can wear with just about any outfit. From casual looks to little black dresses, these Skagen Designs jewelry pieces are a great find. What I also love about this set is you can mix and match, wear just one or all – you really can’t go wrong.

If you love these too or want to see more head over to the Skagen Designs website for more information. Oh and if you do find something you love, make sure to enter the promo code: F09SPLENDICITY-25 for 25% off your order through December 20th!

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Silver Oval Collection by Skagen Designs

How about a necklace that can be turned into multiple looks – or even worn as a belt or bracelet?

Then you’re definitely going to want to check out Twisted Silver’s latest necklace and matching earrings – the Esmerelda.

Esmerelda is a combination of antiqued silver chain, the signature “Twisted” medallions and lots of feminine details like pearls, faceted crystals and a delicate crystal rondelle.  The necklace is a generous 62 inches long – which means you can wear it as one long lariat or wrap it into a shorter look.

My favorite way to wear it so far is to wrap it twice around my neck and use the clasp to link the two layers of chains together.  It keeps the wraps from shifting or tightening and is very comfortable.   It can also be wrapped three or even four times around your neck to create a layered bib necklace or choker.  The Esmerelda is even long enough to be worn as a delicate belt, or wrapped lots of times around your wrist to create a cuff bracelet.

Okay, so the matching earrings don’t have the same flexibility (would you really want earrings that can be worn as a belt though… didn’t think so!), but they provide a gorgeous accent to the necklace:

They’re made with four layers of the same antiqued silver chain and matching beads & pearls as the necklace.  The earrings are lightweight and comfortable to wear – even with all of the lovely accents!

images: Twisted Silver

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Get Twisted With Esmerelda!

Then you’re definitely going to want to check out jewelry designer Winifred Grace’s collection for Fall 2009.  Her jewelry is elegant, feminine and perfect for adding an extra dash of glamor for your special event!

She uses a combination of Swarovski crystal rhinestone chains, cut Swarovski crystals and sterling silver chain to create her unique fringed pieces.  This necklace is the “Fringe & Cut Stone” necklace, made with three shades of crystals (light Colorado topaz, silk and hematite).

The matching “Fringe & Cut Stone” bracelet is made with cut Swarovski crystals of different sizes, strung on gold-filled chain and accented with crystal chains.

And of course, you need the matching earrings to finish off your outfit!  The two inch long “Cluster” earrings feature a cut Swarovski crystal in the pale gold “crystal golden shadow” color.

images: Winifred Grace

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Sparkle With Winifred Grace Jewelry

Images: Neiman Marcus

Hello Kitty Purple Amethyst & Diamond Pendant Necklace ($950) – Is purple her favourite colour is maybe amethyst is her birthstone? Either way, this pretty necklace would make a wonderful birthday, anniversary or holiday gift idea for someone you love.

Images: Neiman Marcus

Simmons Jewlery Co Sterling Silver Hello Kitty Bracelet ($995) – A Hello Kitty take on the traditional charm bracelet. This one is dressed up in diamonds and coloured enamel, too cute!

Images: Neiman Marcus

Hello Kitty Diamond Bracelet Watch ($3550) – Wow, look at that price tag! Quite a lot of cash for a diamond encrusted watch but it’s Hello Kitty after all so it’s justified.

As you can see, these aren’t your average Sanrio store trinkets, these are for the hardcore Hello Kitty fanatics! If you want to really spoil them pick up one of these Hello Kitty inspired treats by Kimora Lee Simmons at Neiman Marcus and you’ll be granted eternal brownie points!

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Hello Kitty Dressed in Diamonds

Unlike some materials, pearls seem to exude their own restrained elegance…

But what happens when you add spikes and pearls together??

Some really great jewelry!

Japanese jewelry designer, Saya Hibino has paired classic pearl stud and drop earrings with some decidedly unusual accents.  Her new earrings combine white, gray and black pearls with little rows of either sterling silver or gold spikes:

The spikes turn the pearl earrings into something very hip and contemporary – but still totally wearable.  These are her gray pearl earrings with 14kt gold spikes, on matching ear wires.

Or if black pearls are more your style, you can get them on ear wires with either 14kt gold or sterling silver spikes as well.

You prefer a post-style earring?

Of course you can get your choice of pearl color and metal!

images: This Is Auto

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Spiky Fun with Pearls