2011 Best of Eco-Fashion: Melissa Joy Manning Herkimer Diamonds
Melissa Joy Manning Herkimer Diamond Stud Earrings ($125 to $615, depending on size and setting).
She’s known for gorgeous oversized cocktail rings and necklaces from sheer pieces of agate, but it’s Melissa Joy Manning’s signature sustainable twist on classic heirloom essentials that have us at hello.
Practically since EcoStiletto started, we’ve been obsessed with Melissa’s line of always-recycled metal jewelry, which is produced locally and fair trade in Oakland, CA. A true social and environmental visionary, Melissa Joy Manning was named Inc. Magazine’s Inner City 100 list, which honors the fastest growing companies operating in U.S. “inner cities.” Who says working for good can’t be successful?
With pieces like these, you can see why. Taking an iconoclastic approach to the basic diamond stud, Melissa re-imagines them in rugged, conflict-free Herkimer Diamonds and recycled 14-karat gold.
Talk to me, Harry Winston, tell me all about it.
What makes something our “best of” eco-fashion for the year? Dedication to sustainability and a ridiculous sense of style, as evidenced by Lara Miller, Melissa Joy Manning, Beyond Skin and Sprout. If we could fill our closets full of this eco-awesomeness, we’d be happy little elves this season.
