Posts Tagged ‘C5’

Five Fabulous Green Gifts For Cancers

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010

Now that we’ve moved into the sun sign of Cancer the Crab (June 21-July 20), it’s time to celebrate the birthdays of these emotional, perceptive and sensitive Moon Children! Cancers will tell you that “any gift is special, as long as it’s from YOU” … but we all know there are certain items that will put a glint in a Cancer’s eye! So we’ve found some gorgeous green gifts that will delight a wide variety of Moon Children.

Swirl Earrings and pendant 385x280Emotions run deep in those born under the Cancer sun sign. While they often project a confident personality, Cancers are gentle souls whose emotions perhaps affect them more than the average person. This is why the “spiral” shape is most often associated with Cancers. The spiral is a symbol of constant energy, forever turning inward. Because silver is the Cancer element, we think these amazing recycled sterling-silver spiral jewelry pieces by C5 are ideal for the introspective and thoughtful Cancer. Handmade in a fair-labor studio in Bali, no two of these pieces are exactly alike.

StephenEMoonlightA2 385x338Like the Moon Children they are, Cancers are physically and mentally affected by the moon like no other sign in the zodiac. Their moods can directly correspond to the waxing and waning lunar cycles. A beautiful clear moon in the night sky gives Cancer a sense of spiritual peace. Celebrate the Cancer’s intimate relationship to her ruling Moon with acclaimed jewelry artist Stephen Estelle’s “Moonlight” collection. These enchanting fine jewelry pieces are made from sterling silver and smoky quartz, renowned for promoting balance and harmony. Handcrafted by the artisan family that created jewelry for Nepal’s Maharajahs, these stunning pieces are guaranteed for life.

Tuttio_Both_A_385x353While Cancers may travel far and wide, and enjoy success in a variety of pursuits — career, sports, arts, hobbies, or academics — their hearts will always remain at home. The home is the safe “shell” that Crabs need in order to stay centered and on track. Cancers have a deep connection to everyday items that help to nurture and sustain them, and they love practical household items that have a sense of artistry or history. We think Cancers will love these Tutto Mio ceramic noodle bowls, hand-thrown in Italy’s Umbria region by artists practicing ancient and revered Italian ceramic arts. These non-toxic and gorgeous bowls can be brought out for special occasions, showcased as a display bowl for other lovely items, or simply used on the dinner table every single night.

CitrusSet_A_375x311Cancers are known as caretakers who will often put other people’s needs before theirs. It’s a hard habit for them to break, and this is why Cancers truly appreciate gifts that let them indulge and care for themselves for a change! Check out this all-natural botanical Spa Set from Pharmacopia: it contains items that can be used every day (lip balm, shea butter hand cream) or for times when he or she could use some extra relaxation (massage & body oil, bath salts). Choose from intoxicating aromatherapeutic Citrus or Ginger scents that are suitable for both men and women.

YakMtnXFinally, Cancer babies and children are loving little beings who are highly sensitive to their surroundings — so much so that they may need more nurturing and soothing than other kids. Cancer children tend to cling to “security” items like cuddly toys and blankets — anything that comforts them and makes them feel loved wherever they are. These Fair Trade Certified cashmere baby blankets by Yak Mountain are 100 percent natural, non-toxic, downy-soft and, at a generous 36” by 44”, is one of the few items that a Cancer baby can use throughout childhood. It may not be a shiny toy or fast-paced game, but it will be a well-loved possession that will stay with a Cancer for life. Hand-loomed by Tibetan artisans from humanely harvested natural fibers, this gorgeous hand-washable blanket is an heirloom gift that can be passed along to the next generation.

Whatever the gift, you can be sure that if you put some thought and consideration into a Cancer’s birthday present, he or she will cherish and appreciate it for a long, long time! Happy Birthday, Cancer!

Jewelry Trend: push presents

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

[This article was written by Elegant Roots' friend and designer of our Avenue Green Collection from C5 company, Meghan Connolly Haupt, and originally posted on Meghan's blog. Thanks Meghan for letting us share this with our readers. We have added the Images: Swirl Necklace by C5; El Corazon by Julio Pagliani; and Circle Pendant by C5.] 0102_1 Swirl Necklace 200x282

A “push present” is a gift that a person gives to their partner (the new mom) when she has a baby. Having a baby has always been cause for celebration, but in recent years, more and more women expect and receive a piece of jewelry to commemorate the event. Many women believe that a nice piece of fine jewelry is the least she should get in exchange for 9 months of discomfort that ends in hours of extreme pain.

A 2007 survey of over 30,000 respondents by BabyCenter.com found that 38% of new mothers received a push present, and 55% of pregnant mothers wanted one, though fewer thought it was actually expected.

While I am not fond of the term “push present,” a gift of jewelry is always a terrific way to mark a significant event in life, such as having a baby. Most likely, any jewelry associated with such a wonderful event will be proudly worn and then passed down for generations to come. ElCorazon_A_385x385

Whether it is a necklace, ring, earrings or bracelet, consider a piece that is fair-trade or ethically sourced. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but by being sustainable, it will be that much more special. 0103_1 Circle Pendant 150x150

[Elegant Roots offers many choices for the perfect "push present." Heirloom-quality pieces are the best -- timeless design, timeless quality, including pieces from the Avenue Green Collection.]

Ten Tips from Elegant Roots When Choosing Recycled

Monday, April 26th, 2010

10 Tips from Elegant Roots When Choosing “Recycled”

1. Choose truly “recycled” ~ Truly “recycled” (like for silver) means: extracted from some component and melted down to something new. That can use a lot of energy, but it’s clearly better than mining new silver. Some great jewelry designers work exclusively in recycled precious metals. Check out the Avenue Green Colection from C5 company. 0105_1 flower bracelet 385x272

2. Choose reclaimed ~ Other practices get tossed under the word “recycling.” Laura Bergman of Bottled Up Designs forages for broken antique glass pieces from the woodlands of Pennsylvania’s Amish Country, cuts them and mounts them into astounding jewelry pieces. That’s reclaimed or repurposed. It uses only a bit of energy, and it also cleans up the woodlands. By contrast, true recycling of glass would entail melting it to start anew. That’s energy intensive but prevents waste.
pinkpetiteneck and earrings 380x274 copy

3. Choose precycled ~ Melissa Kolbusz of [wired] designs salvages obsolete but unused industrial material to create her edgy jewelry. That’s precycled, and it uses no additional energy.
SurGen-2 385x296

4. Don’t choose collectible ~ Antique subway tokens, for example, are collectible; they are not going to the landfill – they’re valuable.

5. Don’t choose phony “recycled” ~ African weavers made baskets from reclaimed telephone wire. It was so popular they ran out of reclaimed wire. They began buying new wire. Everybody’s got to make a living, but those baskets are not “recycled.”

6. Choose recyclable ~ When you’re finished with it, can it be reused, repurposed or recycled?

7. Don’t buy junk ~ Don’t buy something that’s throw-away junk, even if it’s made from recycled materials. Encourage producers to design products that stand the test of time.

8. Know the social impact ~ Would you buy a recycled product if you knew the workers were sweat-shop exploited?

9. Buy less but buy better ~ Sometimes quality recycled products cost a bit more. Get used to buying fewer things, while buying things that are meaningful in their environmental and social impact.

10. Demand information ~ ElegantRoots.com supports the transparency movement. We want you to have the info that allows you to make an informed choice – to align your purchases with your values. That why we provide “our four Ws”: Who made it, Where, of What, and Why, beyond its beauty and function, it would be a worthy choice.

Five Thoughtful Eco Gifts for Mom

Thursday, April 15th, 2010

Finding just the right gift for Mom can be tricky. How can you express “I love you,” “Thank you,” and “Sorry about my high school years” — all in one item she’ll treasure? Here are five gifts made with joy, love and care, and are as gentle to the earth as they are beautiful and unique — all characteristics you associate with your mom. These Mother’s Day selections support women’s collectives, artists, and fair trade, so they’re a gift to Mother Earth too.

All Elegant Roots gifts come beautifully packaged using organic and recycled gift wraps, free of charge, straight from the eco-friendly facilities who partner with us.

GOAT’S BEARD SEED ORBS by Seed Shaman

Elegant Roots-GoatsBeard Seed Orbs

Seed Orbs allow a stunning glimpse into a secret of nature. Artist Richard Solomon, the “Seed Shaman,” hand-harvests seed pods from the “goat’s beard” plant and allows them to bloom in American-made glass globes. All vary in size, color, and number of seeds. Your Seed Orb can be placed atop glasses or grouped in glass bowls. Attach the hanging-cap and create a stunning ornament for the holidays or every day. This will delight all plant or nature lovers, gardeners, or anyone else who appreciates uniquely beautiful home accessories.

CIRCLES FROM AVENUE GREEN COLLECTION by C5
Elegant Roots - CIRCLES pendant & braceletIf your mom is classic, elegant, smart and one-of-a-kind, she’ll love Avenue Green’s “Circles” collection. Each piece is handmade in Bali from 100 percent reclaimed sterling silver, weaving design surprises into sleek and simple modern lines. These pieces are inspired by NYC’s South Bronx neighborhood, where multicultural urban living meets the natural beauty of the Bronx Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

HANDMADE ETHIOPIAN TOTE BAGS by Creative Women

ElegantRoots - Handmade Totes by Creative Women

These totes may look beautiful (and they are). but don’t be fooled — they’re durable and functional, as they’re crafted with green materials including an Egyptian cotton/rayon textile woven for strength and luster. Mom can use it a purse, exercise tote, knitting/ crafts bag, reuseable shopping bag, or in any other way that suits her lifestyle. These chic bags are crafted with care by Creative Women, a fair-trade women’s artisan collective in Ethiopia that gives its members rare opportunities for economic independence. Your mom’s gift will support other mothers and grandmothers in places of the world where good jobs are scarce.

KAKADOO JEWELRY by Dori Csengeri

ElegantRoots- Kakadoo Jewelry Collection

Dori Csengeri’s vibrant jewelry is as bold and beautiful as the women who wear it, and has been showcased in Vogue, Glamour, Marie Claire and In Style. A gift from the Kakadoo Collection is equally appropriate for lively moms who command attention, or understated moms who want to add a pop of color to basic black. Designer Dori Csengeri produces this stunning line in Israel with other talented artists, using eco- conscious materials — gifts created for amazing women by amazing women.

NATURAL TRANQUILITY SPA SET by Sonoma Lavender
ElegantRoots- Sonoma Lavender Spa Set

What better gift for Mom than refreshment and relaxation for a sore back, knotted neck or tired feet? Organic cotton booties and a body heatwrap come with organic lavender-and-flaxseed inserts, and are microwaveable for instant warmth. Mom will feel the tension drain away when she applies scented, aromatherapeutic heat at the end of a tiring day. Lavender is a universally appealing fragrance, and this Natural Lavender Footbalm is made with organic lavender from a Sonoma County, California family farm.

An item made with joy, by talented artisans, infuses love into your Mother’s Day gift. We can’t think of anything more appropriate for Mom.

Another Jewel in the ElegRoo Crown

Thursday, April 1st, 2010

ElegantRoots.com is committed to becoming the top destination for high-concept and high-design green jewelry — wearable art, artisan-made and promoting eco-consciousness and social justice. flower_&_circle_ bracelets 385x275

We’ve taken another step toward becoming that premier eco-gallery by being the first in the U.S. to offer C5 company’s Avenue Green Collection from designer Meghan Connolly Haupt. Avenue Green is 100% recycled sterling silver and is C5’s FIRST ready-to-wear line inspired by the blending of sleek urban lines with the irrepressible shapes of nature.

C5 has always used only recycled precious metals and ethically sourced gems and has made it’s name in the most exclusive end of the jewelry sector — commission-only, custom pieces of fine jewelry designed in collaboration with the person commissioning the piece. Swirl Earrings and pendant 385x280

C5 has brought the same exacting standards and attention to detail to this first ready-to-wear line. Check it out along with our other fantastic assortment.

Twin Firsts: C5 Recycled Silver and Elegant Roots

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

Elegant Roots is proud to announce twin firsts! Circle Pendant and bracelet 385x285 copy

Avenue Green is the FIRST ready-to-wear jewelry collection from C5 company, known for its exclusive, by-commission-only, custom-designed fine jewelry — and exclusively using recycled precious metals and ethically sourced gems.

And, Elegant Roots is the FIRST in the U.S. to offer C5 company’s Avenue Green, a collection in 100% recycled sterling silver from C5’s designer, Meghan Connolly Haupt. MCH PRIMARY HEADSHOT with correct name 4x5 at 72

Avenue Green is a compelling line inspired by the South Bronx — multi-cultural urban living against the backdrop of the incredible natural beauty of the Bronx Botanical Gardens and the Bronx Zoo. Haupt has perfectly rendered the urban-natural counterpoint with sleek lines within nature’s most profound shapes. Swirl Earrings and pendant 385x280

Join us in welcoming C5 company to Elegant Root’s fine list of designers and artisans working with an eye on the environment and social justice.