Just in time for Earth Day, The Andean Collection ($28-$68) has arrived at Old City's Sugarcube. The candy-colored collection of jewelry is hand-crafted using sustainably-harvested nut pods and seeds sourced from Ecuador. Further upping the eco-chic ante, the jewelry follows fair-trade principles: its artisans receive fair wages and share in the jewelry's profits.
When Sugarcube co-owner Elisa Buratto first spied the earth-friendly line, it was love at first sight: "The first time I saw the collection was a little over a year ago...the rep stopped by with her samples and my eyes popped out of my head! The colors were so vibrant and delicious I wanted to eat them!"
We're partial to the cluster-y beaded necklaces; passersby would never suspect that the pastel beads are actually açaí and pambil berry seeds. "They're ethnic without being too hippie dippie," adds Buratto.
The chunky, tagua nut pod bracelets are equally as covetable -- their silky smooth finish reminds us of ivory or large river rocks.
For more "green" coverage, view The Feast/Shop's list of must-see boutiques for the eco-conscious shopper.
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