One of my favorite things about blogging is that I seem to attract collaborations that truly feel like they were meant to be. A perfect example of this is when one of my favorite companies, UncommonGoods, reached out to me and asked me to select a piece from their extraordinary jewelry collection to review. If you have never taken the time to look at their jewelry before, stop what you are doing right this second and check it out now — warning: you might be tempted to spend a lot of money, however I promise you that you can feel good about your purchase/s. Why? Behind every product at UncommonGoods there is an incredible story; it is that of an emerging designer just introducing her work to the world, artisans working collaboratively in a low income country, or a seasoned artist crafting each of his pieces by hand.
I was overwhelmed with which piece I should choose, until I came across the Rustling Leaves earrings by Fernanda Sibilia. Instantly, I felt like they were made for me! Not only are they gorgeous and completely my style, the designer is from Buenos Aires, Argentina. If you have been following my blog for some time, then you know about my deep connection with the “Paris of the South.” My husband is from there and it is the city I was married in, thus it is like my second home. So, to support such a talented woman from there was one of the easiest decisions I have ever made. While the earrings were my favorite choice, UncommonGoods also has an amazing selection of bracelets, rings, and necklaces too.
Crafting each piece entirely by hand, Fernanda Sibilia creates beautiful, easy to wear jewelry that combines functionality with craft. Particular care and attention is paid to the finish of the metals used, highlighting unusual colors, textures, and patinas. Utilizing a vibrant mix of color, the handmade nature means each piece is unique. Fernanda is inspired by organic 20th Century design, traditional Latin American jewelry, and the materials she works with.
To make the Rustling Leaves earrings, she deftly shapes brass sheets into delicate petals and electroplates select elements with lustrous gold and warm copper. She then lets the magic of oxidation give select pieces a one-of-a-kind patina that varies in hue from dark umber to creamy sea green. To finish, she strings a trio of the fluttery, triangular pieces onto chic gold-plated earring wires. The outcome are a pair of earrings that will take your breath away!
Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, UncommonGoods is an privately-owned retailer that endeavors to feature unique designs and handcrafted gifts created in harmony with the environment and without harm to animals or people. They run their operations out of the historic Brooklyn Army Terminal where the lowest-paid seasonal worker starts at 50% above the minimum wage. They make it their mission to support and provide a platform for artists and designers; in fact, half of what they sell is made by hand. Most of the products they carry are created right here in the USA and about one-third of their entire collection incorporates recycled and/or upcycled materials. At the core of their company is a great respect for the integrity of the creative individual and the belief that it is their responsibility to use our business to impact the world in a positive way. One of my favorite things about UncommonGoods is that since they are an independently-owned business, they have the freedom to support causes they truly believe in.
With every purchase made, they are proud to donate $1 to the non-profit of the customer’s choice. Since they started the “Better to Give” program 12 years ago, they have donated over $700,000 to charities around the world. So, why not help better the world while looking stylish by shopping at UncommonGoods!
Ooh, very pretty and a great size (I love large earrings). Nice also that they donate part of their proceeds. Isn’t it great to see how consumers are increasingly drawn to companies that do so?
Large earrings are the best right? And yes, I agree, sooo good that consumers are drawn to companies that give back!