I have a complicated relationship with jewelry. I adore the multi-faceted glitter of gems and the glamour of gold, and I appreciate the artistry of a custom-made piece. However, I get all bent out of shape when it comes to weighing the costs of my jewelry to the environment, to those who find and handle the raw materials, and of course, to myself (this economy makes it difficult to justify a splurge). Last year, when my now-husband and I decided to get married, I put strict parameters on the engagement ring: no diamonds, no unnecessary dazzle, and no debt. We decided together on an 18k yellow-gold band with a little clover made of dark red rubies. Designed by Jessica Fields, it reminded us of the stained-glass windows in the cathedrals we’d seen on a recent trip to France.

For the wedding ring, I planned to get a plain gold band…until a friend told me about Blanca Monrós Gómez. The Barcelona-born, Brooklyn-based artist, who has designed jewelry for Nicole Miller, has a wonderfully organic style. I was smitten with her earrings that resemble dried flower buds, and her “seed” rings that look delicate solo, and lovely and wilder when worn in stacks of multiples. I also liked that Blanca uses recycled metals and works with environmentally responsible sources—and lives within walking distance from us, allowing us to “shop locally.”

Click here to read full article:

ELLE.com