Wooddaya Know?
As surprising as it may be, the hot new “metal” to create buzz is wood, which is not really a metal at all. Wood rings may sound strange but they represent the ultimate in eco-accessories; they’re incredibly durable, sourced from Mother Nature and stylized to work with any outfit (wood, after all, is a neutral).
Gustav Reyes is the owner of Simply Wood Rings in Chicago, has had his unique creations of garner the attention of major press publications like the New York Times and The Knot. Reyes uses salvaged lumber, remnants from old jewelry, and elements from musical instruments and even found materials like concrete and rust to create his rings.
Reyes, a woodworker and artist, has a client list looking for custom wooden rings that includes everyone from newlyweds to art dealers (many of whom are environmentally conscious). Reyes originally started his woodworking career making cabinets and took an interest in jewelry after his wife began suffering from metal allergies. His alternative ring project turned into a business venture and Simply Wood Rings was born.
For those still seeking sparkle, Reyes doesn’t neglect bling entirely, he adds diamonds, braided silver or gold nuggets to many of his tree-spawned treasures. Ring prices range from $120 to $340 for highly intricate wedding sets.
Tagua is viewed as a sustainable alternative to ivory derived from animals and responsible harvesting may actually augment rainforest conservation in South America. The nuts are gathered only after they’ve matured and fallen from the tree and are dried, thinly sliced and permanently dyed (non-toxic) before transforming into pretty jewelry pieces. Locals Amazonian Indians believe that vegetable ivory or tagua nuts bring prosperity, happiness, love and abundance. Tagua is a terrific alternative to plastic and can also be found in items like buttons, sculptures, figurines and even chess pieces. The Palma Collection has been featured in Lucky Magazine, Women’s Health, and GQ magazine.
