Sustainablility and responsible sourcing have become important considerations influencing purchasing decisions on everything from food to cars and clothing.
For those looking for fine jewelry that not only makes them feel good because of its beauty but also because it’s responsibly made, two new sustainable lines are now available exclusively in Jacksonville through Anazao Galleries.
Kimberlin Brown has created jewelry for Adele, Zac Posen’s runways and model Helena Christensen.
She crafts her fine jewelry using reclaimed and responsibly sourced gold and silver and conflict free gems from around the world as varied in color as a coral reef.
“There is still a lack of consciousness and personal responsibility with regard to how we impact our planet and its natural resources,” says Jacob Danner, owner of Anazao Galleries.
Kimberlin’s hand-made fine jewelry celebrates the natural beauty of the many remote and off-the-beaten path destinations the jewelry designer has visited.
“When I submerse myself in the culture and natural beauty of places like otherworldly Iceland to the hidden beaches of the Côte d’Azur I return to my studio overflowing with ideas, sketches and photos along with handfuls of rocks, shells, dried flowers and other found treasures ready to translate into jewelry,” says Kimberlin.
Anazao Galleries is one of only nine retailers and galleries in the United States to offer Kimberlin’s collection.
“Each piece is like and individual hand-made treasure that captures the essence of nature as art,” says Jacob Danner, owner of Anazao Galleries.
Emilie Shapiro’s sustainable line of jewelry, also available in Florida through Anazao Galleries, is created with recycled metals and ethically sourced gemstones.
“Too many things that have value are disposed of. We need to reimagine these resources and use them to create objects of beauty like Emilie does through the sourcing of her materials.”
Emilie uses the ancient craft of lost wax casting which dates back to the Egyptians, wherein she carves sculptural pieces into hard wax and casts them into metal. She then incorporates rough gemstones into her handmade jewelry.
“Fusing her stones and metals together in the casting process, Emilie creates designs that are reflective of the imperfections in nature. Those random imperfections come together in perfect harmony in each and every one of her pieces,” explains Danner.
All of Kimberlin’s and Emilie’s pieces are handmade in their New York City studios.