SPROUT Watches 38mm Bird Print Dial Watch, $60

Earth Day may be over, but those who care about the environment know what time it is when it comes to making more sustainable choices when it comes to the products they buy. Sprout uses corn resin, mineral crystal or bamboo for their watch dials, and biodegradable materials for casings at a price that’s wallet friendly as well as environmentally aware. While this watch has plenty of green credibility, it’s the design that won us over. The bright blue bird perched on your wrist is sure to spark  more conversations when someone asks for the time.

Vogue is a brand that has plenty of experience with insensitivity: American Vogue published a puff piece on the Syrian first couple just as uprisings in North Africa and the Middle East were heating up, French Vogue published a blackface editorial and a piece with children dressed and made up as adults (the latter may have been behind Carine Roitfeld’s departure), but we’ve always held out a bit more hope for Vogue Italia.

Not only for the groundbreaking all Black model issue, which sought to highlight the lack of diversity on runways and in magazine spreads (and went on to sell more copies than any other issue to date), but because of the seeming commitment to carry a more inclusive take on fashion on a regular basis. Even though it was only online, Vogue Italia gave the web Vogue Black and Vogue Curvy, which celebrated two frequently sidelined groups in fashion. It even managed to do it by tapping some of our favorite fashion bloggers in a smart way – very ahead of the curve.

So it’s extra disturbing to see how they’ve handled a feature on hoop earrings.

Yesterday, Jezebel picked up on a piece that originally appeared in Vogue Italia’s jewelry section in March 2010. The title? “Slave Earrings.”

While the headline is enough to offend to start with, it’s the original writeup that really stinks.

“Jewellery has always flirted with circular shapes, especially for use in making earrings. The most classic models are the slave and creole styles in gold hoops.

If the name brings to mind the decorative traditions of the women of colour who were brought to the southern United States during the slave trade, the latest interpretation is pure freedom. Colored stones, symbolic pendants and multiple spheres. And the evolution goes on.”

-Anna Bassi for Vogue Gioiello

First “jewellery has always flirted with circular shapes”? That’s like saying books have always flirted with paper. Moving on, while there may be some historical accuracy to the shape of “slave and creole” earrings being hoops, we’re pretty darn sure they weren’t a welcome gift from kindly plantation owners who brought them over for tea and fireside chats.

While historical origins are historical origins, there are some things that will never be in fashion. Involuntary slavery is one of those things. There’s a reason military styles aren’t described as “fascist fashion” and gold stars aren’t presented to people as “gas chamber chic.”

Vogue has since backpedaled and changed the headline to “Ethnic Earrings” and completely removed the writeup, after previously editing it to remove specific references to slavery. Still, is it any better?

Fashionista points out that “itâ€s equally frightening that the high fashion magazine, would find the two words–slave and ethnic–interchangeable.” So no, not really any better.

While we’re not sure of the exact type, earrings and ear piercing date back to ancient Greece, and are even mentioned in the Bible in various contexts (one of which is in reference to slaves), so which “ethnicity” are we talking about? Ancient Jewish people? Ancient Greeks? Perhaps Ancient Germans, considering a quick stop at Wikipedia turns up a pretty old looking hoop from the 6th or 7th century (that pre-dates American slavery, in case your math is off) that was discovered at the grave of a girl from the Alamannic (Germanic) tribe.

The most recent statement on the article reads

“WE’VE DECIDED TO REMOVE THE ARTICLE FROM THE SITE TO PROVE OUR GOOD FAITH AND TO SHOW IT WASN’T OUR INTENTION TO INSULT ANYONE.”

And a simple update to title the piece “Circular Earrings” would be nice too.

Remember when Eartha Kitt asked Santa Baby for the deed to a platinum mine? This Christmas, you may want to revert your wishlist back to the gold standard if current trading conditions continue through to December.

Today, the price of gold reached parity with platinum, pushing the value of the fine jewelry metal to a level not seen since 2008. It hit a record high of $1715.29 per troy ounce following the downgrade of the US government’s credit rating by Standard & Poor’s as investors looked for a safe haven alternative to more volatile stocks. Platinum, which hit a low of $1703 per ounce, doesn’t get the same boost as gold because it’s largely seen as an industry product while gold is also seen as something of a monetary instrument. {Wall Street Journal}

These platinum and gold rings from Tiffany are different prices, but have the same value. For now.

What this will mean for fine jewelry prices isn’t immediately clear, but on most jewelers’ sites, platinum is still at a premium compared to gold. At Tiffany & Co., a platinum ring with a small yellow diamond is $1300, while a similar yellow gold ring with a similarly sized yellow diamond is $750.

Obviously at some point, the price disparity is going to catch up to jewelry stores who will have to pass the sharp rise in raw material prices along to consumers. The Los Angeles Times reports that LA jewelry stores are already doing most of their business on the buying side, as the rising prices are driving buyers to wait longer before purchasing, purchase thinner wedding bands, or go for an entirely different metal – like silver – altogether.

The collection is comprised of full length tights and thigh high stockings in a variety of prints and textures inspired by New York. That translates to leopard print, pinstripes, polka dots, and fishnets. Which is actually a pretty accurate representation of the textures and patterns you’ll see around the city, but the collection may have done a little better with a slightly later release date.

The price is reasonable – $15 to $24 each, but they land in department stores in August. Considering the heat blanketing most of the country, we’re pretty sure tights and traditional hosiery are going to be the last thing on the mind of most shoppers if the triple digit temperatures stick around.

And we were weirded out by the jewelry that looks like little human bones. If gold and silver vertebrae don’t satisfy your fascination with kinda creepy accessories, you can now sink your teeth into a piece of jewelry with real bite. We’re not kidding – it’s a ring made of actual human teeth. {the Gloss} Or, a necklace with human hair thrown in if you’re not sure about rings, but absolutely want in on some toothy adornments.

Tell us the tooth - would you wear human teeth and hair jewelry?

Van der Glas, an Australian Etsy seller, offers the ring pictured above for $1000 AUD (approximately $1070 USD at current exchange rates), but also has necklaces and earrings featuring human teeth, some combined with human hair. You can send in your own teeth for a 10% discount, or go with the designer’s pre-selected teeth at regular retail price.

Now these might make an amazing gift for the dentist who has everything, or the stylish boxer who wants a trinket representing his latest win that’s more discreet than a flashy belt, and admittedly we’re slightly interested in seeing what a Lil’ Wayne (or a similarly bling toothed rapper) version of this would look like; but for anyone else who isn’t a cannibal or serial killer on the side the ick factor kind of takes away from the style credibility.

Not to mention the price tag – while the pieces do have a pretty cool presentation, our tooth fairy returns maxed out at $5: the least expensive tooth trinket in this collection is $500 AUD. Then there’s maintenance: do you have to brush your jewelry with a fluoride toothpaste to keep it from getting a cavity? If you get the necklace that includes hair, do you have to shampoo and condition one part, and brush the other? Granted it says that the pieces have been sterilized, but for $500 you could probably find a respectable dentist to clean your entire mouth so that you aren’t losing teeth and have money left over for jewelry that won’t creep people out.

Maybe that’s just our take though; what say you? Would you wear human teeth in your fine jewelry?

Images via Van der Glas Etsy shop

Last week at their Manhattan flagship location, De Beers Diamond Jewellers celebrated the launch of their new and incredibly in-depth website, Debeers.com.

The event was intimate and insightful, as we toured through each collection, the new website and a viewing of their one-of-a-kind patented technology, the De Beers Marque.

For connoisseurs and first-time buyers alike, De Beers has truly transformed Debeers.com into the ultimate destination for a definitive reference for diamond jewelry.

“The new Debeers.com and the accompanying digital campaign mark an important step for De Beers Diamond Jewellers. It is a truly immersive experience that brings our art of diamond jewellery to light-with beautiful images, bespoke content from diamond jewellery experts and a unique insight into our design creations. We see it as the definitive diamond information resource, expressing our role as the diamond mentor for consumers,” said CEO Francois Delage.

The most fascinating feature from De Beers is the De Beers Marque. This is an engraving on the inside of the diamond impossible to see with the naked eye. Imprinted are the words “De Beers” with an identification number below. Unlike certification techniques used by other jewellers, the Marque can not be tampered with or removed, even by a laser. The impenetrable nature of this technique gives the consumer the ultimate piece of mind knowing their diamond is safely catalogued in the De Beers Diamond Registry. Corresponding to each diamond is the De Beers Passport, documenting the specifications of your diamond and ensuring that every single De Beers Diamond is natural, untreated, conflict-free and responsibly sourced and manufactured.

With rough diamond prices set to rise on increased US demand from a recovering economy, and China and India set to balance out an anticipated drop in Japanese diamond consumption, {Reuters} the new website seems to signal a rethink on e-tail as one way to point out the little differences and keep the US consumer loyal to the brand. Fine jewelry brands have been some of the staunchest holdouts when it comes to e-commerce and online promotion, echoing early sentiments of luxury fashion brands that people won’t buy high value items without an in store experience.

Original design sketches of De Beers jewelry, personal stories and expert opinion are all at your fingertips on the new website, so it will be interesting to see if fine jewelry will follow in the steps of high fashion in dispelling the myth that a luxury shopping experience can’t take place in front of a computer screen. While the most expensive pieces and engagement rings are still behind a “request viewing” barrier, part of the collection is available for purchase if a particular piece of jewelry catches your eye (and you have a spare $5000 or so). Hopefully, as more shoppers turn to De Beers as a destination, even those barriers will come down.

Top Row, L to R

Stefano Patriarchi Golden Silver Etched Oval Ring $245
Del Gatto Diamond and Coral Three-stone 18K Gold Ring $2750
Antica Murrina Rubik Grey Murano Glass Drops Ring $65
Masini Blue Square Murano Glass & Sterling Silver Ring $197

Middle Row, L to R

Tagliamonte Marina Collection Blue Starfish 18K Gold Ring $954
Kris Regina Blue Stone Bronze Ring $216
Torrini Dany Amethyst Gemstone 18K Yellow Gold Ring $1698
Antica Murrina Rubik Multicolor Murano Glass Drops Ring $65

Bottom Row, L to R

Tagliamonte Classics Collection Carved Detail 18K Gold Ring with Pearls & Rubies $1298
Torrini Elena Chiseled 18K Rose Gold Shield Ring $1749
Torrini Polly Blue Topaz and Diamonds Yellow Gold Ring $4359
Torrini Dany Oval Garnet Yellow Gold Ring $2500
Alcozer & J Crystal Bee Brass Ring $349

All @Forzieri

Amy Adams’ necklace and bracelet were worth more than $1 million. For all of the diamonds, and intricately carved emeralds involved, we’re not surprised.

It will take some time to find exact replicas of Reese and Amy’s pieces (jewelry makers have had a while to get things together with Angelina Jolie’s green earrings), but we found some beautiful pieces out there that already come close and won’t requrie bodyguards.

The shape is slightly different, but that vibrant color definitely bears more than a passing resemblance to Angelina Jolie’s famous earrings.

1. Kenneth Jay Lane Green Austrian Crystal Earrings, $150 @Max & Chloe

The intricacies of Amy Adams’ bracelet are part of what made it so stunning. This green onyx bracelet is wrapped in crystals in a beautifully detailed metal setting.

2. Shabana Khan Green Onyx Sophia Bracelet, $284 @Max & Chloe

It takes two (necklaces that is) to get the look right for the necklace Adams wore, but it also allows you to make it your own. For the first part, try a necklace with continuous crystals. For the eye-catching centerpiece, a gem with several shades of green will mimic the carvings that made the emerald unique. Or, take your inspiration from the shape and pair with a vibrant, tear-shaped pendant.

3. RJ Graziano Crystal Necklace, $88 @Nordstrom

4. Blu Bijoux Green Crystal Necklace, $24 (SALE) @Max & Chloe

5. Max & Chloe Collection Green Adventurine and Diamond Teardrop Necklace, $398 @Max & Chloe

These earrings have stones in contrasting shades and shapes, similar to the earrings Reese Witherspoon wore.

6. Bounkit Green Onyx and Peridot Long Earrings, $330 @Charm and Chain

Bookmark this page; weâ€ll update our picks for the best Alexis Bittar jewelry as new options become available. Earrings, necklaces bracelets: which Alexis Bittar pieces are on your favorites list?

Alexis Bittar Jewelry March 2011 Favorites

1. Alexis Bittar Gold Crystal Encrusted Orbiting Cuff Bracelet $225 @Charm and Chain
2. Alexis Bittar Rose Gold Spring Fern 3-stone Ring $195 @Charm and Chain
3. Alexis Bittar Crystal, Smoky Quartz & Pyrite Pavé Bracelet $455 @Saks Fifth Avenue
4. Alexis Bittar Flora Gold Primrose Ring $275 @Saks Fifth Avenue
5. Alexis Bittar Zanzibar Gold and Lucite Papillon Cuff Bracelet $495 @Charm and Chain
6. Alexis Bittar Pink and Gold Sophia Hinge Bracelet $295 @Charm and Chain
7. Alexis Bittar Rose Dust Teardrop Earrings $275 @Saks Fifth Avenue
8. Alexis Bittar Warm Gray Small Collar Necklace $190 @Charm and Chain
9. Alexis Bittar Montauk Coral Wave Earrings $375 @Charm and Chain

Anna Sui's furry cat hat. Image via Style.com

Animal print clothing is classy, trendy right now and a nice way to switch up your style if you typically stick to neutrals and want to indulge in a pattern every so often, but Anna Sui may have taken the animal-as-clothing thing a bit too far. Last Wednesday at Lincoln Center, Sui sent a few models down the runway in giant cat hats. {FocusOnStyle}

Fashionista is reporting that the cat hats will be available at Suiâ€s SoHo store this fall for about $205. If you love crazy hats or you are really into the feline thing, one of these hats may not be a bad investment. The cat hat looks really warm and it completely covers the ears, which is important for staying toasty when the weather gets cold. We do worry, though, that itâ€s one of those things that works on the runway but not in real life unless you happen to be Lady Gaga. Or a junior high school student participating in spirit week.