Pangea Collection’s fair trade bangles from India were used on the models. Check out the beautiful designs by Claudet Floyd and how the Pangea Collection bangles give a pop of color perfect for any season!

These wood bangle jewelry pieces are handmade by a fair trade organisation in India and are brightly colored using vegetable dye.

I. A Statement Watch:

With the proliferation of technology in terms of hand held devises (mobile phones, Blackberry/Trio Palm etc.) we have no real need for a watch, which is why watches have become even more like a piece of jewelry.

Look for a beautiful and unique handcrafted or artisan jewelry style watch that reflects your personality.

Pangea Collection presents three styles of wire watches handcrafted by a local Toronto designer.

Artisan Jewelry - unique handcrafted watch

II. A Classic Necklace:

It doesn’t have to be a string of pearls, if you don’t love pearls, find another classic looking material that you do love. It could be a sterling silver or gold link necklace or a string of semi precious stones.

Here are a couple of style suggestions from Pangea Collection, the first is handmade silver jewelry from Taxco Mexico.

Handmade Silver Link Necklace, Mexican jewelry

Sterling Silver Link Necklace

The second is a classic semi precious jewelry piece from a local Toronto jewelry artisan.

Citrine Necklace

III. A Cocktail Ring

If it works for you go with a bolder statement here, if you are more subtle tone down of the size but not the style.

In terms of bold, chunky with a large size stone (imitation or genuine) can be a perfect compliment to a little black dress.

For a more subtle look but stylish choose a band that has intricate detailing on it so the focus is on the detail not the size.

Here are a couple of suggestions from Pangea Collection, the first is a handcrafted wood ring from Brazil, the second is fair trade jewelry from Chile and the third is a handmade silver ring from the Bali Artisan Jewelry Collection.

Brazilian Chrysophase & Silver Ring

Brazilian Wood Ring

Chilean Stone & Silver Ring

Fair trade jewelry Chilean Silver and Semi precious stone ring

Balinese Silver Band

Handmade silver jewelry ring

IV. An Elegant Bracelet or Bangle

Whether it is a tennis bracelet, a link bracelet, a strand of semi precious stones or an elegant bangle, having one of these makes it a simple elegant way to complete an outfit

The following are style suggestions from Pangea Collection. The first is a classic with a bit of whimsy, a handmade silver link bracelet with heart pendant from the Mexican Handmade Silver Jewelry Collection. The second and third are both from the Bali Artisan Jewelry Collection.

Heart Pendant Link Bracelet

Balinese Onyx & Silver Bead Bracelet

Artisan jewelry - Onyx and Silver Bracelet

Balinese Silver Bangle

Silver Bangle Jewelry, Handmade Silver Jewelry

V. Two Pair of Earrings

If you wear earrings it’s a good idea to have a bolder loop or dangling style and a more classic set such as pearls or diamonds (or imitation).

In many cases the style of earrings, or the choice to wear them will depend on your hairstyle and your facial features/proportions.
If you wear your hair up or behind the ears, the earrings will be visible, if not you may want to skip the earrings and opt for a necklace as the focal point.

A couple examples:

Loop Earrings

Chandelier Earrings

Long Bali Chandelier Earrings

VI. A Piece with Meaning

This could be a family piece or a piece you picked up on your travels. A keepsake that you can pass on and share its story.

VII. A Couple of Pure Fun Pieces

Have a few fun or trendy pieces that reflect the current season/trends. These can be paired with a casual outfit to help you feel fun and current.

Here are some style suggestions:

Bell Flower Eco Tagua Seed Necklace

Indian Hand Painted Fair Trade Wood Bangles

Tagua Eco Seed Necklace

The above are suggested pieces to have in your jewelry box, but they’re a guideline rather than hard and fast rules. There is a lot more flexibility now in making a statement that reflects our individuality rather than “playing by the rules”. So if you don’t like to wear earrings than don’t feel obligated to have earrings in your collection. If you hate pearls, opt for another stone that you do love.

For the classic pieces invest in quality. In the long run this will save money as you will have a classic piece that will look fabulous for years and you won’t have to keep buying new jewelry every year.

Take care of your jewelry with proper storage and being careful not to spray it with perfume or lotions or bang them while wearing.

Have fun, wear it with love.