As far as jewelry goes, I tend to be the kind of girl who picks out a couple pieces and wear them over and over again. One thing that those select pieces have in common? No diamonds.
Well, let’s be honest. Diamonds are a bit out of my price range, but there’s also something about those sparkly rocks that just don’t mesh with my style. Maybe it’s my age, but I’m more attracted to unique design and original materials. Which is probably why I love local jewelry brand Diamonds Are Evil. Their designs incorporate bold geometric designs laser cut into wood with occasional added elements such as splashes of color or intricate chain work.
I picked three really stunning pieces that I had my eye on when I perused their stands at the various craft fairs over the holiday season, but there’s a plethora of perfect pieces over at the Diamonds Are Evil online store. Which do you love?
THREE TIER CHEVRON CHANDELIER EARRINGS
Diamonds Are Evil Chevron Chandelier Earrings – $50
I love the way the alternating lines etched in give the color of the wood such depth. They’re not the craziest pair of earrings they’ve designed, but for me these would be a huge statement piece perfect for pairing with a black dress and boots.
SIMPLE TRIANGLE WOOD BRACELET
Simple Triangle Wood Bracelet – $36
Simple? Yes. But a really great piece for layering with brass bangles and leaving others wondering if you’re a secret member of the Illuminati. Look at that detail etched in there. Every piece is hand-sketched an then digitally designed before it’s cut then assembled by hand.
GEOMETRIC ANIMAL ART – FOXY BABY
Geometric Animal Art “Foxy Baby” – $78
I think I may need this in my life. I mean, look at those eyes. They say “It’s okay to have another glass of wine, girl. I’m not here to judge.”
Other notable mentions are their various men’s items and cool stuff like the custom wooden beer tote. Your mix-and-match six pack never looked so good.
A little about Diamonds Are Evil:
Diamonds Are Evil was co-founded 3 years ago by Meredith Butler and Michael Murphy. The duo found their calling in the woodshop of their university’s Architecture building. What other people discarded as leftovers, they saw as an opportunity to create unique art pieces. As their vision evolved, so did their intricate designs.
The Diamonds Are Evil pieces are all created from multiple layers of thin birch plywood. They use this material because it is both lightweight and strong. Not only does Diamonds Are Evil give consumers a more environmentally friendly and beautifully crafted option to predictable jewelry, but the pieces have gone through rigorous testing throughout the design process to ensure a lasting and original product. “If it weren’t for the constant compliments you’ll receive, you’d forget you were wearing our jewelry,” says Murphy. “It’s that light.”
The name ‘Diamonds Are Evil’ is directly linked to the couple’s opinion of the diamond industry, its lack of ethics and its lack of individuality. When they started designing jewelry, they were just looking for a creative outlet. The real mission started as they were brainstorming a business name. As they looked at the existing jewelry market to find their niche, they began to see the lack of consumer knowledge about gemstones and diamonds. “We wanted to create a brand identity that, at the very least, started a conversation,” said Butler, “This stance we boldly took on our name now drives our decisions.” They only use ethically sourced and sustainable materials, produce all of their products in-house, and even find second uses for their remnants. If you are anything like the vast majority of Americans who have seen the move Blood Diamond, you are aware of the unfair treatment of innocent people in the diamond mining process. “There is never a guarantee that you are not buying a conflict diamond,” said Butler. “They’ll tell you it’s not, but many jewelers are unaware as to what exactly that term means. Many diamonds that you find in stores may be certified by the Kimberely Process, but have been mined unethically and caused great harm to the people of those countries.”
From the beginning, Diamonds Are Evil has donated a portion of its profits to various charities that focus their aid on African nations. Aid for Africa was the first organization they gave to, and they now donate to World Bicycle Relief.
Diamonds Are Evil has launched this Kickstarter campaign to raise the funds to purchase a larger machine to enable them to expand production and develop new products. They are attempting to raise $14,000 in 30 days. Kickstarter campaigns operate under an “all-or-nothing” funding model so if the project doesn’t reach its goal at the end of 30 days then Diamonds Are Evil must wait to develop their new products! To follow their project, be sure to find them on Twitter (@DiamondsAreEvil) and Facebook and spread the word to your social media networks. Consider donating as little as $1 to help their project come to life. If you decide to donate more, you can choose from among some amazing products as a reward for your donation!The couple currently conducts all of their design and production work from a studio space on South 1st Street in Austin, Texas. Located at 2209B South 1st Street, this space will soon include a showroom that will be by appointment only.. Diamonds Are Evil products can be found locally at Parts and Labour and Atown Boutique or the couple’s booth on the weekends at South Congress. Their products are also sold at Sous Le Lit in Denver, CO and several other stores throughout the country, as well as their website, http://www.diamondsareevil.com.
