My new favorite jewelry line, The Woods Fine Jewels, has designed a delectable collection of charms to be sold for a worthy cause-- The Marshall Direct Fund. 100% of the profits will go to the fund, who's mission is to improve relations between the West and the Muslim world by working together to alleviate poverty and illiteracy via sustainable educational and economic development in Southwest Asia. Education is freedom my friends, yet we all take it for granted. Buying one of these charms will not only make you feel good about donating to this charity, but you'll look so chic doing it!
I am currently contemplating my first purchase of one of these earthy glam pieces myself, the natural wood element really complement the old mine cut diamonds and shimmering pearls without being too "in your face", you know what I mean? It's all about subtlety for me when it comes to jewelry but I still want luxe and glam-- "The Woods Fine Jewels" strike that perfect balance for me! If you are also contemplating a piece, why not buy it through the Marshall Direct Fund so you can feel great about shopping with a purpose. Go to Marshall Direct Fund here!
I have been collecting jewelry from India for almost 7 years now, way before the style became popular with the mainstream. I bought many of my pieces from LA based designer Suzanne Wilson, who has an incredible eye and travels to India often to find gems to share with her clients in the US. My favorite style is called Indo-Russian, a period inspired by the styles of Russian and Victorian jewels. Old mine cut diamonds are used (not to be confused with Old European cut, old mine cut refer to diamonds from old diamond mines from India) and I prefer the look of old diamonds over new. It's less shiny and so much more tasteful. You can stack three or more old mine cut diamond bracelets on and it won't look tacky! Most Indo Russian pieces are cast in 22k gold with the diamonds set in oxydized silver. You can distinguish a well made Indian jewels by the gallery work put in it (intricate metalsmith work on back of the jewelry). Indian jewelry will look just as beautiful from the back as the front, so turn it around to check out the details before you buy! The antique pieces are best but there are also amazing pieces made in India in the last few decades that use the old mine cut diamonds (the diamonds are hundreds of years old, the setting is not). 
