Where good design meets good conscience

“Socially conscious.”

“Eco-friendly.”

“Earth-wise.”

Today, more and more jewelers (including www.lahra.com) are realizing that, through responsible, “green”-friendly practices, we can have a positive impact on the earth and its inhabitants—an impact that can extend to our businesses and bottom lines at the same time. Together, we’re becoming involved in a wide range of initiatives relating to human rights and environmental causes, committing time and financial resources towards advocacy efforts locally, nationally and across the globe.

So, what exactly is “green” or socially conscious jewelry anyway? It involves examining almost every part of the jewelry-making process:

Natural/Human Elements
Every piece of fine jewelry is built on natural resources, such as gold, silver or gemstones that must be mined from the earth, which can have significant environmental impact—a process that can be monitored and minimized. As a company, we can also evaluate the fair and ethical treatment of those involved in this stage of production.

Gold Mining
It’s no secret that gold mining has serious environmental impact. Today, the industry is working toward better practices that improve sustainability and reduce impact—and several of the largest mining companies are making changes to improve their performance. At www.lahra.com, we work with these types of firms whenever possible.

Diamonds/The Kimberly Process
We’ve all heard the phrase “conflict diamonds” or the cruder “blood diamonds.” This refers to gemstones that come from parts of Africa that are controlled by forces opposed to legitimate, internationally recognized governments. In fact, the revenue from these diamonds is used to fund military opposition groups.

Together with the UN, governments and non-governmental organizations, the diamond industry has developed the Kimberly Process Certification System, which is designed to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate diamond supply chain. In addition, the industry has implemented a (voluntary) System of Warranties to give consumers added confidence in conflict-free diamonds. At www.lahra.com, we subscribe to both initiatives.

Today, over 70 governments from around the globe have signed the Kimberly Process System into national law—and more than 99% of the world’s diamonds are from sources free of conflict. Still, the industry continues to improve the system.

Tips for “green” or “socially conscious” jewelry shopping
O.K., so as a consumer, what steps can you take to help ensure you’re making a socially responsible choice? Here are a couple simple tips:

1. Talk to your jeweler. Most businesses won’t change policies until customers demand it. Tell retailers about your concerns. Ask to see documentation of policies. Ask about the origins of metals and stones. Perform due diligence, and you’ll be on the right path already.

2. Consider recycled jewelry. Buying Harmony (TM) jewelry is a wise and responsible choice because the precious metals come from recycled materials. This means for each ounce of recycled gold 20 tons of waste is eliminated from the environment. By not using mined gold consumers will help avoid environmental destruction, contamination of fresh water, and the displacement of local communities. Harmony (TM) jewelry is 100% recycled precious metals paired with conflict-free diamonds and fair trade gems and there is absolutely no difference in appearance, quality or value. Another great choice for making priceless memories without any environmental impact at all might be buying vintage jewelry. Many other manufacturers are also using recycled materials and gemstones in all-new pieces.

You have more information in hand than ever before. Now, you can use it in your jewelry shopping to the advantage of everyone involved in the process—from the mine all the way to the retail shelf.

©2008 Lahra Corp. All rights reserved.

From the minute marriage is proposed most women are already planning the wedding. Embarking on such a journey brings out the ultimate ups and downs of true love. While cake tasting and reception location can be stressful decisions looking fabulous should come easy. Relieving yourself from the agony of trying to lift, enhance, minimize, or control your body to make you look beautiful is essential to achieving the perfect bride appearance. Diets can be a drag so viewing the new innovations in shapewear makes a smart alternative to getting on a diet or a treadmill.

As the big day fast approaches choosing the right shape wear is as important as finding the right dress. Wedding dresses are known for looking beautiful but not necessarily nipping and tucking in the right areas. Having the right basics will enhance how you look and feel on your wedding day. The kind of shapewear you will need is largely dependent on the style of your dress and your body shape. For full coverage and the freedom to feel a high level of comfort Hollywood Shapes offers a range of styles and shapes to match the beloved dress.

Depending on how extravagant or simple the dress will determine what kind of shape wear needed. Some dresses require minimal undergarments. For example, strapless dresses or backless dresses may not require as much coverage as others. Seamless undergarments are an excellent choice to keep with the sleek look of the wedding gown. They create a shapely appearance minus the unsightly bulges that can ruin an otherwise perfect dress. Hollywood Shapes have perfected the balance between style and function.

Of course you don’t have to be a bride to wear Hollywood Shapers. Finding the perfect shapewear to slim and shape you can make your day far beyond your wedding day. Shapewear has been officially transformed from a boring but needed accessory to a fashion must have!

Pearls are the ultimate champion of treasured jewelry. They have long fueled the integrity of style and design. For those who were born in the month of June the Pearl is the traditional birthstone.

Even as contemporary jewelry becomes more and more audacious pearls refuse to loose their classic and stylish statement. The traditional properties for this birthstone are modesty, chastity, and purity. Thus pearls make an uncomplicated asset of both regal and modern stylistas.

The beauty of these elaborately enameled ornaments is not only in its exterior. Nor is there anything ordinary in their apparent uniformity. No two pearls are the same. The time spent crafting these gems into wearable jewelry can often be painstaking. So despite a purchase of a massed produced piece, yours will ultimately be unique. This detail only strengthens and enhances the integrity of pearl jewelry.

Characterized by their luster, orient, surface quality, shape, color and size they vary in price and their distinguished attributes. The rounder the shape and the shinier its luster of a pearl the greater is its value. These emblems of devotion vary in color though the most prized hues are white, black and cream. The refinement of pearl jewelry is the perfect marriage between sophistication and eminent taste.

A June birthstone will prove a wonderful gift for the one you love. The true glory in a gift of pearl is it openly expresses the intimate message of the giver. Pearls could also leave a legacy of the wearer to later live on in her memory. So even when deciding on a gift for yourself rest assured pearls are the element of fine jewelry.

The IsABelt is fashions newest white night. If you haven’t yet been introduced then let us be the one to potentially change your life. If you are constantly having trouble keeping your undergarments under your pants or are tired of dealing with “belt buckle bulk” IsABelt is the solution.

The IsABelt is a virtually invisible thin plastic strip that is void of the bulk you get from ordinary belts. It cinches your waistline and makes for a streamlined look under form fitting shirts. You can customize the fit of the belt with the fit of the pant waist to keep your pants firmly in place. It’s a ½ an inch wide, flexible, and performs a touch of magic giving you the assurance that all is secure.

Always in creative spirit, women are finding innumerable ways to use the IsABelt. It is perfect in the first months of pregnancy when you’re too small for maternity wear but still can’t fit comfortably in your own clothes. You can wear it under a belt used for fashionable purposes that’s not quite tight enough to hold your pants up. It’s even perfect for those in between reaching their goal weights. You won’t have to buy a new wardrobe for every new size your reach!

This phenomenon is not just for women either. Men and toddlers are donning the IsABelt too.  For little girls it offers up fanciful cupcake, hearts and cherries patterns while keeping her pants right where you want them to. The whole family can enjoy this fashion fix-it!

It’s astounding how something so subtle can hold everything together flawlessly but testimony after testimony proves this is the real deal. How can one argue with anything that that keeps you from tugging, pulling, or showing off the not so flattering side of the derriere? The IsABelt is the perfect nip and tuck solution to the unsightly sides of your favorite jeans.

For more checkout www.lahrasboutique.com

Shopping online can be a daunting task. It can be especially intimidating when you’re in search of something as precious as fine jewelry. And considering the enormity of the jewelry market it can easily become a complex experience. However, with the right motivation and some easy to follow tips, online jewelry shopping can be the most productive shopping experience you’ve ever had.

There are innumerable advantages to online shopping that often go unconsidered. For one, you don’t have to stand in line and they’re available 24/7. You can basically choose from hundreds of shops without wasting time going from store to store. Moreover, with so many sites to choose from you can often find special deals you won’t find in stores. One of its greatest advantages is you can find reviews from other customers who shopped there. This can give you first hand information on whether or not to buy from that store.

Cutting down on the hassle of shopping is a great motivator when deciding to shop digital. To ensure you won’t be disappointed in your purchase there are a few must follow tips to consider before you make that purchase:

1. Know what you want: Narrow your search scope down to the particular jewelry you like. For example, ring > diamond ring > 14k white gold 1/2 ct dimond ring, and so on. Use particular styles or materials to narrow your search. Reputable sites will display their items in a professional way to give you as clear an image as possible. Pay attention to the options offered. For example, the sizes and colors offered. Make sure you know what you’re getting; you don’t want to be in for a surprise when the item arrives at your door.

2. Do research: Know how to measure quality in gold, silver, and gemstones. Also, know the difference between carats and karats. A little online research can go a long way. Also search for the same item on different sites like Amazon, Buy.com, Nextag, etc., and compare prices. Cheaper is not always cheaper! If the same item is offered on different sites, buy from the one that offers purchase protection and/or certification.

3. Buy certified: Check the site for information on guarantees, safe ordering, and returns. You want to be sure that there is a phone number and address of the company is listed. And when you check out make sure that the information you’re sharing is secure and the product is returnable at the price you purchased it for. Also, check to see if certificates are given, particularly for diamonds (GIA, IGI, AGL, etc.). See if the site that you are buying form offers BuySafe protection or if the site has the BBB (Better Business Bureau) logo on it. If they do, than by clicking on either logo you should be redirected to the BuySafe or the BBB site and read a report about the website.

The past few years have seen a strong revival of interest in vintage jewelry. As discount stores with mass produced fashions become increasingly popular women and designers are eager to find vintage jewelry because it’s different and one of a kind. Sparkly crystals and unique motifs can dress up a simple jacket or make a scarf or hat something really special. What was once thought of as stuff your grandmother had are actually fashionable pieces that people want to wear right now.

When looking to add some creative spirit to your wardrobe mixing, matching, and weaving custom pieces is essential. When adding a vintage ornament to a trendy piece you can take your look from subtle to sumptuous. Finding a piece that exudes “heritage” is the key to keeping up with the comeback of vintage costume jewelry. Locating just the right venue that will lead you to a perfect gem is crucial to finding the piece you may be yearning for.

Pursuing a range of vintage costume jewelry is just what fashion aficionados are doing to keep their look authentic. Local estate sales or garage sales can be a gold mine for vintage jewelry. Often time’s sellers are just trying to “get rid” of what they consider “junk” jewelry. Many local small boutiques have knowledgeable salespeople ready to help which is great if you’re curious about the value of your purchase. And antique sales often have a hefty selection of quality vintage pieces. You can score a great piece if you’re willing to take the time to sift through the plethora of items. Local papers or a simple online search in your local area will help you locate events taking place in your neighborhood.

Don’t miss out on one of the biggest fashion comebacks of the decade. Creating a unique style will make you stand out and the best way to do that is finding one of kind pieces to add to your existing wardrobe. Happy hunting!

In the current times creativity is the name of the game. Adding a new dimension to your wardrobe with things you already own is the best way to save cash while continuing to be the trendsetter among your friends. We have 5 great ideas to breathe some new life into your jewelry and add pizzazz to your old favorites. Start stimulating your thinking about how you wear your jewelry with these ingenious tips!

1. Set an earring in an unpredictable place: Who said earrings should only be worn on your ears? Try attaching a favorite stud to your blouse or through one of your belt holes to perk up your look. If your shoes allow for it, you can even offset a plain shoe with a pretty stud detail.

2. Turn your necklace into a bracelet: Turn your favorite pearl necklace into your favorite pearl bracelet. By winding your necklace around your wrist then securing it as usual you’re getting twice the wear out of your pearls! Try Freshwater Chocolate Pearls to add an extra pop to your look.

3. Take your rings to the next level: Let your rings take a turn as a charm on a chain necklace. Just imagine Lori Bonn’s Cushion Paisley Ring strung on a silver chain showing itself off around your neck instead of your hand. Very Sex & the Cityish!!

4. Maximize your sterling silver pendants: Think your silver pendants are exclusive to your necklaces, well think again. Try placing your pendant on the clasp of a durable bracelet for an instant charm bracelet. Or, try threading several necklaces through your pendant for a tiered effect. Adding a pendant like this Rose Gold Star Fish to your hoop earrings will update your look in seconds.

5. Take your brooch to the next dimension: A brooch can diversify your wardrobe beyond your imagination. Attach the clasp through a belt loop, pin to the back pocket of your denim, clasp onto a hat, or add it to an old purse. The list is never ending if you let your imagination take flight!

Whenever you spend money on a luxury item prolonging its life and beauty instantly becomes a priority. This is especially the case with your beloved jeweled accessories. Luckily, when it comes to your collection of sterling silver, keeping it shiny and luminous is an easy feat. Sterling silver is very easy to care for if you follow some simple steps and advice. So don’t throw your tarnished treasures to the wayside!

Ever wonder why your silver jewelry ends up looking washed out and discolored? The fact is, whenever silver reacts with moisture it creates a deposit of oxidation or tarnish on its exterior. But, with minimum time and effort the sparkle of sterling silver can easily be restored. Sterling silver will beautifully polish up by buffing it with a soft cotton cloth. Special chemical cleansing cloths like a Sunshine Cloth is ideal making the job quick and effortless. These special cloths even clean surfaces like gold, brass, copper, and glass.

Another essential tactic when protecting your silver is to store it in an Anti-Tarnish Fabric Pouch or Zip-Loc bag when you’re not wearing it. Remember, it’s the moisture in the air that tarnishes your jewelry so by minimizing its contact you’re preserving its luster and beauty. To take extra precaution you can even use Anti-Tarnish Tabs. These nifty little tabs can be placed in the bag or box you store your silver in to provide up to 12 months of tarnish protection. They are safe to use on all metals and gemstones.  You can also try an Anti-Tarnish Keepsake Bag that will hold many pieces all in the same place.

We’ve suggested many non-abrasive alternatives to cleaning your sterling silver. There are sterling silver dips and tarnish shields that are available but they can dull your pearls or discolor your gemstone. These methods come with so many precautions it’s more productive and safer to use organic cleaning methods. With frequent cleaning and proper storage, you’re ensuring your sterling silver’s natural beauty will sustain a long life.

It’s a lucky month for those who bear a birthday in April. Diamonds, the eternal symbol of love and prosperity, stakes claim to the birthstone of the month named for Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love.

Nothing concentrates a woman’s mind like sparkling diamonds. Possessing powerful sensibilities while showing the utmost sophistication, they’re a stately representation of femininity. This remarkable gemstone draws a line between various tastes so that they resonate extraordinarily with women. From glitzy artistic excess to precise girlishness to mysterious ornamentation, diamonds are always desirable. There is never an unshowy setting for diamonds!

Something about diamonds make you want to take risks. Maybe it’s their brazen charm or their fabulous, quixotic glow. Whatever the case, this month it’s your opportunity to make an unhinged choice to use your imaginative voice and treat yourself to the glamour of diamonds. And who says it has to be your birthday? The simple fact it’s the month named for Aphrodite is excuse enough to see what diamonds can offer to your well-being.

Of course, we don’t need to beat the point in the ground; we all know it’s tough times for luxury. Maybe this time around foregoing the hefty price tag that comes along with diamonds will have to be a reality. But the old proverb about everyone women should have at least “one good piece,” is hardly the case anymore. With all of the stylish alternatives, everything isn’t riding on that one good piece. Clear crystal suggests the same fun luxurious elements without the going for broke status. Comparatively inexpensive, you don’t even necessarily have to limit yourself to just one piece. Instead of breaking the bank on that diamond encrusted ring, you can enjoy a ring, bracelet, and matching necklace!

It’s a great month to celebrate love, happiness, and of course…birth! Whether you decide on the real McCoy or the lightheartedness of a diamond alternative you’ll undoubtedly wear your April armor with pride!

Many of us are in a financial crunch while in the midst of this economic downturn. If you’re a self-proclaimed fashionista of any kind you are probably trying to figure out the best way to stay stylish without having to spend your hard earned money. We have the perfect solution to ease your pretty little selves this spring. Instead of investing in a new wardrobe to match the season’s trends, we advise you stick with the basics and enhance your wardrobe with the big, bold, statement jewelry dominating the season’s jewelry scene.

Color is the first detail you want to consider when choosing your statement pieces.  The hottest hues are fuchsias, salmons, greens, and a rainbow of yellows.  These rich colors have been paired up with unique angles, geometric shapes, various textures, and complex designs. It’s these principles that will make a simplistic, economically savvy wardrobe stand out.  Chunky necklaces to adorn the décolletage, chandelier earrings, defining bangles are what are going make a memorable proclamation.  Trendsetters will also find great options for rings, as well. Various colored stones in jades and turquoises will add pop to an ordinary outfit.

Texture will be essential when making your jewelry selections. Silver mixed with natural beads and semiprecious stones like onyx have made a splash in the jewelry circuit.  Natural materials such as bamboo and oxidized silvers make for a vintage-inspired, organic touch.  Expect to find a diverse selection of metals, gemstones, mixed color threads, and natural beads. These embellishments are what will evoke a charisma that’s hard to pass up.

As it is, the runways have spoken and intrepid, eye-catching, colorful jewelry is the look to strive for. It’s all about the visual aesthetic. To make it work, you must overload on disobedient details and bright colors. Follow our advice and keep your pocket book happy!

True, most of us are used to the ever-changing fashion industry and its fleeting life cycles. But, every so often a trend will find itself a place of permanency. “Going green” has done just that; foregoing the protocol of most trends flooding the fashion scene each season. In fact, eco-conscious designers have become legitimate constituents in the green movement. One in particular, Lori Bonn, has established a stronghold in the eco-chic jewelry market premiering limited collections of stunning jewelry with beautiful semi-precious stones and silver.

Bonn has made a name for herself creating bold, interesting, statement pieces. They have been featured on the hit television show 24 and are beloved by stars like Hilary Duff and Alicia Silverstone. But after years of success in the jewelry industry, Bonn began to reflect on the ethics involved in jewelry production. In 2005, after asking herself deep-seeded questions about the origin, mining conditions, and over-consumption of materials she opened the door to a brand new venture.

Lori Bonn Design and her Clear Conscience Jewelry Line encapsulate its social responsibilities with the usage of ethical manufacturing, recycled metals and responsible gemstone production. They also are avid participants in the Madison Dialogue, an alliance of jewelry manufacturers, retailers, conservation groups, and mining associations that have united to institute standards and best practices for fair trade and ethical jewelry. Lori Bonn is committed to producing jewelry you can wear with a clear conscience. Her design brilliancy coupled with her eco-conscientious craftsmanship makes easing up on your own carbon footprint easy and stylish.  She is heavily influenced by ornate Eastern European jewelry, evident in her selection of colored stones and fantastic, inlaid designs.

Even if you have not hopped on the eco-trend bandwagon, the clever approach of using environmentally friendly materials to create fabulous jewelry is here to stay. On the other hand, if you’re committed to preserving Mother Nature than Lori Bonn and her Clear Conscience Jewelry Line is a bona-fide look.

For more check out: lahra.com