So you’ve found your true love and are beginning to plan a grand celebration, an event you’ve dreamed of since you first heard “happily ever after” as a child. Or maybe you simply enjoy wearing breezily elegant and ethically made treasures! In any case I would happily recommend Angie Star Jewelry Inc, an award-winning jewelry studio and gallery in Boulder, CO.

Founded ten years ago by sisters Angie and Michelle Olsgard, ASJI’s core is a staff of dedicated studio designers, all classically trained women, who create graceful, gemmy jewels using sustainable and recycled materials. They specialize in hand-forged bridal and engagement sets, special occasion pieces and custom orders of all kinds. Their vibrantly talented designers include Katherine Sanz, Miranda Wachtel, Julie Jagger, Dana Birke and Sara Watts.

In addition to their fabulous collections and gallery, ASJI offers several onsite jewelry classes including Basic Stringing, Wire Wrapping, Jewelry Repair and Metalsmithing from beginning to advanced levels. They provide personal instruction in a professional yet friendly, fun and encouraging atmosphere. And three cheers to them for their accredited apprentice program which allows budding metalsmiths to hone their skills at the bench…I’m all for giving a helping hand to emerging crafters!

You can’t help but love the look and feel of their sparkling gems flowing, cascading, and gently complementing the curve of your neck or the bend of your wrist. You can find perfect accessories for everything from an organic tee to a couturier gown, as well as inspired gifts for a girlfriend, a Mom, a prom princess or a whole wedding party. Don’t be afraid of custom-design either! Their creative talents and at-ease attitude are highly-respected, earning them “Best of Boulder” status from Boulder Weekly continuously since 2002!

I admire their commitment to protecting our planet, and their devotion to their craft and their customers, as well as their spirited sense of design. It’s a delight to see their liberal use of unusual gems such as electric blue Apatite, rich chocolate Diamond and rare Mandarin Garnet, and all those long exotic crystal-dripped earrings will really spin your spurs!

This post was contributed by Nik, self-described metalsmith-gemologist-designer and artist. For more of Nik’s insights and perspectives visit her blog, moonswordchamber.blogspot.com.

Related: more eco-fashion on The Alternative Consumer

It’s no secret, mi amor is OliveGreenDog – she’s true year-round … check out her furry valentine treats for the 4-legged set.

(above)

• Heart Dog Toys – handmade in California, available exclusively at Olive
• Denim Heart Dog Bed
• Organic Catnip – set of 3 hearts

Happy VDay – woof it up.

Related: more eco-friendly pet finds on The Alternative Consumer

(above) These artsy, ceramic heart earrings are handmade from start to finish; each bead is shaped by hand, dried, fired in the kiln, glazed and then fired again. Decorated with a deep red glaze and fitted with silver plated clip-ons … a very lovable $23 and change @ the karoart Etsy shop

(above) For those who take things to heart more literally, designer Peggy Skemp makes anatomically correct heart lockets from recycled silver ($275) or half-hearted pendants (for $110) … find your match @ peggyskemp.com

For those of you with a bigger budget you might want to consider the Murano Yellow Sapphire Ring, (above) for your beloved. The ring features fairly traded yellow sapphires caste in 18k recycled white, yellow and rose gold. Naturally, those are G-VS conflict free diamonds … $1121 @ greenoro.com

(above) This charm is created  from an upcycled earring, with a cord made from recycled sari remnants. If that cord doesn’t make the cut, replace it with a gold chain you probably already have lying around … a very loving $6.75 @ the cutarug Etsy shop.

(above) Handmade earrings from vintage heart-shaped buttons – lightweight for the lighthearted … $16.90 @ the kapelusznik Etsy shop.

(above) Perfect for spring – Apple and Bee Love Hearts organic cotton tote with nice details and interior zippered pocket … $46 @ NYC-based, kaightshopnyc.com.

Related: more fabulous eco fashion finds discovered by The Alternative Consumer

On a budget, or flying solo these days? Don’t let the commercialization and hype regarding Valentine’s Day ruin your mood – take heart knowing you’re not alone and be sure to treat yourself to a simple indulgence that makes you happy. Light a few candles, pour some essential oil & Epsom salt in the bath and take a relaxing soak; or call a buddy to reminisce and have a few good laughs. Move to your own beat – compile a music mix of all-time faves for your listening pleasure.

Got a few bucks to spare? Here are a few fun ways to embrace loved ones, mother earth & yourself:

(above, from top) men’s organic cotton boxers from goodandfairclothing.com (in white or black; $26). Sexy bralet & cheeky thong by g=9.8; find more of our favorite eco lingerie for her and organic underwear for men @ bynature.co.uk

(above) Heart & Stone handcrafts personalized charms, rings, key chains and necklaces for men and women; pricing varies … Tiny Tags jewelry can be customized with names, dates and birthstones; $195-$395

(above) Coco-Zen offers fresh, deliciously decadent Fair Trade Certified chocolate truffles as well as pampering body and bath products. Feast your eyes on an array of gift ideas starting at $3, or snag a Green Gift Set of either Chocolate to Eat, Chocolate to Wear or a Combo Gift Set, $64 – $110.

(above) Gifts with heart and soul – from Alex & Ani’s Charity by Design collection, pretty expandable bracelets made from recycled material; designs customized to reflect the message and beauty inherent in each organization; 20% of all sales of the Best Friends Bangles are donated to the American Heart Association. set of 2, ($48)

(above) For body-friendly pleasure, babeland.com has you covered; recharge your battery with the newly designed rechargeable We-Vibe II.

(above) Be still my beating heart … get swept off your feet with a well-deserved hot-stone massage – add a healthy dose of massage oil (SpaRitual.com) or massage balm (badgerbalm.com) to totally unwind.

Love those traditional bouquets of flowers and boxes of chocolate? Just be sure they’re Fair Trade and organic so they’ll meet with mama earth’s as well as your sweetheart’s approval; try Whole Foods or OrganicBouquet.com … Happy V-Day!

Related: more eco-friendly gift ideas from The Alternative Consumer.

Ah, the day in which hearts are most associated is soon upon us. For those with significant others, the following are just a few alternative gift suggestions that may guide you away from standard diamonds and chocolates.

Check out uncommongoods.com. They offer an assortment of really cool gifts.

• Missing Piece Puzzle Necklace (photo at top) – These two pieces of jewelry may make you sigh, “Awww.” Granted none of the material is made from recycled goods. But each piece is handmade. Combined together, the two necklaces fit exactly like a puzzle and read, “You are the missing piece to my puzzle.” Note: if the chain is too short, just add your own.

• Cymbal of Love Pendant (photo above) – Wound recycled guitar strings and broken drum cymbals make up the circle surrounding the heart and the heart, itself.
• Upcycled card cases – This unique card case features the inspirational words, “Live your dream.” Discarded plastics and newspapers make up the card case’s colorful look. What better way is there to show how much you care than to acknowledge that person’s dream(s)?

If your sweetheart trends to the “sweeter” side of Valentine’s Day, take a gander at these lovely websites for some organic chocolate.

• Sweet Earth Organic Chocolates – Some of their Valentine gift sets even have a vegan option—perfect if you have a vegan lover! Disclaimer: Sweet Earth Organic Chocolate truffles are not vegan, but they do look delicious. Fair Trade: Yes.

• Endangered Species Chocolate – Perhaps your special someone has a love for animals? Then a gift from Endangered Species Chocolate could be the perfect choice! A $15 donation to the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) is made with each purchase. Either you or the one who receives your gift will get a free e-membership to AWF. A cute plush is included! Fair Trade status: They state they are Ethical Trade.

• Rose City Chocolatier – They have vegan truffles. Actually, they have just about ‘vegan everything’ regarding chocolates. All of their chocolates are made from fresh natural ingredients – the boxes that these chocolates come in as Valentine gift sets are simply adorable. If you check out their website, you’ll see that one of the lids to their boxes is dressed like a tuxedo suit—fancy. Fair Trade: Unknown.

I hope your Valentine’s Day is a memorable one!

Rather than buy a dozen roses for your sweetheart, here’s a bouquet of treats, all made from ethically-derived precious metals … give a heartfelt, sustainable and stylish keepsake …

From top, left to right:

Love Is on the Inside Engraved Ring
14K rose gold and sterling silver, 2mm-8mm widths, $195-$325
Jesse Chamberlain of Jesse Danger, Salem, MA

Three Pair Hoop Set
14K rose gold, $68
Kristin Mulholland of Kristin Noel Designs, Atascadero, CA

Braille Love Wedding/Commitment Band
10K rose gold, $385
Nicole Zahour, Rye, NY

Round Wedding/Commitment Band
18K rose gold, $ varies with width
Benjamin Manning of Utopian Creations, Kensington Park, SA, Australia (more…)

Here at The Alternative Consumer we’re attracted to things that harm neither planet nor person; are useful as well as multifunctional, and made in the USA. When they’re fun as well – that’s the icing on the cake.

We’re shining our Tried and True Review spotlight on SOS Novelties, a company with three signature blends of soy candles that can be used in three different ways:

• when lit – they provide light, ambiance and scent in a room
• 30 seconds after blowing out the candle – they may be used as a silky massage oil
• while cold – the soy wax can be applied to the body to pamper dry skin or act as a perfume

Each 3-in-1 scented soy candle is crafted with: Aloe Vera oil, apricot oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, Shea butter and vitamin E. Rather than derived from petrochemicals, this candle is derived from biodegradable, non-toxic soy, which ensures a slower, cooler, and soot-free burn. The soy wax is both paraffin- and lead-free. The candles are made by hand and free from sulfates, pertrochemicals or animal byproducts; the wick is 100 percent cotton.

(more…)

Take advantage of post Christmas savings, beginning with some of our favorite etailers:

(photos, above: nimli)

• nimli.com – enter code POST25 for 25% off store-wide, offer ends Jan 3, 2012.
• gaiam.com – save up to 70% with year-end clearance + FREE shipping on every order of $75 or more through 12/31/11.
• hipcycle.com – end of year savings through 12/31/11 on cool, upcycled home essentials and decorative items; (no coupon code required).
• shopECOgoods.com – Use coupon code AC20 for 20% off store-wide, anytime. Plus, all Plan Toys are on sale now through 12/31/11. Always FREE shipping on all orders over $100.
• greenearthbamboo.com – savings now thru 12/31/11. Use Offer Code SAVE10 to receive $10 off on $100 orders + FREE shipping.
• coolibar.com – end of year savings on clothing with UPC50+ Sun Protection (prices as marked, no coupon code required). Through 1/8/12.
• palmacollection.com – use special code thanks25 (all lower case) & receive 25% off your entire order, good til 12/31/11. Just for fun – enter our current Great Green Giveaway for your chance to win your choice of any Palma Collection eco chic necklace, bracelet or earrings.
• kaightshop.com – coupon code BOXINGDAY for 30% off entire online store – today (12/26/11) only.

Related: last minute green gifts – The Alternative Consumer.

Santa a little sidetracked? Or sideways? We’ve been there. To the rescue…

• Gift Cards – email and don’t look back
• Whole Foods – biodynamic wine (Beckmen Syrah or Hall’s) or Champagne; a Christmas Cactus, potted herbs; books, DVDs, body & face moisturizers; basket of nuts, dates & pears; chocolate covered strawberries; and more Gift Cards.
• Be a Do-Gooder – our Guide to Eco Charities
• browse through Green Deals for Cyber Monday
• and our  2012 Green Holiday Gift Ideas Wrap-up

Get going and have a jolly good time.