Fashion columnist covers jewelry designer donating proceeds to Wyclef Jean’s Yéle Foundation.
Since the time my mom braided a hemp necklace for me and I learned to make bracelets out of gimp, or scoubidou, at Girl Scout camp, I have been a fan of handmade jewelry.
But Camille Peace’s designs, under her label Peace Images, are much more elegant than those ropey accessories of my past. And they better satisfy my philanthropic urges, as a portion of the designer’s proceeds, through the end of January, go to the Haiti relief efforts.
Peace is donating 25 percent of her profits from Peace Images sales on Etsy to Wyclef Jean’s Yéle Foundation. Peace, who is Haitian herself, felt a responsibility to help the victims of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck on Jan. 12 and centered on Port-au-Prince’s coast.
“They are my people,” Peace said in an e-mail. “How can I not help? And for the first time, I was in a position where I could help on a large scale.”
To date, Peace has donated $400 to Yéle.
The standout pieces available in Peace’s online shop are:
Curry Earrings
At $19, these earrings made of hand-linked, hammered brass rings are the meaning of simple elegance. Casual enough for everyday wear, these earrings could work for trips across Polett Walk to your English class in Anderson Hall or on a date with your favorite football player. Peace says the earrings can be made as long as you like, just in case the 4 1/2-inch drop doesn’t work for you.
Coachella Bracelet
A stunning piece made with three strands of red Czech glass and a tangle of vintage silver chain, the $37 bracelet can be ordered to fit your wrist perfectly. The bracelet would look great against a long black sleeve during cooler weather or against a bare arm, tan from study breaks spent on Beury beach.
Growth and Patience Necklace
At $160, this design is a little steep for college students like myself, but who could resist falling in love with it? It’s made of a tangle of silver chain, cascading over a strand of coral chunks and two strands of African brass barrels, much like the tangle of ivy growing over the walls of Sullivan Hall. Statement necklaces have been on runways, in magazines and gracing the necks of many women for several seasons.
Keep an eye out for Peace’s spring line, which debuts Feb. 1. The new collection features work inspired by ancient Egypt.
“I studied their use of color and materials. The ancient Egyptians loved blues and deep reds,” Peace said.
This influence can be found on the Onyx Bracelet, debuting in February. This bracelet plays on the same asymmetrical look as the Coachella Bracelet but features a double-strand of solid brass chain and three large, bright blue onyx stones buffered by African brass barrels.
The Purple Agate Ring is a personal favorite among the new crop of designs. Placed on an adjustable brass band is a two-inch slab of purple agate. It’s simply dazzling – and according to Peace, the best way to make a statement.
“I love taking huge elements that look like they were pulled right from caves and slapping them on my finger,” said Peace. “[It is] the ultimate way to say, ‘I don’t need diamonds to make a statement, nor do I need to follow any trends.’”
Rosella Eleanor LaFevre can be reached at rosella.lafevre@temple.edu.
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