Photo: Doug Rosa

Thus far, my posts have been heavily food-focused, but I believe living life exotic extends to all areas of life.  So, if I find something that I think really stands out, that expresses a unique and extraordinary perspective, that highlights a global inspiration, I want to share it with you.  And Monique Péan, her jewelry line, and her mission do just that.

Photo: Doug Rosa

Growing up, in my culture (as in so many others), jewelry was always an incredibly intimate expression, a symbol of heritage.  No matter the financial background, the trinkets passed on from mother to daughter were to be treasured, worn on special occasions, a remembrance of family.  At weddings, my mom might break out a certain bangle or ring I had been eyeing and let me wear it for the night, and, even now, when she comes to visit, she might bring me something from her own mother’s “collection” that she knows I’d love.  And I wear the heck out of it!  These days, I feel like jewelry has become a bit generic – with each jewelry house recycling familiar designs.  Brand recognition has taken the place of individuality, and, for me, the meaning has been lost.

Coming back to Monique Péan, my first intro to her jewelry was at Jeffrey; searching for a gift for my husband (I’m good!), I came across these absolutely stunning cufflinks from her line.  If you’ve ever shopped for cufflinks, you know they tend to be either boring, kitschy, or logo-heavy – not really gift-worthy in my mind.  These were outliers – beautiful, unique and classic.  Little did I know that the cufflinks were sourced from fossilized, woolly mammoth tusk (how cool is that??), made with recycled gold, and a percentage of the profits would go to provide clean water wells in impoverished communities around the world.  I was S-O-L-D.

Photo: Doug Rosa

Monique Péan’s jewelry is incredible for so many reasons.  It’s everything BUT generic.  First, it’s visually stunning.  The juxtaposition of natural materials, in interesting silhouettes, using beautiful, “conflict and devastation free” stones and recycled gold is not only striking, it’s individual.  There is a pretty low likelihood I’ll run into someone else wearing the exact same thing, which I love.  Beyond that, the ethical trade standards, sustainability, and philanthropic collaborations she employs are incredibly important.

She’s gotten a lot of press in the last year because our First Lady has been rocking her pieces and also because she was one of the 2009 CFDA / Vogue Fashion Fund winners – a prestigious award.  And, while all of that is incredibly impressive, even without the accolades, I think her pieces stand alone.  The sustainability, the eco-friendly collaborations, and the profit-sharing arrangements with philanthropic organizations just make them that much greater heritage jewelry.