Monique Pean’s Mod Polynesian Dream: Eco Friendly Jewelry for the Ages
Ahe wave necklace with assorted fossilized woolly mammoth wave diamond and scrimshaw bangles, sunburst fossilized walrus ivory rings, champagne diamond necklace and gold earrings.
Photo by Billy Farrell/Billy Farrell Agency
CFDA/VOGUE Fashion Fund winner Monique Péan unveiled her newest collection last week at Lincoln Center, and it is just as breathtaking as her first collection which I was lucky enough to see in person last year. I also heard Monique speak passionately about her love of community, the natural world, and creative inspiration, and her previous collections speak to her commitments.
Moorea tourmaline necklace with fossilized woolly mammoth, tahitian pearl and scrimshaw bracelets, gold cuff, Tahitian pearl ring and earrings.
Photo by Billy Farrell/Billy Farrell Agency
The Ahe Collection was inspired by Monique’s recent trip to French Polynesia, the works of Post-Impressionist artist Paul Gauguin and the natural beauty and artisanal crafts of French Polynesia. Monique drew inspiration from the power and beauty of the ocean, the varied and unique marine life of the region and the naturally formed atolls (islands of coral that encircle nearby lagoons).
And to beautiful effect; these strong statement pieces are ones that will be worn for years, and passed along from mother to daughter. The natural colors and timeless proportions are both modern and ageless.
Oosik necklace with scrimshawed fossilized woolly mammoth beads, layered Tahitian pearl, diamond and scrimshawed fossilized woolly mammoth bead bracelets, fossilized woolly mammoth scrimshaw and diamond bangles, and fossilized walrus ivory earrings and ring.
Photo by Billy Farrell/Billy Farrell Agency
The collection features sustainably farmed pearls, natural shell, fossilized woolly mammoth, and walrus ivory, 18-carat recycled gold and conflict and devastation-free diamonds. Aside from buying gold jewelry, you might also want to invest in gold bullion for future purposes.
Pieces will be available at Barneys stores across the country and through Barneys.com. Monique’s collection will also be carried at Jeffrey NY, Ikram in Chicago, Stanley Korshak in Dallas and Twist Online and internationally at Lane Crawford and Holt Renfrew.
Starre Vartan
Starre Vartan is founder and editor-in-chief of Eco-Chick.com and the author of the Eco-Chick Guide to Life. She's also a freelance science and environment writer who has published in National Geographic, CNN, Scientific American, Mental Floss, Pacific Standard, the NRDC, and many more. She lives on an island in Puget Sound with her partner and black cat. She was a geologist in her first career, and still picks up rocks wherever she goes.
