Fair Fashion

Edge of Ember: Simply Chic Jewelry That Supports South and Southeast Asian Women

edgeofembermodel

Edge of Ember jewelry is more than meets the eye. Trend-driven styles and a sweet price point mean that accessories trend followers will love the line, but the backstory—that the pieces are made by southeast and south Asian women who need a leg up—makes these more than mere baubles. And not only are the pieces made by women who have endured some of life’s most difficult challenges, sometimes it is inspired by them. In a few of the pieces, for example, brass studs are created from recycling bombshells left behind by the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia.


The Aysha earrings will look great dressed up (for the holidays) or dressed down (midwinter movie nights).

Designer Lynette Ong (she’s from Singapore) came up with the idea for the jewelry line of necklaces, rings, and different types of bracelets during her travels around Asia, where she noticed both the need for fair work for women as well as important and beautiful local variations on traditional craftsmanship. She details on her site that the necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets are created by “five local non-profit, fair trade organizations and artisan groups in Cambodia, Nepal, Vietnam and Indonesia,” and each area has a unique project and style.


The Yamini necklace in gold is the perfect length to be worn over a high-necked knit sweater in the chillier temps and over a silk blouse when it warms up.

Working closely with non-profit organizations to ensure that items are ethically produced, EDGE OF EMBER supports the livelihood of local artisans through self-sustainable employment, and reinvests part of this generated income in their communities. 10% of all proceeds go directly towards the EMBER PROJECT, which directly funds local charity projects. These carefully selected programs focus on issues affecting women and children – mainly trafficking, prostitution, education and healthcare. Through this philanthropic venture, EDGE OF EMBER aims to raise awareness of, and make an impact on, the plight of these disadvantaged groups.


The Chelsea ring in rose (gold) looks like a stacked set, but it’s a singular solid piece (available in silver and yellow gold too).

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.