By Bonny Osterhage

Ladies, who says you have to wait for that special someone to give you jewelry? Treat yourself this Valentine’s Day to some of the sweetest hearts we’ve ever seen, all designed to be worn around your neck — not on your sleeve. Ranging in style from modern to classic, it’s easy to fall in love with these eco friendly necklaces that make a lovely statement, not just on February 14th, but all year long.

Calico Juno Necklace 222

Have a heart of gold with this hammered style, suspended between link chains. Simple and stylish. $94 at www.nimli.com. (Also available in silver)

Click the Apricot to Receive10% Off, plus free shipping on orders over $75 with Your White Apricot Exclusive Offer. That Makes It $84.60!

Mark Edge N-1607

Modern love is the look of this design, which features a vintage, recycled heart on a web of plated chains. A strong statement piece any time of year. $109 at www.markedge.com.

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By Bonny Osterhage

The season’s favorite accessory is nothing to get choked up about. In fact, we are all smiles when it comes to the choker. Plain and simple or glitzy and glam, these eco friendly accessories have two things in common: they give you a big hug around the neck and make a big statement. And, whose eco friendly wardrobe couldn’t use both of those?

Jorie 4-Strand Necklace

This fair trade necklace is handmade from glass beads by women artisans in India. We like the earthy colors that are in perfect harmony with the season’s popular tribal trends. An economical $31.95 at www.greenheartshop.org.

Click the Apricot to Receive 20% Off with Your White Apricot Exclusive Offer—That Makes It Only $25.56!

Monica Macha Amber Brooch Choker

This choker is more than a pretty necklace; it is a piece of history. The choker is vintage Park Lane circa 1960, complete with original tags. It is accented with a circa 1950 Amber rhinestone brooch. A one-of-a-kind stunner! $260 at www.monicamacha.com.

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Why wear one bracelet when you can wear two, or three, or four — or more? Stacking bracelets of varying shapes, sizes and colors is all the rage and muichic has several that let you mix and match economically. Tagua and açai beads (tagua’s first cousin) combine to create an earthy look that is in keeping with the tribal trend that is so in vogue. To create the look for yourself, we recommend layering any combination of the Tawa (left/$35), Bolas (center/$30), Perlas (not shown/$18) and Tribo (right/$22). Most come in a variety of colors and, at those prices, you’ll be elbow deep in style! See them all at www.muichic.com.

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When you think of the metal of a sword and the natural element of a fern, you might assume they would make strange bedfellows. However, it is just that combination of hard edge and natural details that define the unique jewelry found in the Sword and Fern collection. Inspired by beaches and forests, the pieces are made from natural and found materials that range from driftwood and shells to rusty metal and car parts. The combinations are artistic, modern, beautiful and, with most under $100, economical!

A couple of our favorite picks include the Promises Necklace in Ocean (left/$68) that combines the delicacy of recycled glass with the edginess of vintage chains, and the Pyrite/Circles/Steel Bracelet (right/$42), an usual mix of fool’s gold, an oval brass pin, vintage steel and a car part ring. You can see the entire eclectic collection at www.swordandfern.com.

When it comes to jewelry this fall, chokers are the way to go. Nestled right against your neck, they are the perfect accessory to compliment some of the more structured dresses and suits of the season. The socially responsible company, Mikuti, captures the look in a unique way, with the Furaha collection of chokers. These colorful, fair trade necklaces are handmade in Tanzania by combining the Japanese weaving technique of “Kumihimo” with vibrant Tanzanian wax fabric. Available in four distinct color combinations (shown in Lagoon), they are ON SALE for $28 (normally $35) at www.mikuti.com. Scroll down the page to see the chokers.