Recycled tin cans.
Private Collection
Jewel Gemstone Earrings constructed by Harriete Estel Berman from recycled tin cans are a conversation about the use of intrinsically valuable gemstones in jewelry to create perceived value.

The use of gemstones in jewelry has become a issue of social and environmental sensitivity. Impact to the environment with mining, the cost of war, blood shed, civil unrest, and unethical practices of both the mining and gemstone industry's are all relevant issues in today's world of environmental and social responsibility.

My work is in 14 museum permanent collections and over 27 books. My use of recycled materials has been an environmental message and personal level of green advocacy since 1988.

Buying these earrings supports my work and speaks about your awareness and political advocacy for supporting the arts and thinking green.

The form of these earrings is the most becoming shape for faces. They move easily and gracefully when they are being worn. The slightly embossed form makes the earrings very light weight yet strong. The edges of the tin cans are polished smooth.

I used a very rare tin can printed with gemstones to make these earrings. My 22 years of experience working with post consumer tin cans means that these earrings are carefully crafted despite the use of tin cans rescued from their destiny as trash.