TODAY’S JEWELRY CUSTOMER cares about gem and metal sourcing and how those things affect the land and the people they come from – but they also care about style. When a jewelry collection is beautiful and edgy while also using 100% reclaimed precious metals, Fairmined gold, and ethically sourced gemstones, you have a hit on your hands.
Such is the case with Bario Neal, a line created by designers Anna Bario and Page Neal in 2007. The two joined forces after discovering a common interest in the sculptural possibilities of jewelry and its potential for cultural resonance. The company promotes traceability, transparency and marriage equality, even donating a percentage of the profits to many environmental and social justice organizations, both local and global, including Delaware Riverkeeper, Ethical Metalsmiths, EarthWorks, Freedom to Marry, Human Rights Campaign, and Planned Parenthood.
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It’s the type of story that resonates with consumers. But the story alone won’t do it – the look of the jewelry has to be fashionable as well, and it is. Most of the pieces included some asymmetrical element and have a rough, organic look, yet there’s also a precious, feminine quality in each one.
Bario Neal manufactures its pieces in Philadelphia and also has a showroom on the Lower East Side of Manhattan in New York City.