Out of quite a list of my pastimes and hobbies, one of my absolute favorite has to be scrolling through Pinterest. There’s something so exciting yet relaxing about skimming through pages and pages of aesthetic images of anything that appeals to my mood at any moment.
Having spent quite a lot of time browsing through this app, I’ve actually grown to develop a keen eye for everything accessories-related. This in turn cemented my obsession with jewelry, both classic and trending.
The one thing I’ve noticed everyone chattering about lately on social media is how the staples for jewelry can be split in two: the timeless and monotone, and the unique and funky. Accessories always need to have an element of fun, and some exciting jewelry is a must to keep around on rotation.
After scouring the internet for jewelry that has the playful quirkiness that all the fashionistas can’t get enough of, I think I’ve finally found the one that checks my long list of boxes.
I knew if I was going to add funky pieces to my jewelry collection, it had to be something that meant more than just a simply cute design. With CLED, I can affirm that with the brand’s eco-conscious methods and personality-filled pieces that feel so me when I put them on.
First and foremost, CLED’s dedication to use waste resourcefully through upcycling is prominent throughout every single one of the brand’s designs. The brand has a distinct style of using colorful gem-like glass pieces called CLED Eco Gem™, creating a sense of quirkiness balanced with elegance.
“We use only upcycled gems for our jewelry. Our glass gems are handmade (formed, cut, and polished) from recycled glass and vary from each other. We are able to find this treasure almost anywhere and its resources are endless. Instead of throwing it away after it’s used, let’s salvage them,” says the brand, “Trash is treasure!”
With the bright sunny days of summer right around the corner, here are our favorite selects to keep on your seasonal accessories radar:
Charms Are So Back
If you thought charms would stay in the 2000s, they are making a massive comeback alongside the whole Y2K shift that the internet has been experiencing.
I’m completely obsessed with CLED’s charms. With a beautiful transparent glass design with tints of pale pastels to vivid bottle greens and blues, it has such an organic yet rich feel. Plus, the adorable designs are such a great way to showcase your personality!
The charms are made with a special upcycling process that keeps our planet safe with an eco-conscious approach:
Glass bottles are purified and cut thoroughly.
Each icon charm is cut from the discarded glass bottles, then the edges are sanded, and the glass is formed and annealed in the kiln.
Next, a hole is drilled carefully in the glass to attach the jump ring and clasp, then it is put back in the kiln to smooth out the drilled hole.
The icon charm is polished by hand, and all metal parts are welded.
I love hanging my favorite charms on a chain to show off a bit of what I love with any of my outfits. If you’re looking for something free-spirited and lighthearted, you can’t go wrong with the below charms:
The Clover
I love the Clover in a classic Green Forest shade. The vivid green is just such a cute touch of energy!
Simple but sweet, the Star is universally just such a cool shape. I love the Star in any shade, but it pairs beautifully with any charm combination in a pale Blue Jay shade.
The Western aesthetic has taken over- evidently by the cowgirl-esque outfits- and we’re seeing that in accessories too. I love the Boot in the Brown Amber shade for that classic Western vibe.
There’s something so organic and bohemian about this necklace that it just feels like a permanent vacation. This long necklace features a cotton cord that’s been waxed and polished for a more edgier look, paired with a beautiful medley of various charms and elements.
The Amorphous Long Cluster Necklace features 3 different designs:
A black with gold metallic, clear gems, and wavy disc
A grey with white pearl, blue gems, and wavy disc
A yellow with gold pearl, clear gems, and wavy disc
I just love the blend of glass gemstones with metallic bits, and with it being tied together with cotton, there is such a cool, edgy blend of materials that just makes this such a special piece.
The Mysterious Girl
There’s long been an obsession with being the “mysterious girl”-- and this necklace just fits its vibe.
Everyone wants to be the mysterious girl. She’s the star of attention without trying hard for it, and there’s a sense of confidence and elegance that makes her so alluring.
For such a girl, the jewelry has to be something one of a kind, too. The Sculptural Small Charm Necklace features a choker-style necklace that is as simple as it gets, but filled with so much intriguing elements.
Featuring a large 3D charm made from discarded window glass, this necklace feels so retro. Fastened to a leather-looking cord that’s 100% cotton and lightly waxed and polished with plant-based starch, this necklace is built to be worn everyday.
This rests right by the sternum, making it the perfect pair for a low v-neck top or a bikini.
The Teen Magazine had the opportunity to speak with the brand to talk about CLED’s beginnings, mission, and future.
How was CLED started, and how would you describe the brand's creative vision?
“CLED is an environmentally conscious jewelry brand founded in 2018 by Seulye Jo and based in Los Angeles. We take pride in local production and our mission is to repurpose waste through upcycling,” says the brand. “Seulye's experience in the fast fashion industry led her to recognize the excessive waste and plastic use in mass production. This realization inspired her to create something sustainable and eco-friendly, demonstrating that upcycled designs can be fashionable and responsible.”
“We make our own gems, called CLED Eco Gems, handmade with discarded glass sourced from local establishments. All discarded materials are valued, and we aim to repurpose them into new objects.”
What serves as the biggest inspiration when creating new pieces for CLED?
“Jewelry is one form of telling our story. Collections draw inspiration from the beauty of nature and its surroundings, featuring signature loop shapes and organic forms, illustrating the limitlessness of upcycling.”
“Embracing the transformation of discarded glass into something beautiful, our designs start with the Eco Gems, paving the way for endless possibilities,” shares CLED.
“Designing a new collection is an intricate process that involves numerous experiments with different types of glass, each yielding its own unique outcome. As the glass work is underway, the metal parts are meticulously crafted through hand wax carving or 3D modeling. The entire process typically takes over a year, reflecting the dedication and artistry behind each collection.”
CLED is beloved for its iconic bubble-shaped, playful designs-- but the cherry on top might be that it's eco-conscious. Tell us more about CLED's commitment to sustainability!
“From jewelry to packaging, our pieces are free from plastics, animal-derived materials, and extracted gemstones. Creating beautiful pieces from glass that would have been trashed is an exciting and fun process. We're passionate about what we make and continue to seek new ways to transform trash into treasure."
“Every piece is handmade using traditional jewelry stone settings and techniques, showcasing our dedication to quality and craftsmanship. We are also committed to giving back, and a portion of our proceeds is donated to various organizations. You can find more information on our website.”
Keep Up With CLED
Want to learn more about CLED’s journey into making jewelry better for our planet? Follow along on all social media platforms! Find CLED on Instagram at @cled and on Pinterest at @CLEDOfficial.
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