This necklace is wrong on so many levels. The price (holy…what???) and the material – seriously made from the tusks of the extinct wooly mammoth. I just can’t imagine who would buy this. But my passion for fashion makes me appreciate the good in this mega-jewel. (Note to self: Be on the lookout for an e-mail from PETA.) In terms of style, it’s spot-on. Long, chunky, and organically geometric, a necklace this standout comes along oh, every few thousand years. Rose gold frames each hexagon of ivory for a dreamy palette, and notice that lone piece surrounded by pave diamonds – love quirky touches like that. This would be so perfect with summer brights; I just wish it could be done with plastic – no elephant ivory, either! This statement piece makes an epic statement, but is it one you’d want to make? At Barneys New York for $39,690.
Other bold, notice-me options, friendly to both PETA-members and Frugal Snobs (a necklace like this is enough to turn the most decadent snob into a spendthrift!), include:
Kara Ross for Runway to Green 14-Karat Gold-Plated Necklace. On Net-a-Porter for $295.
Kenneth Jay Lane 22-Karat Gold-Plated Bib Necklace. On Net-a-Porter for $300.
Maven Lapis Petal Necklace.On ShopBop for $425.
Oscar de la Renta Russian Tiered Necklace At Bergdorf Goodman for $445.
Would PETA really be upset over a necklace made of a long extinct animal? I mean, it is not like it was killed for the purpose of adorning our necklines! Anyway, I don’t much like the necklace (a little too organic for me) and that price is crazy! I love unique jewelry and this certainly is it, but even I have my limits. I do however, LOVE all of the other alternatives in your post. The Maven lapis necklace in particular is fab-u-lous (and sold out!).
I agree wholeheartedly with the comments above. The woolly mammoth was an animal that roamed the earth before the Ice Age. The tusks of these long dead animals have been revealed through global warming and are being used as a cruelty free alternative to elephant tusks. There is more cruelty in wearing leather shoes (which I, along with most in the western world, have no problem with doing). I think PETA objects to animals that are killed solely for the use of personal adornment. I don’t think they would be too concerned by the use of an animal that died millions of years ago as the result of a climatic change. I think Monique Pean explains the use of this material in a website or interview.
I do love the alternatives you presented if you don’t have a spare 40k lying around to spend on a necklace.