Local designer unveils jewelry collection with a conscience

Wilmington, Delaware – Since 1977, the name R. Craig Whitten has been synonymous with exquisitely crafted one-of-a-kind fine jewelry designs. Now, the locally-based, nationally-acclaimed designer has announced the creation of the whimsy™ collection of fine rings that are uniquely customizable.

The rings offer a new twist on the wildly popular collectible bead jewelry and provide a new and easy way to showcase the striking glass beads. whimsy™ rings accommodate beads made by all of the major bead manufacturers including Trollbeads®, Pandora® and Chamilia®. Their interchangeability allows the wearer to express her individuality and easily change the ring to match an outfit, complimentary jewelry, or even a mood.

"These designs are flexible, versatile and a reflection of each wearer's own personal style," explains Whitten.

The rings have an added bonus that has resonated with customers nationwide. All of the rings are crafted from reclaimed sterling silver, 14-karat gold, and gemstones.

"Today's consumers expect more from the products they purchase -- merchandise that is created responsibly," says Whitten. "Silver, gold and gemstones are finite resources, and mining is one of the dirtiest industries in the world. According to the NoDirtyGold campaign (www.nodirtygold.org), a single gold ring leaves a shocking 20 tons of harmful mine waste."

In addition to the destruction of vast tracts of land, the mining industry is the top toxic polluter in the US. In a 2006 report by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, The Toxic Releases Inventory, metals mining was responsible for more the 25 percent of all toxic releases in the US in 2006 including heavy metals like arsenic, mercury and lead.

"To counter those effects, a conscious decision was made to use only reclaimed metals and gemstones used in the creation of the whimsy™ line," says Whitten. "It's a small step, but a step in the right direction."

The first collection of rings includes the "Hannah," which is crafted of reclaimed sterling silver; the "Sarah," which is created with reclaimed sterling silver and highlighted with burnished, reclaimed 14-karat gold; and the "Megan," which is created with reclaimed sterling silver and highlighted with burnished, reclaimed 14-karat gold as well as reclaimed diamond accents. The rings carry a lifetime warranty with free replacement.

Whitten, a Wilmington native, has been creating remarkable custom jewelry designs since 1977. He opened his first jewelry design studio in 1985, and later added retail operations. In addition to custom designs, Whitten's Fine Jewelry now offers a full collection of designer jewelry, Accutron and Bulova watches, and a bridal collection which features loose certified diamonds and custom mountings in platinum and 18-karat gold.

For more information about the whimsy™ line, please contact Cindy Whitten at 302-995-RING. For more information about the mining industry and its' effects, please visit:

www.infomine.com
www.nodirtygold.org
www.epa.gov