Give her unique jewelry for Valentine’s Day

This Valentine's Day give her something she won't see on everyone else. Shopping for local, artisan, and vintage jewelry is an excellent way to score unique pieces and have less of an impact on the planet. Don't worry. Eco-conscious jewelry is anything but boring.

Here's how to find stunning jewelry that will impress her without depressing your bank account.

• Go local. Buy handmade pieces made from artisans who live in your neighborhood. It doesn't have to be shipped long distances to reach you and you're also supporting our local economy. Seek it out at nearby boutiques or craft fairs. No time to pound the pavement? Check out Etsy's extensive selection of affordable handmade pieces.


• Buy recycled. Choose pieces made from recycled or reclaimed materials rather than those that have been freshly mined from the earth. You can find stylish jewelry crafted out of recycled silver, gold, and other precious metals.Keep an eye out for colorful earrings, necklaces, and bracelets made of recycled glass. Another idea: look for new items made with old gemstones. If you're planning on popping the question, learn why and how to find conflict-free diamonds.


• Choose vintage. It's the greenest way to go because no new materials are used to make these truly one-of-a-kind pieces. Learn how to be a smart shopper. Search your neighborhood flea market, antique stores, and eBay for sweet deals. 

Environmental journalist Lori Bongiorno shares green-living tips and product reviews with Yahoo! Green's users. Send Lori a question or suggestion for potential use in a future column. Her book, Green Greener Greenest: A Practical Guide to Making Eco-smart Choices a Part of Your Life is available on Yahoo! Shopping and Amazon.com.