Just the word “swank” itself is implicative of pretentious chic-ness, with a bit of attitude. There is absolutely no doubt of such a vibe from the independently run jewelry company Swank. Started four years ago, by Becky Wignell, designer and founder of the company, Swank is an eco-friendly jewelry company focusing on making affordable, unique accessories. Every piece is created from various vintage jewels, toys, and reused objects from the eighties. A company concentrated upon kitschy individuality, its mission statement does not simply stop at Wignell’s aspiration to bring eccentricity to a girl’s lifestyle: it promotes and vows to use as many re-purposed materials as possible in the designs to reduce the amount of waste the world is producing. In a world where the environment’s health is at risk and our own futures are predicted to be fairly dark, Swank is not just the usual jewelry line. Instead, it has taken responsibility in a share of the world’s share of environmental issues – taking a stand and making a change, one necklace, ring, or what-have-you at a time.

Swank’s fall line debuts a new collection of Lego baseboard-inspired pieces. Wignell, keeping the company’s mission statement in mind, designed necklaces and kitschy earrings by laser cutting Lego baseboards into various, mod shapes. Cutting each of these pieces by hand, every piece is unique and a limited edition in its own right. Some, instead of using Lego baseboards, employ vintage beads and Lego figurines to create a masterpiece of ornamentation – like the Super Swanky White & Gold necklace - it’s fun, it’s inimitable, and cute.

The most distinctive part of Swank is its almost couture-like aspects, in the idea that each piece is custom-made. The products pictured on their site are simply ideas, rather. Changes in color, design, and details can be made with a quick specification and request by the customer. So if the white and gold on the Super Swanky necklace is not eclectic enough, a request for something in more eye-popping colors can be made. And, guaranteed, the end result will be anything but unsatisfactory.