If you overloaded on long necklaces in recent years or find yourself short on statement pieces right now, pack up accessories you’d like to part with and take them to a Global Gifts jewelry swap Thursday, Feb. 27. Both Indy locations (446 Massachusetts Ave., 317-423-3148; 1300 E. 86th St., 317-569-0670) and Bloomington’s store (122 N. Walnut St., 812-336-7402) will host their first trade parties in conjunction with the preview of the spring jewelry collection. You’ll receive a ticket for every piece you bring and use those tickets to claim baubles from other customers. Trades will start shortly after 6 p.m., along with door prizes and samples of the store’s fair-trade chocolates and dips. Unclaimed jewelry will go to Dress for Success.
One of the most unusual lines in Global Gifts’ spring collection is a collection of jewelry made from bullet casings. A Cambodian artisan group in the Fair Trade Federation refashions brass shells from the country’s 1970s genocide and ensuing unrest into hopeful symbols, such as peace signs and pretty leaves (pictured). “They’re really beautiful, and they make a powerful statement,” says Holly Reeve, manager of the downtown store.