"In Mourning" by Mignon Faget

New Orleans jewelry designer, Mignon Faget, has introduced a collection of designs to raise awareness and funds for the Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster.

Ironically, Mignon Faget jeweler was born over 40 years ago with a collection inspired by the natural beauty of the Gulf of Mexico — beauty now being destoryed by the BP oil spill.

To help raise funds to fight the environmental damage, Faget has introduced “In Mourning,” a special line of jewelry. For the collection, she has redesigned pieces featuring threatened Gulf Coast wildlife such as redfish, speckled trout, oysters and pelicans. The pieces are designed as pins backed with black ribbons or pendants on black cords. An oyster necklace is oxidized to an oil-stained silver, and sterling crab and shrimp charms dangle from oxidized black-chain bracelets reminiscent of the chains found on oil rigs.

Proceeds from the sale of the “In Mourning” jewelry will benefit the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana. The jewelry is available in Mignon Faget galleries in New Orleans and Baton Rouge and online at www.mignonfaget.com.