Historically, jewelry has reflected the attitude of the age in which it was created, so it makes sense that our pursuit of green living has extended to jewelry. My research into recycled jewelry materials uncovered innovative uses for materials that I wouldn't have considered wearable -- but I would have been proven wrong. A new term "Upcycled" repurposes industrial materials, such as phone cords, tennis balls, golf balls, bowling balls, bike chains, typewriter keys, vinyl records, aluminum pop-tops and more, into other items.

Toward the top of my list of lovely and irresistible materials is sea glass. Found on beaches along the Atlantic, Pacific and Great Lakes, this water-etched glass comes in a wide range of colors. You can wire-wrap sea glass or drill a hole into it to make pendants, earrings or charms.

Garage sales regularly feature boxes of castoff hardware, a glorious resource for washers, rivets, nails and other shiny tidbits and treasures. Old costume jewelry from yard sales and thrift shops can be broken down to reuse the good parts. Less desirable beads or findings can be discarded guilt-free (or sold at another yard sale). Funky old beads make great practice beads for beginning stringers and fun jewelry for kids dress-up.

Choosing recycled or upcycled materials gives jewelry a history, a philosophy and a second life. So, even if green isn't your favorite color, consider making your jewelry a little greener.

One of the most straightforward jewelry techniques is chain making with jump rings, often referred to as chain maille. Tools required are simple: two pair of chain-nose pliers. The technique required is equally simple: the ability to open and close jump rings, and follow a pattern. That is about as simple as jewelry making gets!

I recommend that you use a kit to make your first chain to avoid having to find each size and gauge of ring that is needed. Kits allow you to simply assemble the chain into a given pattern, repeat the pattern to reach a desired length and attach a clasp.

Chain maille goes together quickly and easily. To learn Byzantine Chain, I recommend the free video on beaducation.com. Instructor Colin Mahler shows you how to properly open and close rings, then breaks the Byzantine pattern down into easy-to-follow steps. It is easier to learn something new after seeing it demonstrated close up and in focus.

Ring size and quality are critical to chain maille. Unless you have a professional setup, making your own rings is not recommended. Professionally manufactured rings are cut and tumbled to eliminate burrs and provide shine. Both sides of the ring are cut flush, so they close cleanly and remain closed. Substitutions in ring size or gauge can turn a beautiful pattern into a messy web of linked rings, so follow supply lists precisely.