Lately, every TV commercial break seems inundated with commercials for the same cookie-cutter diamond pendant. Personally, it seems just as bland and unoriginal as a man wearing khakis, a banana republic blue shirt, and sporting the dead-and-gone, helmet-head, Ross hairdo. Diamonds, these days, only look good in the ears of hip-hop artists, and, only then, if they are Harry Winston size. Though in all seriousness, I challenge Harry Winston’s, Tiffany’s, or any jeweler to adopt a certification program that assures customers that the stones are not the products of African diamond mine exploitation.

In the meantime, I urge any socially conscious consumer to avoid diamonds all together. It’s the only effective way to send a message of protest.

Besides, my eye for couture is flaccidly unimpressed by dainty platinum settings. Instead I urge you to embrace the obscenely large and the unarguably unique. Most indispensable is the semi-precious stone amber, as it can be found in such a vast array of colors. The stone, even in its polished form, feels raw, as if just pulled from the earth.

Admittedly, finding the best amber jewelry entails some time and patience, but there are a few places to start out. On Broadway, just south of 34th Street, a veritable untapped amber jewelry mine can be found. Despite less than chic exteriors, stores like Silver Connection and Zoom stock not only an endless amber collection, but also hip sliver cuffs and jewelry in many other semi-precious stones. However, if you want to go straight for the cutting edge in design, keep an eye on NYSale.com or The New York Times for sample sales by Valerio888. Pieces cost anywhere from around $15 to upwards of $2,000. For $120 I found a ring that nearly covers three fingers, and also doubles as a weapon. For those with less sturdy hands, and to coordinate with your more streamline outfits, be sure to pick up an ethereal cuff with intricate silver decoration, and pair it with either a similar ring or a matching pendant. Also, on the web, visit Gems of Amber (gemsofamber.com).

The milky amber rings by Czulczynski of Poland are the most impressive stones on the site, and the Dresler Collection rings are somewhere between Old World craftsmanship and modern sculpture. My favorite, a mixed three-stone, is a mere $35. Plus, the Dresler Collection bracelets blend the afore mentioned silver cuff with prime cuts of stone. These, in particular, look great on guys. If less silver and more beading tickle your style-buds, check out the amber bead necklaces on Amber by Alicia (amberbyalicia.com). Paired with jeans and a white sweater or tank top, they’re guaranteed to turn heads even in fashion-jaded Soho.

Lastly, no amber safari hunt would be complete without some skins, so take a trip to the year-round market in Noho (located on Broadway at 4th Street). A great companion to your amber is a leather snap-on cuff, and many of the vendors offer a great selection. Men, look for a cuff with smooth, shiny leather that looks sexier with age (just like you). For the women, you can go bolder by choosing a cuff with colored leather, otherwise be sure to make a beeline for the lambskin cuffs: they’re much thinner to compliment those dainty wrists. Together with your new amber ring, they’ll make any hack slightly more hip.