High end jewelry doesn’t always have to be made of precious stones and platinum settings. Designer Elizabeth Fortunato uses reclaimed and ecofriendly materials from around the globe to create one of a kind pieces made of fabrics, beading, buttons, cording, and origami paper to name a few. Her twin sister Kathryn heads the business duties of Lizzie Fortunado Jewels to create a team that produces statement pieces that have taken to the likes of numerous magazines: Nylon, Elle, Teen Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, WWD, and Marie Claire just to name a few. Designs were a feature in this seasons VPL runway show as well.

Following are the highlights from a recent interview the girls had with NYmag. Read ahead to learn more about advice for aspiring designers, jewelry designers they love to love and who they’d like to accessorize:

Any advice for young, aspiring jewelry designers?
E: Work tirelessly; there is always another young jewelry designer in the wings ready to replace you. And oversee everything yourself in the early stages. No one can implement your vision like you can.

K: Even the best product will never sell if no one knows about it. Go out and push your product.

Which other jewelry designers do you love?
E: Alyssa Norton, Ligia Dias, Natalia Brilli, Philip Crangi, Irene Neuwirth, Scott Wilson … the list goes on.

K: Arielle de Pinto’s work is amazing as well.

In an ideal world, who would you love to wear Lizzie Fortunato Jewels?
E: Zooey Deschanel, Natalie Portman, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Chanel Iman — she’s stunning.

K: Michelle Obama!