On my other blogs I have recently written about buying eco-friendly jewellery. So, I thought I would spread the word over here, too.
Here I will endeavour to explain what to look for when buying jewellery and how to make conscious style choices.
What Being Eco-Friendly Means To Me
I have always been a little bit more thoughtful than the average person towards animals and the planet.
I’m 90% vegan and 10% vegetarian and have been against animal cruelty for longer than I can remember.
I get teased often for not eating meat, and being a bit of a “hippy.” But I don’t care 🙂
Only recently have I made a pact with the planet; making purchasing decisions based on the direct or indirect affect on earth!
In the last few years I have been much more aware of purchasing choices, recycling and reuse.
You’ll find lots of content on Real Parent that mentions sustainability and eco-friendliness; it’s very important to me that I make eco-conscious decisions for my family and I.
Whether that’s using washable nappies and wipes, making plastic-free swaps, using natural skincare, drinking ethical coffee, or breastfeeding.
How Can We Make Eco-Friendly Fashion Choices?
It’s no secret that fashion has been, and still is one of the biggest contributors to the destruction of our planet’s resources.
However, the fashion industry is leading the way to carve out a better future for future generations
I personally have a long way to go before I change my (bad) fashion-buying habits, but I’m getting there.
However, an area of fashion where I have made a change is when buying jewellery.
So, here’s my guide on what to look for when choosing your next piece of eco-friendly jewellery.
What Makes Jewellery Eco-Friendly?
To class jewellery as eco-friendly, the raw materials must be from a sustainable, traceable source.
The jewellery industry is generally a highly regenerative industry. If a design is not to the liking of a new generation then the materials can be reused to produce an item designed in a new style.
Check the legality and safety of mines and the environmental impact the production has on the landscape.
Have the stones been fairmined?
What does fairmined mean? Fairmined is an assurance label that certifies gold from responsible artisanal and small scale mining organizations. Thanks to the Fairmined Standard, anyone who buys gold can access responsibly mined, traceable gold and support responsibly managed community mines. The Fairmined Standard includes requirements for mining organizations to perform responsible artisanal and small scale mining: formal and legal mining operations, environment protection, labour conditions, traceability of Fairmined premium and all this is backed by a rigorous 3rd party certification and audit system.
Jewellers Academy
Does the company use every bit of material, and reduce wastage? Furthermore, does the waste get disposed of safely?
Are the raw materials traceable, and is there a sustainable supply chain?
The items stated above should be displayed clearly in a sustainability statement (usually on the company’s website).
If the info. can’t be found, simply ask for it.
Other Ways To Make Ethical And Eco-Friendly Jewellery Choices
Other than the materials your jewellery is made of, there are many other ways a product can be ethical.
Consider Investing In Pre-Loved Jewellery
…or even raid your mum’s or grandma’s antique jewellery box!
If you have antique jewellery in the family, you can’t get any more eco-friendly than that!
Not only is it a more sustainable choice, it’s infinitely more individual than mass-produced jewellery.
If you’ve been passed down diamond jewellery as family heirlooms, they have an amazing history.
Moreover, the more times an heirloom is passed down, the eco-friendlier it gets!
Philanthropy
Companies that only consider themselves and the profits they make are so over!
Choose jewellery brands that support charities and local initiatives, and who focus some efforts on giving back.
Waste
Does the company dispose of waste materials responsibly? What about recycling?
Renewable energy
Is the energy that goes into producing the pieces renewable?
Chemicals & Animal Products
The chemicals used in the jewellery production process could be harmful to the planet and to those who wear the pieces.
What animal products are being used, and why?
How To Source Eco-Friendly Jewellery
There is a lot that we need to change, but the jewellery industry is leading the way.
Now has never been a better time to start making conscious style choices, and as fashion legend, Vivienne Westwood said…
Buy less, choose well and make it last.
Vivienne Westwood
Last Updated on June 22, 2023 by Lucy Clarke
