WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE JEWELLERY AND HOW DOES IT HELP THE ENVIRONMENT?

The fashion industry has been strongly criticized from accusations of sweatshop production to the negative impact of fast fashion on the environment, it seems as though everyone has something to say about it – and not much of it is good. Thankfully, there are plenty of designers out there who are trying to make a positive difference. Sustainable jewellery is one such niche within the fashion industry that’s making a real difference. So matter if you’re looking for jewellery or Vintage & Antique Toys for sale, it’s also an area that is only set to grow from strength to strength. So what is sustainable jewellery, and how does it help the environment? Let’s take a look.

What is Sustainable Jewellery?

Sustainable jewellery is jewellery manufactured in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. This means that it is made with sustainable materials which reduce its waste, energy and water usage. Sustainable jewellery is not only better for our planet, but also kinder to the people who make it. Sustainable jewellery manufactures provide workers with fair wages and safe working environments.

Why is Sustainable Jewellery Important?

As we’ve already touched upon, the fashion industry has a bad reputation. It is widely accused of being environmentally irresponsible and of making inadequate efforts to minimize its impact on the environment. The jewellery industry is no different. It has a lot to learn from other industries, but it also has a lot to offer.

Sustainable jewellery brands create their jewellery using materials sourced in an ethical way with less negative impact on the environment. It means that the precious stones they used are conflict-free.

How is Sustainable Jewellery Produced?

The production of sustainable jewellery is a lot more complicated than mass-production jewellery. There are several sustainable practices in jewellery production.

Recycled Materials

Brands start to use recycled gemstones in their jewellery to minimize their environmental and ethical impact. Precious metals like silver and gold can be melted and reformed into a new jewellery piece without losing their qualities. For example, all jewellery pieces from Maramz, one of the sustainable jewellery brands curated by Vipop, are made of sustainable and ethical stainless steel, which is considered as the most efficient, safe and ecological metal.

Clean Production

Many manufactures use hazardous chemicals like cyanide to clean their jewellery which can be in a result of cyanide poisoning. Sustainable jewellery brands try to work toward less water and use toxic-free cleaning products.

How to Find Out Whether Jewellery is Sustainable?

As new technologies developed, it is more crucial to educate yourself to understand if the jewellery you’re wearing is sustainable. Otherwise, the jewellery you purchase brings a negative impact on the environment. To find out if a piece of jewellery is sustainable, you need to look at three things: material, manufacturing process and the chain of custody.

What are the Best Materials for Eco-friendly Jewellery?

To lower the carbon footprint, you can consider these environmentally friendly materials when you’re purchasing eco-friendly jewellery.

  • Recycled gold: The use of recycled gold is not only good for the environment, but also a more ethical choice to prevent gold from being mined, which is always associated with child labor and poor working conditions.
  • Recycled silver: Same with recycled gold, an alternative to reduce the demand for mining. Silver can be melted down and reform into sheet and wire which share same quality with newly mined silver.
  • Stainless steel: The metal is 100% recyclable, most durable and hard-wearing materials.
  • Aluminium: One of the most eco-friendly metals with the ability to be easily melted down and reformed without impact on its quality.

Conclusion

Jewellery can mix and match with any outfit to make you shine, but the mass-production are unsustainable and unethical in the past and still in the present. No matter the industry or consumers, they should be more aware of sustainable and ethical practices.

You don't have permission to register