There are options available for individuals seeking eco friendly jewelry!
Throughout history, jewelry has held a special place in the fabric of human culture.
Unfortunately, industrial methods of extracting jewelry’s precious metals and gems from the earth and the production of non sustainable materials, damages the land and endangers ecosystems.
Further, industrial values frequently reduce the labor component of production to the level of a cog in a machine.
Our mission is to provide an ecologically and socially responsible eco friendly jewelry alternative to those who seek change.
We want to help you, in some small way, become part of the permanent solution. Together we can make a difference.
Conflict Free Diamonds – Blood Diamonds
According to the nearly ten year old UN definition, conflict diamonds originate from areas controlled by forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments, and are used to fund military action in opposition to those governments, or in contravention of the decision of the UN Security Council.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_diamond#Conflict-free_diamonds
Current standards of conflict free diamonds require an origin certified to be free from violence, human rights abuses, child labor, or environmental destruction.
When purchasing a diamond look for certification that the diamonds was independently tracked from its country and individual mine of origin.
By doing this, you are making a eco friendly jewelry decision and voicing your opinion as a consumer.
Recycled Gold
‘The production of one gold ring generates 20 tons of waste’
Gold is a very versatile metal. It is malleable and ductile. It’s a good conductor of heat and electricity, immune to tarnish, and resistant to acids.
Although these properties make it very useful in industrial applications, 80% of the gold used each year nonetheless goes into jewelry.
While gold is valuable enough to provide an incentive to recycle, significant amounts of gold sit idle, while mining continues at a pace of 2,500 tons a year.
In fact, there is enough gold above ground (already mined) to satisfy all demands of the jewelry industry for the next 50 years.
Much of it sits in bank vaults and in the form of old and unused jewelry.
Consumers have the ability to demand the liberation of that idle gold through their purchasing decisions.
Demand for recycled gold and other precious metals, in conjunction with campaigns to clamp down on ecologically and socially unacceptable mining, holds the potential to effect change.
Because this methodology helps societal custom work in concert with principles of commerce, it can be embraced by consumers and producers alike, and therefore result in sustainable change.
Buying recycled gold and other precious metals is one of the most ecologically and socially responsible choices a consumer can make.
Eco Friendly Jewelry Directory
A list of excellent eco jewelry designers and retailers that have made it their priority to incorporate recycled, sustainable and fair trade materials in their unique designs and products they sell:
Hegedus Style (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
Hegedus Style Eco Boutique is a family company that offers a carefully selected range of womens jewelry and accessories produced respecting current aesthetic values as well as the planet, humans and animals. Hegedus Style works in smaller scales, choosing diversified , hand made, culturally diverse products linking the creators and their creations directly to the final consumers. Hegedus Style also carries a selection of eco friendly hand bags.
http://www.hegedus-style.com
Brilliant Earth (San Fransisco, CA)
A socially responsible jeweler offering conflict-free Canadian diamonds, fair trade colored gemstones, and eco-friendly gold and platinum. Offering loose diamonds, engagement and wedding rings, earrings, and pendants.
http://www.brilliantearth.com/
Faeries Dance (Harbor City, CA)
Stylish eco-jewelry from recycled and sustainably harvested materials. They have jewelry that shows off your love of yoga, running, hiking and climbing.
http://www.faeriesdance.com/green-jewelry-c-62.html
GreenKarat
Sells hand made jewelry made from conflict free diamonds and recycled precious metals.
Mayapple Creations (Kentucky)
Unique earth-friendly recycled sterling silver jewelry made with fair trade recycled glass form the Czech Republic.
http://www.mayapplecreations.com/
Molly Dash Jewelry (Brooklyn, NY)
One of a kind and limited edition jewelry, constructed from vintage & new materials, gathered from flea markets, thrift stores, family & friends. Created in Brooklyn by Mollie Dash in her green home studio.
http://www.molliedash.com/
Pueblito (Toronto, ON)
Pueblito designs, distributes and sells eco friendly fair trade jewelry handmade by artisans in South America. They use natural, earth friendly and biodegradable materials.
http://www.pueblito.ca/
Trash-But-Chic (Argentina, Buenos Aires)
Contemporary design jewelry with vintage and recycled materials like Czech 1930 glass, embroideries, bakelite, catalin, steel… Many one off pieces.
http://www.trashbutchic.com/
