A Guide To Ethical & Sustainable Jewellery
In today's world, consumers are increasingly prioritizing ethical practices, whether it's in clothing, skincare, or jewellery. You can look great without compromising your values.
This guide aims to address common concerns regarding ethical jewellery practices and provide insights on how to ensure your purchases align with your ethical standards. Becoming a more conscious consumer is a journey and you can't change everything overnight... but here are some tips to get you started!
4 Tips To Find Ethical Jewellery
#1. Check the Company Website
Look for jewellers that provide information on supply chain vetting processes and environmental considerations. Reputable websites should address these issues.
#2. Opt for Different Materials & Stones
Silver jewellery generally has a lower environmental impact compared to gold jewellery. When it comes to diamonds, consider alternatives like lab-grown diamonds or moissanite.
#3. Repair Instead of Replace
Many jewellery faults can be repaired by skilled professionals. Reputable jewellers often offer complementary inspections and cleaning services for significant purchases. Inquire about these options.
#4. Avoid Overconsumption
Evaluate the necessity of each purchase. Focus on acquiring pieces you truly love and cherish, reducing unnecessary consumption.
Ethical Jewellery Brands: Setting New Standards
The jewellery industry has not been immune to ethical controversies, but many brands have taken proactive steps to adopt ethical practices. Consider Larsen Jewellery - a business that carefully examines its supply chains, maintains carbon neutrality, and donates a portion of its profits to charitable causes. These brands prioritize delivering ethical products to conscious consumers.
Other ethical jewellery and accessories brands to consider are La Enviro, Time IV Change and Mon Choux - these brands are committed to raising the ethical standards by offering stylish and vegan alternatives for watches, wallets and rings.
Supply Chains: A Critical Consideration
The sourcing of precious gemstones often involves highly unethical practices. Blood diamonds, for example, are mined in active war zones to fund insurgencies. Naturally, conscious consumers avoid such products.
However, the issues go beyond blood diamonds. Even diamonds sourced from developing countries not categorized as blood diamonds are often mined using unethical labor practices. Shockingly, approximately one million children are estimated to be involved in mining operations. Miners of all ages face numerous health risks without proper safety measures.
To ensure ethical products, it's crucial to purchase jewellery from suppliers who recognize and address the multifaceted issues within their supply chains.
Environmental Impact: Prioritizing Sustainability
Jewellery production significantly impacts the environment. Mining processes release air pollutants and contaminate groundwater with chemicals like cyanide, mercury, and sulphuric acid, posing threats to already scarce drinking water supplies.
Gemstone mining also causes ecological damage through vibrations and noise, leading to biodiversity loss and the extinction of native species. Additionally, sourcing stones for jewellery contributes to deforestation.
Carbon emissions are another concern. A pair of heart-shaped gold earrings, for instance, generates an estimated 31 kilograms of carbon dioxide. Choosing materials with lower carbon footprints, such as silver, can help mitigate the environmental impact of jewellery purchases.
Fortunately, many renowned jewellers have pursued certification as carbon-neutral entities through organizations like the Carbon Reduction Institute, emphasizing their commitment to sustainability.
Fast Jewellery: A Detriment to the Environment
The fast fashion trend has unfortunately permeated the jewellery industry as well. Low-quality jewellery, worn briefly before being discarded, poses significant environmental challenges. These pieces often contain materials like plastic that remain in landfills or the natural environment for extended periods without decomposing.
Such jewellery is often inexpensive, tempting customers to purchase numerous items. Once customers grow tired of them or the low-quality design causes breakage, these pieces are simply thrown away.
It is advisable to invest in higher-quality jewellery that can endure the test of time. Expensive items are more likely to last longer and grow more beautiful over the years.
Finishing Up
Navigating the world of ethical jewellery can be challenging, but conducting thorough research and choosing transparent companies will empower you to become an ethical consumer. By making sustainable choices, you can enjoy beautiful jewellery while minimizing your impact on the environment.
At Stride Store, we stock over 100 Australian brands committed to making fashion fair for people, animals and our planet. Discover the best watches, activewear, dresses and much more today!