The “S” Word - What Does Sustainable Jewelry Really Mean?
A more meaningful goal is RESPONSIBLY SOURCED JEWELRY
From big publishing powerhouses like Oprah to trendy VC-backed jewelry startups, the word “sustainable” is ambiguous and too often thrown in front of “jewelry” - and it may not mean what you think. It is cringeworthy personally because I’ve used it too!
Being part of a thoughtful, global community of makers and suppliers who care about education, transparency, and responsible sourcing is what drives my belief that fine jewelry can create positive change in the world.
RESPONSIBLE SOURCING ENCOMPASSES
traceable
ethical
conflict-free
respecting people and their skills
protecting the natural environment - be it land or sea
We all start where we are to adapt to better practices and accurately represent realities.
Whether you are the chairwoman in the boardroom, the CEO of your household, or an industry innovator creating positive change, I help you acquire jewelry that amplifies your style and values.
SHOP JEWELRY THAT AMPLIFIES YOUR STYLE AND VALUES
As you will see, the jewelry you choose can meaningfully support the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Read on to discover…
3 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT “SUSTAINABLE” JEWELRY
1. Gemstones and precious metals are not “sustainable” - but mining communities can be
Mining is an extractive process taking place in remote pockets of the world where natural resources are scarce. As a non-renewable natural resource, gemstones and precious metals themselves are not sustainable.
Many artisanal miners are farmers who mine with rudimentary tools to provide supplemental income to feed their families. Some are entrepreneurs like Beatrice and Esther who own and operate mines along with other women (and men) in their community. With formalization, artisanal miners gain access to safe mining practices, education on where to dig, the value of their finds, and the importance of land reclamation.
A move towards vertical integration includes more skills such as gemstone faceting and grading along with other ancillary business activities. This means more revenue stays local within these remote communities - empowering them to not just survive but sustainably thrive.
EMPOWERING POV: Intentionally choose jewelry with artisanally mined gemstones that honor and sustain people - especially women miners
When purchasing jewelry, ask who, where, and how the gemstones were mined. Invest in fine jewelry from designers who practice responsible sourcing.
2. Laboratory grown diamond companies often make unsubstantiated “eco”, “sustainable”, or “carbon footprint” claims
It is important to note that quite a lot of electricity is required to manufacture laboratory-grown diamonds and data about environmental claims is not conclusive. Many of these companies are based in first-world nations (primarily China and the US) and make ethical and eco claims at the expense of third-world nations, whose local economies depend on the mining sector.
There is also an ethical dilemma of lab-grown diamonds… who benefits from them.
SPOILER: a lot of tech bros and celebrities in first-world nations.
LAB GROWN DIAMONDS DO NOT LOOK LIKE THIS
An example of how traceable, natural diamonds have transformed and empowered a nation to sustainably thrive is Botswana.
Another distinction to clarify is that natural diamonds are rare and lab grown diamonds are mass-produced. From an investment standpoint, the value of lab grown diamonds will continue to fall because they are not rare - especially as this mass-manufacturing activity accelerates.
If climate action is a significant factor for you in choosing a diamond for an engagement ring or any other diamond jewelry, post-consumer recycled diamonds are the most environmentally conscious solution.
Why? Because they have already incurred a cost in their carbon footprint. Best of all, if they are antique, they are cut in a uniquely beautiful way (with eyes and hands), unlike newly cut diamonds in the market.
EMPOWERING POV: Intentionally choose jewelry with recycled diamonds to mitigate environmental impact and celebrate a new, eternally precious story
As one of the world’s first art forms, jewelry has always been circular!
Whether they are 4 or 400 years old, investing in post-consumer recycled diamonds brings new life to a beautiful asset that has already incurred a cost in its environmental footprint.
Seeking an antique diamond engagement ring? Let’s connect!
3. Gold plated, gold filled, and gold vermeil jewelry often ends up in landfills
While gold plated, gold filled, and gold vermeil jewelry is positioned as accessible, “sustainable” jewelry, in reality it often ends up in landfills.
Regardless of whether the jewelry is coated with recycled gold or Fairmined gold, over time (as soon as a matter of weeks), this layer of gold will wear off exposing the non-precious material. Not only is it no longer attractive as it once was, but the contact with your skin can discolor it - or even worse the alloys of the base metal can cause painful allergic reactions and swelling.
If you are unfamiliar with Fairmined gold, it is an assurance label that certifies gold from empowered responsible artisanal and small-scale mining organizations. This mercury-free gold can be traced back to its origin. Not only is there clarity about where it is from, but also the conditions it was mined, ensuring social development and environmental protection.
Curious about Fairmined gold vs recycled gold? Discover a comparison here!
Trends may change, but jewelry that is made of solid gold, silver, or platinum will endure. As a precious commodity, it can always be recycled or reimagined into a new piece of jewelry.
EMPOWERING POV: Intentionally choose SOLID gold, silver, or platinum jewelry that will endure as future heirlooms
Investing in fewer better things will always be better for the earth.
DESIGN A BESPOKE LAYERING NECKLACE WITH RESPONSIBLY SOURCED GEMSTONES
What are the benefits of The Brilliant Concierge service?
A fluid, personalized experience, presenting you with thoughtfully designed jewelry for purchase you will love. The service can be:
• Editing your current jewelry wardrobe to rediscover treasures you already have and prioritizing needs for your next purchase.
• Advising you on kinds of jewelry that fit your lifestyle and values, as well as wear and care considerations.
• Sourcing jewelry for you or a gift for someone you love, be it day-to-night stud earrings or an engagement ring.