For millennia, jewelry has played a special role in people’s lives as it not only has an aesthetic function, but an emotional significance that can last for centuries. Yet, modern jewels are not lasting as they used to… not even close. Because of our fast-paced culture, we frequently buy jewelry only to throw it away after a few wears, wasting resources and exposing ourselves to toxic ingredients. This is part of the fast-fashion cycle, to which jewelry is an important component.
Naturally, the sustainability of the jewelry industry was called into question and a new concept arose: ethical jewelry. In this post, I will dive into the essence of ethical jewelry in the hopes of inspiring you to make more conscious decisions without losing the luster of a good jewel. Making jewelry that you can feel good about wearing should not compromise design, quality, and conscience!
What is ethical jewelry?
Transparency and fair trade are the guiding principles of ethical jewelry.
1. Transparency
The mining business is known for being complicated and opaque. Gems are frequently moved from mines to traders dozens of times, making supply networks virtually untraceable. The sector is riddled with inequitable labor conditions, environmentally devastating results, and exorbitant prices. It is because of this that transparency is key as it ensures that each piece you wear was made in a responsible manner, from the sourcing of the materials to the final assembly.
Ethical jewelry brands offer openness in their supply chains, allowing customers to trace the origins of their jewelry and confirm its ethical credentials. The goal is to ensure that each stage of production is traceable and accountable.
2. Fair trade
Fair trade in ethical jewelry means that there is a system that ensures that the production and trade of jewelry meets specific social, economic, and environmental standards. By tackling concerns like fair salaries, secure working conditions, environmental sustainability, and the preservation of human rights, it seeks to create a more just and sustainable jewelry sector.
Fair trade jewelry:
- Ensures that producers obtain fair prices for their products, allowing them to meet manufacturing costs while also earning a livable wage. It seeks to end exploitative practices like low salaries and price manipulation.
- Encourages artisans and laborers to work in safe and healthy conditions. It emphasizes the significance of proper training, safe equipment, and fair work standards, such as the ban on child and forced labor.
- Encourages the use of environmentally friendly materials, responsible waste management, and lower energy use. Fair trade jewelry also advocates for responsible mining and the use of repurposed resources.
- Promotes community development and empowers underprivileged producers. This could include offering training and education opportunities, supporting healthcare programs, or investing in community infrastructure projects. Ethical jewelry has a significant social impact.
3. Certifications
Fairtrade International (the international umbrella organization for the certification of Fairtrade products) and the Responsible Jewellery Council (the world’s leading sustainability standard-setting organization for the jewelry and watch industry) are certification organizations that develop standards and issue certificates for fair trade and ethical jewelry. These certificates assist buyers in identifying jewelry that satisfies particular ethical and environmental criteria.
4. Materials and Design
The use of sustainable materials is one of the distinguishing features of ethical jewelry. Some examples include recycled metals, lab-grown diamonds (click here to learn more), and ethically sourced gemstones. These alternatives lower the demand for environmentally damaging mining techniques, helping to ensure a more sustainable future. Furthermore, ethical jewelry designers use new strategies to reduce their environmental impact, such as employing non-toxic materials and applying water conservation measures.
Ethical jewelry: How to choose wisely?
The key to choosing wisely when it comes to jewelry is making informed choices and asking the right questions! Here is a checklist that can help you learn how ethical a jeweler is:
The Pomelade’s favorites
Here are The Pomelade’s favorite ethical jewelry brands:
1. AGMES
Based in New York City, AGMES is led by sisters Morgan and Jaclyn Solomon. The brand’s pieces combine sculptural forms and precious materials with thoughtful design and artisan craftsmanship that are meant to last generations. In terms of production, almost all of the metals used by the brand are recycled. AGMES minimizes its carbon footprint by working exclusively with fellow New York City businesses on all prototyping, production, and packaging. The brand is also committed to reducing waste and strives to ensure that any scrap metal generated in the development and making of its pieces is returned to its suppliers for reuse.
2. Poppy Finch
Poppy Finch was founded on a journey to rethink fine jewellery essentials and redefine everyday luxury. From sourcing certified recycled gold and ethical gemstones to crafting its pieces, sustainability is the cornerstone of the brand. For Poppy Finch, each step of the making process is intentionally thought out to uphold its social and environmental commitment. The brand is committed to responsible sourcing for all of its products with specific focus on gold, diamonds, pearls, and coloured gemstones. So much so, that the brand only works with trusted suppliers who comply with all applicable local and international laws and regulations (most are members of the Responsible Jewellery Council).
3. Kimaï
Kimaï is a UK-based fair trade fine jewellery brand. The brand uses only solid 18k gold and everything is made-to-order. Kimaï carefully selects every one of its materials and partners so every step in the jewellery’s journey can be tracked, from the diamond lab and gold recycler to each of the independent makers the brand works with.
What are your thoughts on ethical jewelry? Have you ever thought about it before? Let us know in the comments below!
