Eco-Jewelry - Looking Good & Doing Good!


Have you heard the term “eco-jewelry ”? Also known as “green jewelry“, it refers to jewelry created utilizing ethical and recycling methods, sustainable processes, and organic resources. An eco-jewelry manufacturer is likely to utilize raw materials only from vendors that are known for ethical practices. The gem stones used in creating their products will be obtained from Fair Trade sources. Those sources
are typically required by contracts that may include requiring fair labor conditions, compliance with current environmental protection standards and use of renewable materials. These programs also typically require programs that help to preserve the local cultures where the resources are gathered.

The term can also include jewelry that uses vintage beads, gemstones that are acquired from fair trade sources and recycled metals (silver is often used). More expensive lines often use ethical or “conflict-free” diamonds. Running the gamut in the price-range, one-of-a-kind, artisan jewelry can use what are called “found items”. These can include just about anything, especially in mixed-media designs. An example would be, a bottle cap charm with a tiny vintage photo inside hanging from a silken cord.

Now lets talk about eco-jewelry and your style. Some very fashionable examples of eco-friendly jewelry style can include mixing gold and silver chains together. It’s fun to mix chains with stones or beads and chains with small charms. You don’t need to match, the mix adds to the character of your style. How about a brightly-colored bracelet made of recycled plastic game pieces from the 50’s ? Recycled glass is very popular, beach glass (literally from the beach) is a personal favorite of mine. It’s not only recycled, it’s one of a kind, carved-from-the-elements and unique as crystal.

Warmer weather will be here soon and if you like the look of natural elements, try jewelry made of nuts, wood, horn, bamboo and seeds. Browns and natural tones can be combined with naturally-dyed elements for a touch of color. Different types of beige and natural-toned cords, unusual colored yarns or the contrast of metal chains make for great necklaces.

Sustainable items often include local art. Some examples are: tiny Guatemalan textiles such as little purses on a string for a brightly-hued necklace, long ropes to loop (or not) of Philippine necklaces of Black Buri or the exotic Tiger Salwag seeds, or earrings of African trade beads make for an eclectic and colorful look.

Where can you find some of these items? Your choices are many: in the past eco-friendly jewelry was more easily found at health food store, organic clothing shops, bohemian boutiques and around college towns. World trade stores have always been a good bet for eco-friendly jewelry items. The sophistication of today’s shopper and a growing environmental consciousness has made Eco-friendly more main stream. Some of the larger departments stores now carry their own eco-friendly jewelry lines.

So mix up your style; the old with the new and look good while doing good.

Related links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_design

https://www.ethicalmetalsmiths.org

https://www.fairtrade.net