There are different ways jewelry can be sustainable. It’s a complex subject because the word itself means different things to people. When you talk about sustainable in fashion, or even a smaller subset of sustainable fashion like jewelry, there are different levels. There are also different ways pieces can be sustainable or lack sustainability. It is up to the consumer to decide what level of sustainability they are comfortable with. Thus, consumers need to do their own research when purchasing from a company or craftsperson. Understanding the ways jewelry can be sustainable is crucial for making sustainable choices.
Jewelry can be Sustainable by Design
One way jewelry can be sustainable is through design and craftsmanship. Heirloom quality jewelry is often handcraft for durability in a timeless classic style that will last many decades. This is a type of slow fashion highlights the ways jewelry can be sustainable through thoughtful design.
Jewelry Sustainability Resource Choices
Other jewelry manufacturers focus on using sustainable materials. They use materials that are renewable resources and/or only come from an ethical source. Thus, they avoid slave labor or depleting rare or scarce resources. Not using diamonds cut in India by child labor or using recycled material are good examples of this type of sustainability. This type of manufacture will often buy materials directly from a stonecutter or metal refiner. They have a personal relationship with them, ensuring that they are getting a livable wage for their craft. Sometimes we forget that time is a resource. These choices are significant ways jewelry can embody sustainability.
Jewelry can be Sustainable Through Reuse
Reuse is the third facet of sustainability. An older piece of jewelry continues to have a life through maintenance, restoration, and repair, representing one of the ways jewelry can be sustainable. This can be done either by the original owner through maintenance or by the jeweler as an antique or vintage piece they offer for resell. The jeweler may be able to salvage the piece, depending on the level of damage. They might decide to save a portion of it into a new design. Sometimes it is as simple as cleaning, tightening settings on loose stones, and polishing out deep surface scratches.
Reference
Child Labor used in gemstone cutting https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7767600
Livable wages are part of sustainability https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/services/tax/assets/global-living-wage-report.pdf
If you enjoyed this post, you might also be interested in one of the following.
