Fast Fashion vs. Slow Jewellery: What You Need to Know

Fast fashion has a reputation—and not a good one.

We’re talking cheap, trend-chasing clothes that fall apart after just a few washes. Most of us are well aware of the mess that is the fashion industry, but what you might not realise is jewellery has a problem too.

Just like those £5 tops that shrink after one wash, fast fashion jewellery is just as disposable. It’s made to last a season (if you’re lucky) before it tarnishes, breaks, or gets replaced by the next “must-have” trend.

If you’ve ever had a “gold” ring turn your fingers green, necklaces that tarnish before you can even take a selfie, or earrings that break the moment you take them off—congratulations, you’ve been duped by fast fashion jewellery!

There is an alternative: slow jewellery. If you want to be more mindful about what you wear (and avoid turning your skin green), here’s everything you need to know about fast fashion jewellery versus slow jewellery—and why making the switch is so worth it.

What is Fast Jewellery?

Fast jewellery follows the same formula as fast fashion: mass-produced, low-quality, and trend-driven. Made from cheap base metals like nickel or brass and coated with a thin layer of gold or silver plating, it quickly loses its shine—leaving you with tarnished pieces and green-stained skin. These pieces might look good at first, but they’re definitely not built to last.

Fast jewellery is all about quantity over quality—designed to be impulse-bought, worn briefly, and replaced just as quickly. The environmental cost? Enormous. With the rise of ultra-cheap jewellery, we’re looking at more waste, more pollution, and more resources being poured into things that’ll barely last a season. And because these pieces are made with low-cost materials, they’re pretty much impossible to recycle.

Signs You’re Buying Fast Jewellery:

• It’s sold by fast fashion brands or trendy high street retailers.
• It’s ridiculously cheap—think £5 for a ‘gold’ necklace.
• It’s made from mystery metals with no clear labels.
• It tarnishes, discolours, or breaks after just a few wears.
• It’s ultra-trendy, with designs that won’t last beyond the season.

And don’t be fooled by those £200 "gold" necklaces either—those can be fast fashion too!

The Problem with Fast Jewellery

Fast jewellery might look like a bargain, but the real cost is much higher than the price tag. Do you want to wear something when you know it's bad for the planet, has questionable ethics, and costs more than you think? Didn’t think so.

• Environmental Disaster – Most fast jewellery is made from low-quality materials aren’t recyclable. The cheap plating and synthetic coatings break down quickly, leaching harmful chemicals into the environment. And when these pieces tarnish or fall apart (which they will), they get tossed—straight into landfill.
• Ethical Nightmare – Ever noticed how fast jewellery brands rarely mention where their materials come from? That’s because they don't like telling you that behind their low prices is often exploitative labour conditions and unsustainable practices.
• Terrible Value for Money – A £10 necklace that lasts a month isn’t a bargain if you have to keep replacing it. Investing in well-made jewellery saves you money in the long run—and saves the planet from more waste.

What Is Slow Jewellery?

Slow jewellery is the complete opposite of fast, disposable trend-led fashion. It’s about quality over quantity, craftsmanship over mass production, and timelessness over trends. Instead of flimsy pieces that barely make it through a season, slow jewellery is made to be worn daily—without falling apart.

Unlike fast jewellery, which relies on cheap metals and thin coatings that wear off fast, slow jewellery is made from the good stuff: sterling silver, solid gold, gold-filled, and vermeil—materials that actually last. No mystery metals, no green skin, no disappointment.

Sustainable jewellery brands (Oh My Clumsy Heart, if we’re naming names) prioritise using recycled gold and sterling silver instead of mass-produced, low-quality plated metals. Handmade or small-batch production means every piece gets the attention it deserves so you’re not left with something that breaks the moment you take it out of the box.

What Makes Jewellery ‘Slow’?

• Sustainability – Made with recycled metals, ethically sourced gemstones, and responsible production methods that minimise waste.
• Craftsmanship – Handmade or small-batch production, not churned out in factories with zero quality control.
• Longevity – Designed to last, with high-quality materials that won’t tarnish, snap, or end up in landfill after just a few wears.
• Timeless Design – Less trend-driven, more classic styles you’ll love for years—not just for a season.

Fewer broken chains, no green fingers, and jewellery that actually lasts? That’s what makes slow jewellery worth it.

Why Slow Jewellery Is Worth It

If you’ve ever bought a “gold” necklace only to watch it turn dull—or worse, turn you green—after one wear, you already know the problem. Fast jewellery isn’t built to last. Slow jewellery is. Here’s why it’s the better choice:

• No more green fingers – No mystery metals, no cheap plating, no weird skin reactions. Just high-quality jewellery pieces that stay as beautiful as the day you got them.
• Jewellery that actually lasts – Say goodbye to broken clasps, tarnished finishes, and pieces that fall apart after a few wears. Slow jewellery is designed for everyday wear—without the waste.
• Better value – A £10 necklace that needs replacing every month gets expensive, fast. Invest in well-made jewellery once, and you’ll have something you can wear for every day for years.

Slow jewellery isn’t just worth it, it’s the only choice that makes sense.

How to Spot Quality Jewellery

Just because something’s shiny doesn’t mean it’s built to last. And while price can sometimes give you a hint of what to expect, it’s not always a guarantee of quality. Here’s your quick guide for spotting quality slow jewellery:

• Material Matters – Quality jewellery is made from materials that last. You want to see sterling silver, solid gold, or gold-fill and vermeil—not ‘gold-plated’ mystery metals that flake away after a few wears.
• Check the Details – A well-made piece will always have clear metal hallmarks. For sterling silver, look for ‘925’, and for 9ct gold, ‘375’. These stamps are proof that the metal is genuine and what it claims to be.
• Brand Transparency – Quality brands aren’t shy about sharing where their materials come from. They’ll talk openly about their sourcing practices, materials, and ethical standards. If the brand is vague about these things, that’s a red flag.

When you know what to look for, choosing slow jewellery becomes easy. It's all about quality, transparency, and attention to detail —three things you won't find in fast jewellery.


Fast fashion jewellery might seem like a bargain, but when you’re constantly replacing it, it’s not exactly saving you money. So next time you’re about to impulse-buy that £3 ring that’ll turn your finger green, think about investing in something better—something that will actually last.

Slow jewellery is all about choosing pieces you actually want to wear every day—ones that are made to last and won’t end up forgotten at the bottom of your jewellery box. And the good news: sustainable jewellery can be affordable, too! Quality doesn’t have to blow your budget.