What to Consider When Buying Sustainable Jewellery

As we become aware of the damage fast fashion causes and more mindful of our environmental impact, the way we shop for jewellery is changing. More of us are looking for pieces that not only look good but do good as well.

Sustainable jewellery is about choosing pieces that are kinder to the planet, ensure fair treatment of workers, and last a long time in our wardrobes. But where do you shop for eco-friendly jewellery? What should you look out for?

Here’s a helpful guide to making sustainable choices when adding a new piece of jewellery to your collection.

What to Look For When Buying Eco-Friendly Jewellery

Choosing sustainable jewellery is more than just about accessorising; it’s a way to express your values and make a positive impact on the world. When you carefully consider materials, ethical sourcing, transparency, craftsmanship, and the overall environmental impact of your purchases, you can find pieces that truly align with your values. So, the next time you’re looking to add some new jewellery to your collection, here’s a handy guide on what to look for!

Metals and Material

The materials that make up your jewellery have a significant impact on its environmental footprint. When shopping for eco-friendly pieces, opt for:

• Recycled Metals: Gold, silver, and other precious metals can be recycled without losing their quality. By opting for recycled metals, you reduce the demand for new mining, which has devastating consequences for our planet.
• Ethically Sourced Gemstones: Traditional gemstone mining often involves exploitation and environmental harm. Look for jewellery brands that offer gemstones that have been sourced responsibly.
• Lab-Grown Diamonds: Want the stone without the ethical concerns? Lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to mined ones but created in a lab, making them a visually identically but a far more ethical choice.

Handcrafted vs. Mass Production

Mass-produced jewellery often involves wasteful manufacturing processes, excessive energy use, and questionable sourcing. Fast fashion might offer trendy pieces, but it frequently does so at the expense of sustainability.

In contrast, handmade jewellery is made with care and attention to detail, often in small batches. When you support local artisans and independent jewellers, you’re investing in pieces that are not only beautiful but also have a lower environmental impact.

Transparency and Policies

A truly ethical brand will be open about its practices. Look for companies that transparently share their sustainability policies and ethical sourcing methods. Some helpful certifications to look for include:

• Fairtrade Gold: This certification guarantees that the gold was mined under strict standards that protect both the environment and the miners’ rights.
• Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC): RJC-certified companies must adhere to responsible sourcing practices throughout their supply chains.
• B Corp Certification: Brands with B Corp status meet high standards for social and environmental performance, making them accountable and transparent in their operations.

Packaging

It’s not just the jewellery itself you should consider—the way your jewellery is delivered matters just as much as the piece itself. Many brands still rely on excessive, single-use packaging and non-recyclable materials, contributing to pollution and waste.

Look for eco-conscious jewellers who use plastic-free packaging made from recycled paper or cardboard. These materials can often be easily recycled or reused for storage or gifting, helping to reduce waste and encouraging brands to invest in more sustainable solutions.

Longevity and Timeless Design

One of the best ways to embrace sustainability in your jewellery collection is to buy less, but buy better. Choose jewellery that’s built to last—timeless designs that you can wear for years rather than trendy items that might quickly fall out of style or tarnish.

When you invest in jewellery that reflects your personal style and values, it becomes a cherished part of your wardrobe rather than just another accessory. By prioritising quality, timelessness, and personal style, you'll create a jewellery collection that’s not only sustainable but also meaningful.

Support Ethical Brands

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, support ethical jewellery brands. Look for companies committed to minimising their environmental impact through sustainable materials, waste reduction, and carbon footprint minimisation.

When you choose to support these brands, you’re making a powerful statement about your values. Each purchase can drive change in the industry, encouraging more brands to adopt responsible practices and inspiring others to follow suit.