For centuries, gemstones and precious metals have been considered the ultimate signs of wealth.
Kings, queens, royals, and dignitaries decorated their outfits, foreheads, and fingers with glistening precious stones mined from around the world—to show off their status.
Wars were fought and cities conquered just for the notion of owning land that might hold silver, gold, diamonds, or rubies beneath its soil.
Today, the world of fine jewelry looks much different than in ancient times. We’ve built new traditions and assigned different meanings to precious stones.
Most often, we give jewelry to a loved one as a sign of love and commitment. They are our real treasure.
Although conditions surrounding gemstone mining have greatly improved over the years, there are still many factors to consider when shopping for fine jewelry.
The most important being sustainability, equal pay for all workers, and environmental concerns.
Even though these are big topics, rest assured that you can still engage your inner activist when shopping for fine jewelry.
Just a few small changes to your shopping habits could help the environment more than you know.
Here are our top tips for what to watch out for in your jewelry hunt and how you can stay sustainable—and continue to show your love and devotion through the best necklaces and rings.
Surprise! The jewelry stores at the mall aren’t concerned about the environmental impact of their pieces.
Luckily, there are lots of amazing jewelers online and around the world who are leading the way in sustainable choices.
Here are some things to check off your list when looking for a jeweler. How many of them can you check off for your jewelry company?
This can involve investing in new mining strategies, hiring reputable companies, or making an effort to reduce carbon emissions every year. Small, committed changes are essential to success—and often the best way to make an impact over time.
Intentionality can look like a company that makes jewelry to order—instead of overproducing products that could be waste.
Nobody’s perfect—and together, we’re all learning the best ways to take care of the earth. Look for a jeweler who’s actively making changes, doing research, and willing to adjust their strategies when they learn more about protecting the environment.
Value is an essential piece of the environmental puzzle. Companies who recognize value are more likely to invest in long-term equipment, pay their employees fairly, and use strategies that make a real difference. This means less overall waste.
Conflict-free mining means your jewelry company is committed to paying their miners a living wage, pursuing strategies that decrease emissions, and taking care of disputes in a civil and ethical fashion.
There’s no shame in being open and honest with your jeweler and asking them hard questions before making a purchase.
Not sure what to ask? Here are some ideas:
There’s one thing that hugely contrasts fine jewelry designs with department store jewelry—and its longevity.Â
While custom jewelry set with diamonds and emeralds will be kept as a family treasure, department store jewelry will turn your finger green or fall apart.
Which do you think is more likely to end up in a landfill?
One of the most vital decisions you can make for the environment is the decision to invest in quality.
Instead of spending your money on an endless supply of temporary jewelry, work with a jeweler to design special pieces that you’ll love to wear.
Did you know? A variety of precious stones can now be created by scientists! Even some of the diamonds and jewels you see celebrities wearing were crafted in a lab.Â
Today, you can wear diamonds, rubies, emeralds, moissanite, and sapphire—all without the environmental impacts of mining or unfair labor issues.Â
Choosing between a lab-created and nature-made stone is a personal decision.
First, consider your values. For what reason are you purchasing the jewelry? Natural stones are a better choice if you’re making a purchase based on the investment—or, if you just prefer the idea of having a stone from the earth.
Some consider lab-created stones to be taboo—but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Activists and celebrities are making these stones popular.
They’re significantly less expensive than natural stones and make it easier for you and your jeweler to choose a gemstone cut and size.
Diamonds and gems aren’t the only things to consider when choosing a sustainable jewelry option. It’s actually precious metals that require the most carbon energy.
Luckily, you can choose recycled gold and silver to give just the right amount of shimmer to your necklace, ring, or bracelet.
Don’t forget—some jewelers have the option to color your metal to a beautiful rose gold, white gold, black gold, or even blue gold.
Remember that the price of your jewelry is often connected to its sustainability and longevity.
Companies that are charging more for their jewelry are more likely to be using high-quality materials and tools and paying their workers fairly.
Takeaway? The dollar investment is worth it in the end and supports long-term choices.
If you want a real breakdown of the numbers, you can learn more about a jewelry company’s policies on their website—or by asking them directly.
The key to environmental shopping is to make small and meaningful choices that add up over time.
We’re all in this together—and sometimes learning requires trial and error. The most important thing is to be true to yourself and your values.
Don’t choose a jewelry style you hate just because it’s environmentally friendly. It’s not sustainable if you buy something and never wear it.
In the same way, you can choose a ring or necklace that you’re obsessed with—while asking questions or making small changes to ensure the jeweler is considering the environmental factors.
The days of royalty may be over for the most part. But you can still dress like a king or queen and show off your precious stones, without worrying about the jewelry’s impact.
May the treasure of the 21st Century be better than it ever was before.
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