In this ever-evolving world, it’s become more and more important for us to be more conscious about how we can make a difference to be more sustainable as consumers. Sustainable jewellery is something that we care a lot about at AC Silver, and today we’re going to go over a few ways that you can make your jewellery usage greener.
Buying Antique and Vintage
Obviously, we’re going to cover our own bases first and let you know some of the positives of buying antique and vintage jewellery. Firstly, one of the biggest benefits of purchasing pre-loved jewellery like this is that it doesn’t add any further pressure on the gemstone mining industry. Gemstone mining – much like any mining, really – is not exactly good for the environment, although there are better and worse ways of doing it.
The best way to have the least impact on the environment when buying jewellery is by buying jewellery that has already had a life as someone’s brand new piece some years ago. Another great benefit as a buyer is that you’re guaranteed a better price when buying pre-loved rather than brand new. For the same price, you can get gemstone jewellery with a higher carat weight and a more distinctive style if you choose to shop for vintage and antique jewellery.
Speaking of distinctive styles, the only way to get truly authentic jewellery in styles like Art Deco and Art Nouveau jewellery is by purchasing the genuine antique and vintage article. Knowing that you own a piece of jewellery that has lived a life before yours is something special, and new jewellery simple doesn’t compare in this way.
Ethical Jewellery
A lot of jewellers are making a big effort to be more environmentally friendly today. Everything element of jewellery creation, from sourcing the materials to packaging the items, is experiencing an overhaul by a lot of the largest jewellery companies. Not every company follows the same practises, however, as jewellery-making is a largely unlegislated industry. It’s important, therefore, to do some careful research before you buy.
Thankfully, the movement towards greener industries overall is popular enough that most companies that have ethical practises will be loud and proud about it. Check out any ‘about us’ section of a jewellery website and hopefully you’ll be pointed in the right direction as far as whether or not you can trust the company with your money.
Some jewellers, particularly independent jewellers that you are likely to find on sites like Etsy, are even making jewellery from recycled materials. Not only are old pieces of jewellery being melted down to be reused, but obscure materials like plastic cups and tyres are being widely repurposed to make a huge variety of things – jewellery included.
Family Heirlooms
By now, hopefully everyone is aware of the well-known phrase: reuse, reduce, recycle. It is the mantra of the green movement that hopes to make our world a more liveable place where we can continue to exist in harmony with nature for many generations to come. With this in mind, holding on to family heirlooms like jewellery is important for the movement.
With a lot of antique jewellery pieces, like Victorian jewellery, for example, have a bold aesthetic that’s timeless due to the age of each piece. If you’re fortunate enough to have a piece of this type of antique jewellery in your family, share the love and pass it down. The same goes for things like engagement rings. If your children or grandchildren are thinking of tying the knot, there’s nothing more romantic – or responsible – than using the engagement ring of a family member to pop the question.
Being a more conscientious consumer in the modern world is no easy task. With online retailers being ever-present for anyone familiar with the internet, it’s never been more important to be informed before parting with your money. Take our advice and bear in mind the steps that you can take to ensure that you’re playing your part in helping all of humanity be better. Sustainable jewellery is not impossible to find, and it’s never been a better time to invest in something beautiful that’s doing good for the world.
