The concept of producing sustainable jewelry and providing social benefits to the surrounding community is not new, but it seems that it hasn’t been touched to the main problem. Not many people know how big the challenge is in making this jewelry.
Although of course, it is fun to see ethical and responsible jewelry production getting more attention in women, it needs to be explained that it is very difficult to make sustainable jewelry compared to not ethical jewelry.
The Challenge of Sustainable Jewelry begins in the selection of raw materials
The most fundamental aspect of ethical products is the transparency of the supply chain and this is one of the most difficult to achieve by many companies. Why? Because most metals and minerals come out of the poorest regions on earth and pass a lot of hands on the way to the market and most of that can not be traceable.
Even after you go through the raw material aspect of making jewelry, jewelry production often uses harsh chemicals and can produce toxic waste. Of course, toxic waste will have a bad impact on the future of the environment.
One of the ethical jewelry designer, Christine Dhein, published a bulletin called Green Jewelry News where she gave alternative jewelry ideas that were responsible for production techniques and using nonchemical traditional materials. Jewelry throughout the world besides Christine Dhein also continues to innovate in jewelry production techniques and try to recycle, one of that is jewelry made of horns. Horn jewelry is a waste from the food industry that recycled into high-value jewelry.
Positive Impact of Sustainable Jewelry
Imagine a happy feeling if you are a jewelry manufacturer and produce products that reduce negative impacts on the environment. As we know, jewelry factories are a world of creative power, and most of them carry out external innovations. They are assisted by organizations such as Ethical Metalsmiths as well as conferences such as the Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference, and standard organizations such as the Responsible Jewelry Board. All are dedicated to providing education, resources, and support for jewelry industry producers who want to increase their social and environmental impact.
When you see your jewelry company, you will ask questions, how ethical is the jewelry. For most jewelry shops that care for the environment, this process is a journey. They refer to themselves as ethical jewelry but are rarely sustainable. They are trying to raise standards every day in their practice, constantly looking for new sources and methods to improve the lives of others while protecting the planet.
For some consumers, ethical jewelry may not be the main choice because the environmental and social risks involved in producing it are not noticeable. But gradually, people are more aware that jewelry is more than just good looks but providing additional benefits to the earth.
For consumers, they will feel more comfortable finding jewelry made by companies that try to make a difference. There is a special joy when wearing something beautiful that can feed the family, educate a child, or support an artist and certainly protect the earth at the same time.
This is not easy but there are more luxury brands are starting to switch to environmentally friendly materials such as animal fur to making choices for the future of sustainable jewelry.
