How to Find Truly Eco-Chic Jewelry

Watch out, eco fashionistas!  There is rampant greenwashing in the eco jewelry niche and the earth-minded deserve the truth. When searching for fine jewelry, consider these three points that will help you to spot misleading “green” claims.  But first, here are the three sure fire ways to find green jewelry that will not harm the planet:

#1:  Antique Stones

Check your local listing for a reputable estate jeweler and remember to ask for the origin of the stones. Even though an antique stone was likely mined many years ago, the damage to earth has already been done. By reusing that gem today, you are making a green choice.

#2: Created Gems

Make sure that your diamond was grown and not mined. Lab created diamonds are physically, optically and chemically identical to mined diamonds.  The important difference is that created gems don’t carry the baggage of funding wars, harming the environment, and cheating indigenous people out of their wealth of natural resources.  Another plus is that fancy, colored created diamonds and sapphires are much less expensive than their mined counterparts, and certain to be a conversation starter.

#3:  Recycled Metals

You want to ask for post-consumer recycled gold to be sure you are making a difference.  This is the old jewelry that people have sitting idle in their homes while mining continues at a pace of 2,500 tons a year, 80% of which is used by the jewelry industry. We estimate that there is enough gold above ground (already mined) to satisfy all demands of the jewelry industry for the next 50 years. Your jeweler should be able to provide full disclosure of the eco footprint of your ring including origin of the gems, alloy used in the gold, and the refinery which processed the gold.

And here is insight into common false claims to look out for as you are shopping.

• Some of the largest jewelers in the US promote that they sell green wedding rings because they source gold from a single mine.  What they don’t tell you is that the mine is listed by the EPA as the nation’s No. 2 polluter.

• The term “Canadian diamonds” has been promoted as an earth-friendly choice but the fact is that all mining is destructive regardless of where it takes place.  The Canadian diamond industry has done a great job to promote their environmental pedigree, but they fail to mention their mine operations render river waters toxic for hundreds of kilometers downstream and leave a gaping, permanent scar on the earth.  And most importantly, they don’t tell you that the indigenous people whose land is being mined receive little for the diamonds taken and that many in those communities live in poverty.

• The popular term “conflict free” is largely considered an indicator of a safe diamond purchase. However, the term is often applied to stones that come from countries in peacetime which is sort of like putting a “cholesterol free” label on broccoli. Plus, there is no credible authority to substantiate a “conflict free” label for countries who are suffering from war.

• The truth about diamond and gold mining is occasionally covered by the media but widely unheard.  Below are three links that shed light on this important green wedding issue:

There are No Clean Diamonds: What You Need to Know About Canadian Diamonds

http://www.miningwatch.ca/en/there-are-no-clean-diamonds-what-you-need-know-about-canadian-diamonds

All That’s Gold Doesn’t Glitter

http://www.jpost.com/JewishWorld/Judaism/Article.aspx?id=207815

The New York Times, Questions on the Cost of Gold

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/26/international/26gold-questions.html?_r=1

Lisa

Lisa Waddington is a wedding publicist at Shindig Creative, a boutique marketing firm powered by weddings and occasions experts.   Lisa is an experienced marketer with a niche focus on the wedding, travel and retail industries and over fifteen years experience with some of the best known brands in the world including greenKarat.