If you are environmentally friendly, hopefully, the answer is yes! The Green movement has hit the jewelry aisle and with it many people are becoming more aware of the toll that mining has on our earth’s precious resources. They are interested in not only lessening their footprint on the planet, but also carrying those high ideals to even the smallest of details–like the jewelry they choose to wear.
Some of the things to consider when you are looking to turn your diamond ring green or just buy earth-friendly jewelry are:
- Conflict-free diamonds
- Heirloom jewelry
- Recycled metals
- Earth-friendly and people-friendly jewelers
Conflict-free Diamonds
One of the biggest improvements in the diamond industry has been the Kimberley Process for certifying conflict-free diamonds. This regulation of diamonds exported from conflict areas helps to ease your mind that you might be contributing to local conflicts in other countries. The majority of diamonds on the market now are conflict-free diamonds, and this process may even help to discourage black market trade in diamonds and regional warfare if people refuse to buy a “blood diamond.”
Heirloom Jewelry
If you have jewelry that has been passed down from one generation to the next, you are in luck! These jewels can become a part of a family tradition and help to reduce the footprint on the earth of subsequent mining for new jewels. However, if the style isn’t as pleasing by today’s modern standards, you can always recycle both the gems and the metals to make a new ring or even a new piece of jewelry.
Most gems can be put into a new setting by a knowledgeable jeweler. Since older engagement rings tended to rely more on colored gemstones like emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, you might want to add a few diamonds to give them a bit more sparkle. This can be done by buying the ring setting, choosing some diamonds on the band, and then adding your own center stone. This way you honor both the old and the new traditions.
Recycled or Earthy Materials
Other environmentally aware people are choosing to buy rings that have been recycled from previous gold jewelry than new ring settings. You will have to search for retailers who specifically are offering this type of product.
If you want to go really earthy, why not choose something other than metal? Some people like the charm of a wooden ring. These make a very distinct eco-statement about your values. They can be also adorned with jewels and gold or silver wiring.
Earth-friendly and People-friendly Jewelers
If you don’t know what kind of options you have for an environmentally sound choice, check out some retailers who are upholding basic practices that contribute to earth-friendly and people-friendly environments. They follow the golden rules of environmental awareness, which includes some assurance that the jewelry they use comes from mines that don’t destroy ecosystems and or dump mine wastes into precious waterways. They also want to be sure that the mines practice safe and fair labor laws.
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