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StaceyE September 28, 2010

Where can I find eco-friendly jewelry?

I'm looking for eco-friendly jewelry. Can you tell me where I can find some?

Answers (1 - 1 of 1)

MarkE September 30, 2010

The jewelry industry relies on mining companies to generate source materials for their products. The production of a single gold ring will generate five tons of environmental waste, as it contaminates land and water, consequently endangering the health and lives of humans and animals. Eco-friendly jewelry can take a variety of shapes and forms, including chemical-free leather goods, recycled beads or sustainable materials, such as granite and bamboo, manufactured to create jewelry today. Sustainable materials replenish themselves naturally faster that other resources and can be more durable than man-made products. Consuming jewelry made from recycled silver is also an eco-friendly option. The popularity of silver has steadily increased over the last few years since it is relatively inexpensive, as compared to diamonds or gold jewelry. It is possible to check a company's assertion of eco-friendly jewelry through private or public services or websites, such as the Earthworks Watchdog Service, to research the validity of the company's claim. As a way to end destructive gold and diamond mining, GreenKarat is also working to develop standards for recycled precious metal, so that consumers can be aware of the product choices available to them.
Several companies practice green mining. Danforth Jewelry is an example of a refined, eco-friendly jewelry company that sells un-mined metals. Rather than sourcing its metal from mines, Danforth Jewelry creates its product line from the Harmony brand of recycled metals, which, in terms of look value and quality, appear the same as newly mined metal. Old precious metals are melted down in an environmentally safe process and cleaned to eliminate any contaminates or additives. The pure metal is alloyed to add hardness and brilliance and used to create an extravagant new piece of jewelry, identical in look and value to newly mined environmentally destructive metal products. Another company that engages in eco-friendly jewelry production is Ruff&Cut, producing and retailing recycled metals in organic shapes and distinctive silhouettes.