Each one is beautiful…
Buying jewellery ethically can often be a daunting task. Did anyone watch Leonardo Dicaprio in Blood Diamond? A film that was first shown in 2006 about the illicit diamond trade. Fast forward thirteen years later and we are still not always sure where our diamonds come from. Unfortunately the same can be said for metals used by the jewellery industry too, especially gold. Human Rights Watch audited thirteen well-known jewellery brands and only one of the thirteen have taken strong steps towards responsible sourcing.
Unresponsible sourcing means the precious metals and stones may be mined using child labour and human trafficking. Environmental harm might not be taken into consideration, land rights and indigenous peoples rights may not be taken into account as well as armed violence including sexual and killings.
So what do you do if you love jewellery and want the people to produce it to earn a living wage? And you don’t want the environment to suffer just because you like to wear pretty necklaces? A great way to shop for jewellery more ethically is to buy from local people who can actually tell you where they source their materials. Huge corporation jewellers rarely know what is going on in their supply chain. Also buying pieces made from recycled materials means the environment doesn’t need to suffer. All the necklaces below have been made in the UK by small jewellers using recycled materials.
Lee Renée Jewellery – This reminds me of a necklace I already own, maybe that’s why I like it so much. Or maybe it’s because its a really beautiful design. Lee makes all her jewellery in her workshop in London. The necklace is made from 100% recycled silver and is available in three finishes: silver, 18ct yellow gold vermeil or 18ct rose gold vermeil.
Beachcomber Jewellery – Kerry Hughes handcrafts each piece in her workshop shed in Wales. She lives next to the beach and is inspired to create from her many beach walks. She picks out sea glass to use for jewellery and also, unfortunately, has to pick up rubbish washed in from the sea. This particular necklace is inspired by the quartz circles found in beach pebbles and is made from recycled silver.
Anuka Jewellery – Founded by Francesca Kippax. This necklace was inspired by the rugged Vietnam coastline, although all Anuka Jewellery is manufactured in Britain and hallmarked by the Birmingham assay office. Anuka uses recycled silver and also sources silver from registered Fairmined Suppliers. Packaging is 100% recycled and printed using environmentally friendly plant-based inks.
Bar Jewellery – Founded by Sophie McKay. Sophie is a fashion designer and wanted to create a brand that made a positive change in the industry. Everything is produced in the UK by skilled artisans. The necklace is made from recycled sterling silver collected locally and formed using the lost wax casting method. An ancient technique using a mould to create the desired shape.
Smoke and Ash – Sarah Adams creates each piece from recycled silver in her workshop in the south-east of England. Sarah wants to provide jewellery that is ethical, sustainable but also affordable. Her packaging is also made from recycled materials including her business cards which are made from 100% recycled cotton T-shirts.
Fiona Lewis Jewellery – Designed and handmade by Fiona Lewis in her South Gloucestershire, UK studio. The necklace is made from 9ct recycled gold and the stone is moissanite, which is a hardwearing lab created diamond. Fiona is conscious of the environment and sources recycled and ethical materials wherever possible. She can also work with you to update pieces that you already own.
La Jewellery – Lisa Anne Dickenson creates her pretty jewellery in Shropshire in the UK. She finds inspiration in her surroundings and also has a passion for making her jewellery as ethically as possible. This piece is made from recycled silver and is engraved with the words “Grant me the Serenity”.
The Hairy Growler – Amazing unique and handcrafted pieces made from old coins. This particular necklace is lovingly crafted from a single pre-1920 sterling silver shilling. A coin collector usually only collects the mint condition coins and the rest get melted down. Here the coins are upcycled into something special to cherish forever. 100% handcrafted and recycled in Cambridge, UK.
Wild Fawn Jewellery – I received this necklace as a Christmas gift from my husband – see the first two images. Emma Barnes creates the jewellery in her London studio and is passionate about using recycled and fairtrade materials. The necklace is made using recycled 9ct gold and is beautifully minimal and delicate.
Sue Gregor – If metals aren’t your thing then do not despair! This amazing design is created from 100% recycled acrylic. Sue Gregor handcrafts the jewellery using plants and weeds to create the designs. She uses recycled plastic as a way to repurpose rather than add to plastic waste. Her designs are beautiful, individual and handmade in the UK.
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About Me
The Green Edition is a journey to help slow down and appreciate the smaller things in life. With tips for shopping more consciously and simplifying your life.
About Me
The Green Edition is a journey to help slow down and appreciate the smaller things in life. With tips for shopping more consciously and simplifying your life.