Benefits of Eco-Friendly Jewelry

We always want to look attractive and feel confident, hence comes jewelry.

This is one of those rare things that can instantly make us look exotic and valuable! There are many different types of jewelry in the world. In different cultures, in different regions. Some are cheaper with less value; others are incredibly precious because they are made from rare metals like gold or platinum. Sterling silver jewelry is one popular type as it’s an easy option for people who don’t get to spend a lot of money but still want to have that glimmering glamour in life.

However, there’s another category of sustainable and eco-friendly jewelry in the market. This new product uses natural resources to create the final design – it’s made from recycled materials and nonhazardous elements, which is better for both you and the environment.

Switching to eco-friendly jewelry could be a great way to do your part in the fight against climate change. It’s also better for you and your family because it doesn’t contain any toxic chemicals or metals that can harm your health.

Let’s take a deeper look at this.

Which materials and methods are used to make traditional jewelry?

Raw materials for making traditional jewelry can be metals, precious and semi-precious stones, and natural materials.

Metals are the most common raw material. For example, people have used gold since ancient times to make jewelry because of its long-lasting color and relative scarcity in nature. Precious stones like diamonds have also been popular since the days of yore.

Natural materials like pearls and amber are also used to make jewelry, especially more complex jewelry where the cutting of the stone is essential.

Today, many methods are applied for making traditional jewelry:

• Handcrafting using traditional materials and techniques.
• Handcrafting using modern materials and methods (like 3D printing).
• Factories with production lines for producing traditional jewelry in large quantities.

Why are traditional jewelry making methods hazardous?

Traditional jewelry-making methods are often hazardous because of the extraction and treatment of raw materials. For example, many gold mines are environmentally devastating because they use many chemicals and pollute the environment. The stones used to make precious jewelry are often extracted in ways that harm the environment. This is harmful to our world and sometimes dangerous if we don’t know what we’re wearing!

What is eco-friendly jewelry?

Eco-friendly jewelry is manufactured from materials that are eco-friendly and sustainable for the environment. This also means that the material from which it is manufactured has the least possible negative impact on the environment and is sourced by following transparent and responsible practices.

Eco-friendly jewelry works differently than traditional jewelry. Instead of using hazardous materials and methods, eco jewelry is more environmentally friendly and safe for humans to wear and be around.

For example, many eco jewelers use recycled metals like 925 silver or scrap gold to avoid material waste. Precious stones like diamonds are cut using less water and no chemicals to prevent polluting the environment. It’s a better way to make jewelry for this world we live in, and it’s an easy way for consumers to do their part too!

Why people are opting more for eco-friendly jewelry?

When you use environmentally friendly jewelry, you help save our beloved Earth step by step. You’ll make a huge difference by switching from traditional jewelry to eco-friendly alternatives.

Since the dawn of civilization, jewelry has had significant cultural and ethical relevance in our day-to-day life. Since ancient times, people have loved to wear jewelry, whether heavy earrings or matching cufflinks on their cuffs. Lately, though, people are opting for more eco-friendly jewelry daily. In addition to having an environmental impact, this has become a modern trend, and many people are finding it comfortable and a strong style signature. Even many celebrities!

Do a little research, and you’ll find that manufacturing gold (or platinum) from the raw resources (mines) involves huge wildlife and environmental trade-off. Sometimes, it’s equivalent to genocide. In addition to this, the whole refining, transportation, polishing, and jewelry production process creates a large carbon footprint. Even if you consider lab-made gold (artificial gold), it’s almost the same in terms of environmental destruction. The same goes for sourcing and producing jewelry from rare earth metals. Eco friendly jewelry does not involve all these harmful processes, and the carbon footprint here is really small. Most of the time, the raw materials are recycled jewelry or plastic, or any natural items.

Safe to say, people understand these differences and trying to play their part in the global cause to protect our Earth.

Benefits of wearing eco-friendly jewelry

Below we’ll discuss six key benefits of eco-friendly jewelry.

1 – Help expand your wardrobe

Most of us are limited when it comes to the types of jewelry we can wear. Many people buy pieces based on the outfits they plan to wear them with. So, if you only have a few accessories, your wardrobe options will be pretty limited.

However, eco-friendly jewelry changes all of this. Since many pieces are of different colors and styles, they can be worn with different outfits. This allows you to expand your wardrobe by purchasing one or two items and wearing them with various pieces.

2 – It’s on the cutting edge of style

Thanks to the eco-friendly movement, we now have access to stylish and up-to-date pieces. This makes it easy to wear them without worrying about what other people might think.

These jewelry pieces are also much more likely to have unique styles that you can only find in eco-friendly gems. Traditional jewelry retailers usually stick to popular looks and leave you nothing but cookie-cutter pieces that haven’t changed in decades.

But with eco-friendly jewelry, the looks are much more modern and cutting edge. With high-quality gems being used, you can also mimic designer styles by purchasing fake stones that look just as good as the real ones!

3 – Often has a fair price tag

One of the most significant drawbacks of eco-friendly merchandise is often its price tag. Since there’s usually a higher demand for ethically mined gems, the price is often much higher than other types mined in less humane ways.

However, this is less of a problem with eco-friendly jewelry. Many jewelers are now taking steps to help reduce the cost. This involves using recycled metals or ethically mined gems in their pieces, but it usually means making minor modifications that significantly impact the final products’ prices. While some eco-friendly jewelry can be pricey, many are more affordable than regular jewelry options.

4 – Give you the option to create DIY pieces

Thanks to Pinterest, many people are fans of the idea of making their own jewelry. Thanks to tutorials like this, finding new ways to make eco-friendly jewelry is easy.

With pre-made pieces, you’re stuck with whatever is offered at the store. But if you buy the supplies separately and make your creations, it opens a world of possibilities! Every piece will be unique because there are so many ways to create DIY eco-friendly jewelry.

5 – Help you feel better about your choices

Sometimes we must make compromises, and it can be not very easy knowing that you’re not doing everything possible to help the environment. But with eco-friendly jewelry, this is no longer an issue!

All these pieces are designed in a way that’s good for the Earth. With recycled materials and ethically mined gems, you know that you’re not hurting the planet every time you wear them.

This is also a great way to encourage others to make eco-friendly choices in their own lives. Statistics show that roughly 62% of women think it’s essential to buy environmentally friendly items. By wearing these accessories, you can show everyone how proud you are to shop green.

6 – Create a stronger connection to the Earth

Many people say that they want to get in touch with Earth more. In most cases, it’s tough to find the time and money for it. There’s also the risk of nature being overwhelming when you try spending more time with it.

With eco-friendly jewelry, getting in touch with nature is easy. So many pieces of this type are created with stones and gems found deep within the Earth. This makes it feel like you’re taking a bit of Mother Nature home every time you wear them!

Conclusion

The jewelry industry has historically been a significant contributor to pollution. From the mining and manufacturing process to packaging, so much goes into making your typical piece of bling. That’s where eco-friendly alternatives come in! Eco-friendly jewelry aims to reduce waste by using recycled materials and sustainable techniques for gemstones. This type of jewelry can help you cut down on what’s going into landfills while still getting all the style you want in your accessories collection.

You will contribute to reducing waste on this planet and help create a sustainable world by switching to eco-friendly jewelry.

---

Photo by Miriam Alonso from Pexels