Sustainable jewellery has become the need of the hour amidst the rising levels of landfalls. Made of recycled materials, these pieces of jewellery have a lower negative impact on the environment without sacrificing charm. They also make for a thoughtful gift, allowing people to surprise their loved ones while contributing to a noble cause. 

Recycled jewellery pieces are no different from ordinary pieces. They come in the same type of packaging, such as a regular earring jewellery box or a pendant necklace case, for instance, and have a wide range of options. However, when planning to buy a piece of jewellery as a gift, finding the right match that makes your loved ones chime in joy can become challenging. 

If you are looking to gift sustainable jewellery, here are the key things to keep in mind:

Nature of material used

The materials used in the jewellery play a vital role in determining if it’s sustainable or not. There are many materials that can last a lifetime without incurring damage despite regular use, but they may not be ideal for recycling. 

On the other hand, there will be materials like lab-grown diamonds, gemstones, and recycled materials that are made ethically without stressing the environment. 

These materials also add a unique touch to any jewellery piece and can be customised in all ways to ensure you are wearing jewellery that is aesthetic and sustainable. Moreover, by choosing such jewellery, you can support small businesses that have integrity and environment-friendly practices as their driving force. 

The roots of the jewellery 

For years, jewellery has been used as a sentimental piece of history and emotion. When shopping from local businesses, you invest in the hard work of local artisans and art forms that unfortunately diminish with time. Such pieces are unique and are sure to add value to your collection. 

Prefer quality over quantity

When shopping for sustainable fashion and jewellery pieces, it is always best to invest in high-quality, evergreen pieces that can be versatile and effortlessly suit your style. Focus on the detailing in the craftsmanship and the intricate details of the piece for a promising investment. 

When it comes to jewellery, such pieces are often durable and timeless, lasting years before eventually showing signs of deterioration. As a result, they significantly reduce the need for frequent replacements every few months or years. With adequate care and maintenance, such jewellery pieces can last a lifetime, allowing you to share them with your children or grandchildren. 

What makes them sustainable

With fast fashion becoming a trend today, many jewellery enthusiasts unknowingly buy from sources that are not indulging in fair employment practices. 

Due to this, the purchases made from these sources indirectly contribute to the growth of these companies, threatening the integrity of employment practices and the environment. 

By switching to shopping from brands that prioritise treating their employees with dignity and respect, you are contributing to a culture where the art of jewellery-making is appreciated and cherished. 

Most sustainable jewellery brands work closely with local artisans and art forms to keep them alive, and purchases from such brands can have a bigger impact on the well-being of human rights and the environment. 

Gems used and their sources

Gemstones add a unique charm to any piece of jewellery, no matter how small or big. Sustainably sourced gemstones are mined with the utmost care and processed with minimal impact on the environment. 

Some notorious brands use harsh techniques like strip mining, devastating local habitats and rendering the land incapable of supporting vegetation. Moreover, avoid buying rare gemstones, as they require an elaborate and stressful procurement process. 

Bottomline

Sustainable jewellery pieces are an incredible investment due to their lower impact on the environment and the processes from which they are made. However, to ensure you invest in genuinely sustainable brands, research their history, area of specialisation, and the artisans involved. 

Avoid opting for rare gems all the time, as they are harder to source and induce immense stress on the environment due to the intense mining processes. Prioritise quality products over bulk purchases so that you have pieces that you will use frequently.