In a world where sustainability and eco-conscientious consumerism have gained widespread support, the luxury industry has undergone a transformation; today, more and more people are looking to buy sustainable jewellery than ever.
Sustainable jewellery, also known as ethical or eco-friendly jewellery, has quickly gained acknowledgement in the jewellery world. In our guide to sustainable and pre-loved jewellery, we’ll get into what sustainable jewellery is, why it matters, and how the different types of unique, sustainable jewellery compare in terms of eco-conscientiousness and ethics.
Without further ado, here’s your guide to buying sustainable and second-hand jewellery.
The Emerging Popularity of Sustainable Jewellery
According to a recent Mintel report, 55% of UK jewellery shoppers prioritize sustainability and ethics as top considerations for buying jewellery. Furthermore, a monumental survey from the World Gold Council revealed that 70% of jewellery consumers reported that they would like to buy ‘ethically-produced’ jewellery.
So, why is sustainable jewellery such a big deal right now? Well, the rising popularity of recycled, fair-trade, and pre-loved jewellery signals a broader shift in consumer behaviour. As society becomes more environmentally mindful, individuals reevaluate their shopping habits and seek to buy from companies that align with their values.
This shift signifies a move towards conscious consumerism, in which the quality, longevity, backstory, and sentimental value of an item matter more than fleeting trends and fast fashion.
What Is Sustainable Jewellery?: What Sets It Apart
Sustainable jewellery is a term used to describe jewellery products and practices that prioritize ethical, environmental, and social responsibility throughout their lifecycle. When you buy sustainable jewellery, you’re supporting a commitment to minimize harm to the planet’s natural resources and encourage more fair labour practices.
While the jewellery industry has had its fair share of criticism regarding the mining and labour methods used to extract precious gems and materials, sustainable jewellery sets itself apart by focusing on three main goals:
- Ethical Sourcing: The conventional jewellery industry has faced scrutiny over issues like child labour, unsafe working conditions, and a lack of fair wages in the supply chain. Sustainable jewellery brands help fight these conditions by prioritizing fair labour practices, ensuring workers are treated ethically, and supporting local economies and communities.
- Eco-Friendly Production: Mining for precious metals and gemstones often involves destructive practices such as deforestation, habitat destruction, and water pollution. Sustainable jewellery aims to minimize its impact on the environment and communities, including wildlife. Think re-used materials, responsible mining, waste reduction, and energy-efficient processes.
- Honest Representation: Consumer transparency is key for sustainable jewellery brands. Good consumer transparency involves disclosing where the materials come from, what went into their manufacturing practices, and how the pieces qualify as sustainable.
Now, in order to qualify as a sustainable jewellery company, a business has to provide more than just buzzwords to back its claims. Savvy shoppers tend to be wary of greenwashing in the jewellery industry, a practice in which businesses use buzzwords to attract and mislead buyers about their products – without any evidence or certifications to back their claims.
What Are the Different Types of Sustainable Jewellery?
When you think of “sustainable jewellery,” chances are, you might have several different categories come to mind, such as recycled jewellery, fair trade jewellery, and pre-owned jewellery, to name a few.
Since there are several elements to sustainability in jewellery, let’s cover some of the main types of jewellery that are typically considered more ethical and/or eco-friendly.
Recycled Jewellery
Crafted from reclaimed materials, recycled jewellery gives new life to old metals or gemstones or repurposes existing pieces to create something fresh and unique.
Notes: While recycled gold jewellery is one of the most widely purchased categories, not all recycled gold jewellery comprises 100% recycled materials. Some recycled gold jewellery may be only made of a portion of recycled metals; other recycled jewellery may contain newly-mined gemstones or lab-grown diamonds as well.
So, when looking to buy recycled jewellery, consider additional certifications that all metals are either repurposed or sustainably made.
Fair Trade Jewellery
Fair Trade jewellery supports artisans worldwide – typically in developing countries – to ensure fair wages and safe working conditions.
Buyer Notes: While Fair Trade jewellery addresses some ethical problems regarding fair wages and safer conditions for labour, it still tends to rely on mining diamonds from the Earth.
When considering buying Fair Trade jewellery, you may wish to ensure that the manufacturer also takes further steps to mitigate environmental impacts and give back to local communities.
Biodegradable Jewellery
Made from unconventional, natural materials like wood, bamboo, or seeds, biodegradable jewellery is designed to break down naturally at the end of its life, leaving no lasting impact.
Buyer Notes: Not all biodegradable jewellery is Fair Trade or ethically produced, so try to look for further details into the sustainability factors beyond just the ‘biodegradable’ label. Plus, some pieces of biodegradable jewellery might not last as long as jewellery made from precious metals, and it’s hard to find a luxury biodegradable jewellery piece.
Vintage and Second-Hand Jewellery
The sustainability of antique or pre-owned jewellery touches on several factors, including reducing waste by extending the life of existing pieces, lessening the need for new production and preserving historical craftsmanship.
Buyer Notes: Not all “vintage” jewellery is pre-owned; some companies produce “new-vintage” pieces that are modern-made creations in the style of antique jewellery.
Keep in mind that second-hand jewellery is vintage; you can also buy modern second-hand jewellery that’s gently used. Furthermore, some second-hand jewellery may contain gemstones or metal parts that have been repaired or replaced with newer elements, so you may check if all gemstones were pre-loved or newly added.
Overview: Are All of These Options Actually ‘Sustainable’?
Just because a jewellery item may fall under one of these labels doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s ethical or sustainable. The different types of jewellery listed above have varied pros and cons and various degrees of sustainability.
Try to do your research when buying sustainable jewellery, considering the different aspects of production and the company’s values.
What Is the Most Sustainable Type of Jewellery?
With such a wide array of options, you might wonder, ‘What’s the best type of sustainable jewellery?‘ Since each sub-category has its own factors to consider, this is a rather complicated question. That being said, if you’re looking for something that’s truly eco-friendly, pre-owned (or pre-loved) jewellery is one of your best options.
What Is Pre-Loved Jewellery?
There are many beautiful and alluring pieces of vintage and second-hand jewellery, each telling a unique story through its intricate design. Beyond their appearance, however, pre-loved jewellery also carries the narrative of responsible consumption and mindful living.
Pre-loved jewellery (also referred to as ‘second-hand jewellery'” or ‘pre-owned jewellery’) is previously used or owned – then cleaned up and polished to be enjoyed by a new owner.
From modern-retro designs to antique-coloured gems, you can find a wide range of pre-loved jewellery for sale.
You can even buy modern pre-owned jewellery that has been gently worn and cleaned.
Keep in mind that not all pre-loved jewellery is vintage, and not all vintage-style jewellery is pre-loved. However, most authentic antique and vintage jewellery is pre-loved.
While the terms ‘second-hand jewellery‘ or ‘pre-used jewellery‘ are more popular, we prefer to use the term ‘pre-loved jewellery’ to reflect not only the beauty and quality of these items but also the mysterious and fascinating stories behind their beautiful designs.
The Benefits of Pre-Loved Jewellery
- The Backstory: Something that people love about pre-owned jewellery is how each piece comes with a backstory. Whether you’re looking at a former heirloom piece or a romantic gift, it’s fun to guess about what experiences these pieces have been through. This backstory makes these pre-owned pieces more than just jewellery; they’re like wearable tokens of someone’s life story.
- Quality Made to Last: Many vintage pieces were handcrafted or made by skilled jewellery makers. So, not only is pre-loved jewellery dazzling – it’s built to last. After passing through several hands, pre-loved jewellery shows that it can stand the test of time.
- Affordability: Here’s another perk – it’s easier to buy affordable pre-owned jewellery. You can find high-quality, unique, pre-loved jewellery for a fraction of the cost of similar new items. You can enjoy bigger, higher-graded gemstones or metals of a higher calibre for less than their retail price tag when buying new.
- Timeless Style: Vintage and pre-loved jewellery always stay in style. From the opulence of Edwardian-era pieces, the romance of Victorian jewellery, and the boldness of Art Deco designs to the simplicity of retro styles – pre-loved jewellery offers a journey through the diverse history of jewellery styles. Whether you’re a trendsetter or a classic dresser, pre-loved jewellery can work with your look; it’s the chameleon of the jewellery world.
- Eco-Friendly and More Ethical: By directing demand away from new production, pre-loved jewellery can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, decrease water usage, and minimize habitat disruption associated with mining. You’ll be like an eco-warrior with style.
In summary, second-hand jewellery is more than just any accessory; it’s a piece of history, a nod to quality, a trailblazer of sustainability, and a personalized addition to your collection.
