Caring for the environment is a daily concern for many of us, but Earth Day is the perfect moment to pause and reflect on the state of our planet and on how we can help to improve it. For Earth Day 2022, we have listed five tips to minimise your impact while continuing to love buying and wearing jewellery. Our guide to sustainable jewellery options includes the advice to consider pre-loved jewels, re-vamp jewels that don't get enough wear, make sustainable gold your first choice, support jewellers committed to responsible practices and wear jewels that show your love for the planet.
1: Consider pre-loved jewels
If one of your goals to help the planet is to reduce the purchase of new items, turning to jewellers selling antique or pre-owned pieces might be the answer. There are numerous shops specialised in vintage jewellery but one of our favourites is Lang Antiques. You can choose from thousands of expertly sourced, one-of-a kind, impressive jewels when visiting them in San Francisco or browse their website full of carefully curated jewels built up over the last three decades by owners Suzanne Martinez and Mark Zimmelman.
2: Detox your jewellery box
Going through your jewellery box on Earth Day might be a clever way to satisfy your need for new looks without shopping for new jewels. We often forget how transformable jewellery is: gold can be melted down, stones can be recut or reset and designs can be revamped. Once you have chosen those jewels that get very little wear , book an appointment with your favourite jewellery designer. This approach is perfect for pieces that perhaps remind you of a loved one or a special moment. We have first-hand experience with London designers such as Tomasz Donocik or Sarah Ho and we were mesmerised by the transformations. The excercise can be time-consuming , and there will be a charge for the design and any extra material, but if you select a jeweller whose style you like, it can be extremely fulfilling and satisfying.
3: Look for sustainable gold
Some brands are taking the provenance of their gold extremely seriously. Bulgari announced on 1st January 2022 that 100% of its jewels will be officially produced with gold from fully traceable certified sources. Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bulgari, says: 'The sustainable issue in the luxury segment is becoming an increasingly important requirement in the certification that provides the guarantee of a responsibly managed supply chain. Since 2015, our gold is sourced from certified suppliers and our consistent commitment has driven us to a full production made of certified gold from 2022'.
Pomellato, which is part of the Kering group - as is Bulgari - is also committed to the group’s standards for sourcing certified gold and was the very first jeweller to use Responsible Gold in all of its jewels. As a trailblazer in sustainability, Pomellato goes even further with collections such as the Nuvola entirely crafted in Fairmined gold, a certified source of gold that empowers miners and their communities from artisanal sources in Peru and Colombia. Pomellato also provides a significant share of funding for the Kering Amazon reforestation project in French Guiana, which helps to restore abandoned mining areas to its original state.
Chopard has been using ethical gold in 100% of its production since 2018 and was an early adopter and champion of traceable gold. The Swiss jeweller presented its first jewels in gold supplied by artisanal mines in Peru supported by ARM (the Alliance for Responsible Mining) at Cannes Festival 2013. The set of earrings and cuff bracelet was worn by Marion Cottillard on the red carpet.
4: Support jewellers committed to sustainable practices
More and more jewellers are serious about their commitment to reduce the impact of their creations on the planet and every month it becomes easier to find “greener” jewels. To celebrate Earth Day 2022, why not commit to getting to know brands with a conscience and make them your first choice when next considering a new jewel. Here is a list of jewellers with green credentials that you might want to consider: Pippa Small, Venyx or Shakti Ellenwood.
5: Wear an earth talisman
Put a miniature globe or a gold nugget on your finger as a reminder of the importance of the health of Mother Earth . The spinning sapphire and black diamond globe by Ilona Orel, the Peace on Earth ring by Arman Sarkisyan, the Natura Globo necklace by Kab Jewellery or the open ring in Fairtrade certified gold by Makal will keep you company while you try your best to help the planet.
