Sustainable Wedding Jewelry

Let's talk about the bling. For most weddings, there are usually rings involved and possibly some other pieces of jewelry that are either bought, borrowed or gifted. So guess what? Those purchases can be green and sustainable just like everything else. Here are some ways to make them more green:

1. Buy used.
This is probably one the most green/sustainable options out there if you are willing to buy jewelry or rings that once belonged to someone else. The silver, gold, platinum, diamonds, gemstones, what have you, are already circulating this round world of ours and the deed is done. By buying them and using them again, you are giving them continued life to be enjoyed for more years to come. This is something that I did for my wedding and I was able to find this wonderful vintage turquoise necklace and crystal hair comb:

photo credit: erinbeach.com

2. Buy used and remake.
You can also buy pieces that you can have melted to make something new, as in the case of my wedding band and that of my husband's. The stones were from family member's old jewelry and I found some used gold rings to melt down. But finding a jeweler who has the mechanics to melt them down may take some investigation.

3. Buy from sustainably sourced and green jewelers.
If you want to let someone else do the recycling, sourcing and designing, there are a few jewelry designers and companies that can offer sustainable, recycled, fair trade and consciously made jewelry. Some specialize in wedding bands and rings, others in evening jewelry or gifts for bridesmaids and such. Here are a few that not only offer recycled gold and recycled or sustainably sourced jewels, but who also include green and sustainable business practices and philosophy.

Brilliant Earth

• offer conflict free, fair trade & Canadian diamonds from ethical and sustainable sources
• use recycled gold and platinum
  
• offer ethical origin sapphires
• give 5% of their profits to local African communities harmed by the diamond industry
• offer fine jewelry including: earrings, necklaces, rings, wedding rings
  
• offer custom design services
• jewelry comes with material sourcing information
• packaged in sustainably harvested Rimu wooden boxes
  

Green Karat

• use recycled precious metals
• use recycled and unmined gemstones
• use eco labeling to share the story of their jewelry
• use fair trade practices
• offer a registry option where family/friends can offer their old jewelry to be made into your new wedding rings
• offer custom design services
  
• offer wedding bands, rings, some earrings and other jewelry options

Ruff and cut

• use conflict free diamonds
• use recycled precious metals
• donate 10% of their sales to nonprofits who work to improve the lives of people in Mining Communities
  
• jewelry comes with material sourcing information
  
• offer rings, bands and some earrings and other jewelry options

Green Diva

• use recycled precious metals
• source from suppliers who use fair trade practices
• use recycled crystals,renewable and untreated jewels and materials
• plant a tree for every piece of jewelry sold
• offer services to refashion old jewelry
• jewelry comes with an eco key that explains sourcing and fair trade elements
  
• offer for a $15 discount if you recycle an old phone
• send jewelry in a pouch made from recycled wedding dresses
• offer earrings, bracelets and necklaces for a bride or other wedding party members

Kyler Designs

• source from US and local suppliers
• created pieces that can be reused over and over
• use mostly recycled metals and precious metals
• use recyclable glass jewels from recycled/partially recycled glass
• they recycle and practice green business practices
• donate to portion of profits to local and other non profits including National Breast Cancer Foundation, National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease and SF Food Bank
• plant a tree for every order made
• working on being more green and sustainable and carbon neutral
  
• offer daytime and evening jewelry including earrings, bracelets and necklaces
  

Remember that any steps, even little ones, cumulatively have a big impact if we all challenge ourselves to make them.

G&G