How to be an Ethical Jewelry Consumer

The jewelry industry has a significant impact on the environment and natural resources. The metals and gemstones used in fine jewelry must be mined from the Earth which can lead to a wide range of social and environmental challenges and opportunities. There are many ways that we can be conscious about our choices as jewelry consumers.

The most sustainable jewelry is recycled jewelry. One of the best ways to reduce your impact when you want to add to your collection is by using materials that have already been mined Old gold can be melted down to create something new and current.

When in-house smelting can't be done, there are many reputable suppliers that offer recycled metals. For example, we use recycled metals here at Walters & Hogsett These suppliers take in old gold, melt it down and reform it into new fresh materials ready to be used again in the jewelry world. Choosing recycled gold eliminates the need to mine new gold

Another way to reduce environmental impact as a jewelry consumer is to use gemstones that have previously been used.

Your grandmother's sapphire ring may not be your style, so why not reset it in a new design that suits your aesthetic? As long as the gemstone is in good shape, it can easily be remounted into something that is up to date Reusing gemstones is good for the planet and a fun way to add sentimentality to your pieces.

If your family treasure box isn't filled with gemstones, there are other ways to ensure that you are being a conscious consumer when choosing new gemstones.

Diamonds that have been tracked through the Kimberly process ensure that they ethically mined and that the gem cutters also received fair wages. Gemstones sourced through the AGTA are also a mindful choice. At Walters & Hogsett we and many of our designers are AGTA members

Here is a statement from AGTA as to how they aim to make a positive impact in the jewelry industry:

The AGTA and its members take pride in working toward a gem industry that benefits everyone involved Whether it’s investing in the communities that produce gemstones, supporting individuals whose lives have been impacted by the gem trade, or cooperating with foreign governments to improve working conditions, AGTA members continually work to hold the gem industry to the highest possible business standards."

Jewelry helps us mark special occasions and milestones in our lives Knowing that the newest addition to your collection was created with sustainability in mind makes it