How is the jewelry industry becoming more sustainable?
Across the globe, contemporary firms across all industries are striving for sustainable credentials and a lower impact on the planet. Jewelry is no exception: with more brands responding to an increased demand for sustainability, the race is on for a truly ethical diamond.
Across the board, innovative solutions and initiatives are being implemented by established and emerging brands alike. These come with their challenges, but there are plenty of perks too.
The current state of the industry
The traditional environmental and social impacts of jewelry manufacturing are problematic. They involve extremely damaging mining practices, high carbon footprints with gemstones sourced from across the globe, and longstanding human rights concerns too.
To complicate the issue further, the renewable energies industry relies on mined materials, including gold, to power the rise of clean energy technologies.
Sustainable jewelry production is an urgent priority because traditional production methods have such a high impact on the planet. The industry pollutes natural water sources, contributes to deforestation, and emits high carbon emissions too.
Responsible sourcing in jewelry
The increasing demand for ethically sourced precious metals and gemstones has triggered the creation of responsible production methods.
Many brands now prioritize responsible sourcing through methods that involve minimal environmental damage. Certifications like the British-founded Responsible Jewellery Council are paving the way towards full traceability and transparency throughout the supply chain.
Additionally, recycled materials and second-hand pieces now also prove popular in a market with so many eco-conscious buyers.
Sustainable manufacturing
On a local level, jewelers are working to reduce their environmental footprint through eco-friendly production. Smaller sustainability efforts in the jewelry industry may include:
- Minimizing water and energy use
- Reducing waste
- Using recyclable packaging
Whether through promoting the purchase of nearly-new used jewelry or only using synthetic diamonds, some brands put eco credentials first. To minimize overproduction, you can also buy diamond engagement rings built to order. Handcrafted and bespoke jewelry is more ethical and sentimental too.
Ethical labor practices
Fair wages, safe working conditions, and a healthy respect for human rights are all unfortunately new concepts throughout the jewelry supply chain.
The problem starts at the source: diamonds are inextricably tied to worker exploitation, with larger corporations monopolizing the market and sending vulnerable workers into the mines without safety standards.
There, they not only face dangerous conditions but have been historically underpaid too. Modern slavery is still a real risk in the industry, with recent reports of children being forced to mine for diamonds in Sierra Leone.
Now, responsible brands operate according to initiatives like the Kimberley Process for conflict-free diamonds.
Growing consumer awareness
Overall, there’s an increased consumer interest in sustainable and ethical jewelry. Consumers now feel empowered, with so much information readily available online, to make better choices when they’re buying diamonds.
Brands with sustainability as their mission often use this in their marketing too, so it’s never been easier to support businesses who put the planet and human rights first. With this, it becomes harder for customers to justify choosing businesses who still rely on outdated practices.
Before you buy new gold or diamond jewelry, it’s worth taking the time to research brands committed to sustainability and make informed choices.
