#sustainable jewellery unique sterling silver bracelets braided leather bracelets Aurora necklace sterling silver cuff bracelet Halo silver r

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Sustainable Jewelry – 5 Things to Watch Out for Before Buying

Although not talked much in the mainstream media, there are some conscious individuals and organisations that constantly raise their voice against how the fast fashion industry including jewellery is harmfully affecting the lives of people and the planet through their unethical material sourcing and production practices. Fortunately, the consumers of today are more aware than ever before, asking more queries regarding the ethics and practices of a particular brand before buying their products. This is definitely a welcome change in mindset.

“Sustainability” is the catchphrase these days. However, it is hard to distinguish sustainable or ethical jewellery from others since we can’t often ascertain the actual origin of the materials. We still need to call for transparency from brands. Let’s now focus on the issues faced by the jewellery industry in particular.

The major issue lies in how the metals are extracted. The current extraction methods give rise to a number of problems such as damage done to flora and fauna, soil corrosion and contamination with poisonous chemicals, water wastage, and so on, which in turn pose a threat to our planet’s resources and escalate the pollution of lands. These things can happen even when stringent environmental laws are enforced. Hence, it is really difficult to keep tabs on sustainable jewellery.

Next, we need to be mindful of a brand’s production practices. They may make use of toxic substances during the production, which is detrimental to the environment as well as workers. From unacceptable working conditions to inequality and low wages, there is constantly news about how the workers are ill-treated in the factories. The harmful impacts on local communities due to unethical mining and manufacturing methods cannot be overlooked as well.

All sustainable brands have a few traits in common. So, you should watch out for these qualities before buying jewellery online or offline.

Handcrafted Excellence

Find out whether or not each piece of jewellery the brand creates is handcrafted by skilled artisans using superior quality metals that have been locally sourced. When the product is handmade, be certain of its exclusivity that you can treasure for the rest of your life. You can also gift it to someone you love to strengthen your relationship further.

Recycled Metals

A brand becomes truly sustainable when they produce their jewellery items using recycled metals and other eco-friendly materials. Recycling and reducing waste should be an integral part of their day-to-day operations. When you flaunt a handmade bracelet, necklace or ring produced from recycled metals like silver, gold or bronze, you can take pride in playing your part for the sustainability of our environment.

Local Production

Make sure the brand makes all of their products locally and not in low wage countries. Promoting the skills and age-old craftsmanship of local artisans can go a long way in changing the prevalent functioning of this industry. Producing locally also reduces the carbon emissions associated with the transportation of jewellery.

Social Balance

It involves the ascertainment of equality and fair working conditions for all people, irrespective of their age, gender, religion and social background. Find out how the brand has committed themselves to fair wage, sound working conditions and bettering the lives of individuals associated with them in various aspects of their business. Equal opportunities to succeed should be the priority of a sustainable brand.

Eco-Friendly Packaging

In addition to recycled metals and sustainable production, an environmentally conscious jewellery brand also ensures the eco-friendliness of their shipping materials, boxes and pouches that must be recyclable and biodegradable. Look for whether the brand uses some sort of certified packaging materials for their products.

If you wish to connect yourself with a truly sustainable jewellery brand, TREEM will welcome you with open arms. Based in Sweden, they aim at turning you into a True and Elegant Ambassador of Change with their unique sterling silver bracelets, rings, necklaces, and braided leather bracelets, all handmade locally. So, visit their website Treem.com and order a sustainable and empowering Aurora necklace, Arktik sterling silver cuff bracelet, Halo silver ring, or Norden 18ct gold bracelet for you or your beloved one!