How to Build a More Sustainable Jewelry Collection Without Sacrificing Style
We all have a few pieces of jewelry that we wear every day and others that we bought and never wore again. Much waste is lost in that chasm. Creating a more sustainable jewellery collection isn’t all about sacrificing style or spending a lot of money. It’s about being a little more thoughtful in your purchasing, and it begins with a few simple habits.
Start With Jewelry You’ll Actually Wear
The most sustainable jewelry you have is the one that you wear over and over. Before adding anything new, check what you’re already consuming!
Consider how you spend your day on a typical basis. Would you prefer little hoops, thin chains, or thick rings? Are you a Gold Person, a Silver Person, or a combination of both? Do you prefer a soft curve, clean lines, or something more sculptural? Your habits will reveal to you much better than any trend report will what looks best in your wardrobe and lifestyle.
Think about jewelry that corresponds with your lifestyle and attire. If it fits the various styles of office wear, weekend jeans, and a night out, then it gets played. Worn only once, it’s usually in a drawer.
Choose Materials More Thoughtfully
After you know what you are going to wear, check out what your jewelry is made of. One of the most obvious place to be impactful is materials.
Let’s start with recycled gold and silver. Their materials are already refined metals, which reduces the need for new mining and its environmental impact, without compromising the design or use of the product. Another option is recycled brass, particularly for eye-catching, budget-friendly designs. If you are buying stones, buy responsibly sourced stones, or alternatively, if they fit your taste, buy lab-grown stones.
The person doesn’t have to be a metallurgist. Just ask simple questions. What material can you make it from? From where is the material coming? Is it solid, plated, or filled? Beware of brands that are concealing these responses, as they are the ones that are not confident in their materials. The answers should be made public, and you’ll make choices that you feel great about with your knowledge of what you’re purchasing.
Look Beyond Materials to How Jewelry Is Made
One thing that is overlooked is that sustainability does not just mean the use of recycled materials. The way the piece is made is just as important.
The impact of a piece of jewellery can vary depending on factors such as sourcing, efficiency of materials, production methods, and overall quality. If a metal is wasted by the manufacturer, or used to create a substandard product that fails to endure, it’s not of much use. Responsible choices must be implemented throughout the value chain – from raw material to finished product.
This is where a sustainable jewellery manufacturer comes into play. A decent manufacturer makes good choices, turning material into stunning finished jewellery, taking care of the quality, attention to detail, and the use of material throughout the production process. Brands with manufacturers that value these details can provide products that are better made and mindful from end to end. As a buyer, it’s worthwhile to research brands that are honest about the methods by which their jewelry is made, rather than what it’s made of.
Make Quality Part of Sustainability
Maybe the most functional sustainable option is durability. If it’s a good quality article that will last for years, there will be fewer replacements, less waste, and better value for you.
When you’re shopping, take a closer look at the details:
- Construction: Ensure that joints, links, and soldered sections are clean and secure.
- Plating: If it is plated, ask what it is made of and how thick it is, as anything thin will wear out rapidly.
- Stone setting: Stones should not wobble or havsharp/rough edges.
- Clasps: A secure, smooth clasp to keep a favorite necklace or bracelet in place.
- Finishing: Finishing is typically smooth and even, indicating attention to details.
Higher quality materials and construction are often reflected in a slight cost increase. It is generally better to spend a bit more on something that will last for a number of years.
Balance Timeless Pieces With Trends
Fashions are pleasant, and no one says you must not follow them. The key is to not develop a large collection based on them.
Follow simple designs such as a basic pair of simple earrings, a basic chain, a basic ring, and a bracelet that will work with just about anything. These pieces can be worn with virtually any outfit and aren’t dated. Once the base layer is in place, it’s time to add an appealing layer of trendy jewellery, but with some style. Maybe it’s a statement piece for the season, or maybe it’s a fun color that you’ve been wanting.
This way you can keep your collection fresh without having to continually purchase new items. Your favourite jewellery will do the majority of the work, and the fashionable jewellery will enable you to attempt something new without emptying your jewellery box.
Take Care of What You Own
A little care will make the best jewelry last longer! The easiest habit to keep, and virtually free, is good care.
Ensure each one is kept in a soft pouch or box with lining to ensure that chains do not become tangled and stones don’t scratch metal. When not wearing, store jewelry in an area that is dry and free of humidity. Do not use during swimming, showering, exercising, perfuming, or applying lotion (moisture and chemicals can damage finishes and promote tarnish).
A soft cloth and mild soapy water will suffice for the majority of items for cleaning. Dry them afterwards thoroughly. Very fragile stones or plated stones may need to be handled gently; refer to any care instructions that are included with the stones. Your favorites can look good for years with a few minutes of upkeep every so often.
Conclusion
Actually, it is not a total conversion or a sacrifice of style to make a sustainable jewelry collection. If time allows, consider what you’re really wearing, materials, who is making your jewelry, and how. Always keep in mind your pieces will last, and never forget that classic pieces should be mixed with some trendy pieces, and that what you have is important.
Little decisions make a big difference. You build up a collection over time that feels like it’s yours, looks nice, and is a collection that you feel good about. Style and sustainability don’t go against each other. With a bit of thought, they go great together.
xoxo
