Our focus is making sustainably made jewellery and we’ll always do what we can to maintain that mission. After all, the earth gives us the beautiful materials we need to make jewellery, and we need to protect her.
So ahead of Earth Day, let’s go over why buying sustainable, ethical jewellery is so important and how you can be sure you’re doing so.
The Importance of Buying Eco-Friendly Jewellery
The jewellery industry has a huge carbon footprint. This is largely due to the mining of gemstones and precious metals used to produce high-end pieces. Land erosion, toxic spills, water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and damage to biodiversity all wreak havoc on the ecosystem.
The manufacturing and sale of jewellery can involve an extremely long supply chain. Mining often takes place in remote regions and materials are sent long distances to be sorted and polished, then sent elsewhere for assembly. This process requires tremendous energy and resources, resulting in high carbon emissions.
On the other hand, sustainable jewellery uses recycled metals and materials that are responsibly sourced. This includes stones and metals that are ethically mined and conflict-free.
Furthermore, when you buy from sustainable jewellery makers, you’re typically supporting small, local businesses. These smaller outfits don’t have long supply chains with a large carbon footprint.
How to Spot Sustainable, Ethically-Made Jewellery
Buying sustainable jewellery is easy if you know what to look for. Here are some tips:
- Look for companies that adhere to the Kimberley Process, which ensures the diamonds they use are conflict-free.
- Always look for the use of recycled metals and packaging materials.
- If possible, buy jewellery that’s made locally to avoid long supply chains. This also helps support the local economy.
- Find out where the jewellery is made. Many large jewellery companies claim their pieces are “handcrafted,” but in reality, they’re manufactured elsewhere and shipped long distances.
Our Sustainable Practices
At Amie Jacobs, we’ll always strive to find ways to be eco-friendly. We’re a small business, but we want to have a big impact. Here are a few things we’re doing to reduce our carbon footprint:
- We only use 100% recycled sterling silver for our pieces and avoid harsh chemicals in the production process.
- Wasting materials simply doesn’t fly with us. That’s why we focus on made-to-order items instead of mass-producing tons of backstock that could potentially go to waste.
- We source our packaging from Tiny Box Company, an eco-friendly, minimal-waste company. They provide recycled, compostable and vegan materials. We also use Get Stamped, who manufacture their products with environmentally sourced oak, natural eco rubber and plastic-free, biodegradable packaging.
- Our operation is paper-free. We don't include receipts or invoices with orders. Instead, we send thank you notes on seed paper that’s plantable and compostable. We’d love you to tear up the note and plant it in your garden. It’ll grow into wildflowers that support our ecosystem.
Our environment needs our help. Making simple changes to the way we live will make a difference, if everyone pitches in. So let's start celebrating Earth Day all year long.