We all know that the fashion industry is rife with ethical and environmental issues, but what about the jewellery industry?
Have you ever seen Blood Diamond?
A film highlighting the human rights abuses, conflict, and corruption around diamond mining. This was one of the first times the world really considered the potentially dark side of jewellery.
There is as much a complex supply chain with jewellery, as there is with fashion, some argue worse. Some brands and organisations argue to stay away from diamonds and gold altogether due to the toxic mining process, potential corruption, and land damage.
Image via S-kin Studio
There is no simple solution to these ethical issues; UNICEF argues that governments need to step in to stop child labor and unlicensed mining.
Until then, I’m going to avoid jewellery that doesn’t disclose where its materials are sourced (not that I could afford diamonds anyway). Investing in ethically made jewellery that’s produced transparently, means investing in the humans that fairly made it and the materials that went into it.
It’s incredible once you start researching ‘ethical’ jewellery brands, how much of them don’t disclose where their materials are sourced. I don’t care if my earrings were made in a small studio somewhere trendy, I want to know the source.
Here are my top ethical jewellery brands that fully disclose their supply chains (including material sourcing):
S-kin Studio
Price range $$ (average price $100)
This adorable fine jewellery brand started in Victoria by Chi, is both ethical and sensitive skin-friendly.
There are specific unique collections based on personal touches from Chi such as the Magnolia + Iris collection is based on her family. The beautiful, well-priced items are gold filled and sterling silver to ensure they last to reduce waste (with no nickel).
Pieces are handmade in Chi’s Melbourne studio, but the materials are sourced globally. The gold is sourced in the US and Brazil, where gold is more common. Freshwater pearls are sustainably sourced in Western Australia, no diamonds are used and synthetic cubic zircons are used.
“We are committed to producing and sourcing as ethically as we can. This means working with suppliers that pay fair wages, guarantee that no child labor is allowed within their factories, and who maintain a safe working environment.”
Emma Aitchinson
Price $$$ (average price $240 approx)
Oh Emma, you have created something special. This UK based brand is fully transparent and honest, inspired by the natural world.
The jewellery brand has ambitious goals of becoming carbon neutral, sustainable shipping, creating an eco studio and moving away from gold plating as it’s not 100% Fairtrade.
Emma uses antique and vintage stones that are already out there. She is also hoping to spread the word with workshops on hand making jewellery. Her pieces are incredibly unique whilst still being delicate, made from recycled materials and made to order.
“We’re a conscious jewellery brand that produces designs inspired by the natural world, and which shares real messages about our world and the impact we have on it.”
SOKO
Price $$ (average price $100)
SOKO is an innovative, new age jewellery brand, using technology to connect to independent traditional artisans in Kenya.
The US-based brand uses sustainable, recycled brass and reclaimed cow bone (by-product of the food industry) from local tribes in Kenya and Uganda.
The pieces are one-of-a-kind, feminine and f*cking cool.
“Our jewelry combines a strong, yet minimalist aesthetic that hints at the natural, modern and historical landscape of Kenya.”
Momoko Hatano
Price $$$$ (average price $260)
Momoko mixes modern and classic jewellery designs together, with inspiration from her Japanese and Australian cultures.
Every beautiful piece is handmade in Australia with nearly all materials sourced in Australian mines or recycled. This means the quality and sourcing ethics are met with Australian standards.
Diamonds are also sourced in Australia from the Argyle mines in Western Australia or up-cycled from existing vintage diamonds. The pieces are beautifully unique and will be a lifelong investment to any jewellery collection.
“Momoko draws inspiration from her travels, everyday objects and the simplicity of Japanese aesthetics and the free-spirited nature of Australian culture.”
Simone Walsh
Price $$ (average price $100)
Simone Walsh is a family-run, eco-friendly jewellery brand focusing on recycled materials, low impact chemicals and lab grown gemstones (yes apparently that’s a thing).
The handmade jewellery designs have been made in South Australia for 25 years, with new production lines produced in partnership with Indonesian local artisans.
There’s also an option to carbon offset any orders to other countries.
“Every business has an environmental and ethical impact: a small, family run Australian jewellery brand is no different. Plus of course creating jewellery has its own special array of sustainability problems and considerations.”
Kira Simpson
Kira Simpson is an environmentalist and sustainability expert. She started The Green Hub as a blog in 2015, which has since grown to become one of Australia’s largest education sites dedicated to helping people live a more sustainable lifestyle.you might also be interested in
