7 Questions to Ask Before Buying Sustainable Jewelry

Sustainable jewelry is a way to embrace your love for justice and eco-friendly actions. The world that we live in is filled with single-use and unethically sourced products that cause immense harm to nature and are the root cause of all the environmental issues we are facing. But the love for jewelry needs to be fulfilled as well,  for ethically sourced and recycled jewelry takes the cake.

So here are some insightful questions you should ask before investing in this cause. It is not just about the looks, but also your values.

1. Are the materials sourced ethically?

To start your journey, all of your conscious sustainable jewelry shopping will be based on ethically sourced items made with quality materials and craftsmanship. When looking at all of the available options in precious metals, look for hallmarks that prove the authenticity of your chosen metal. There is, for instance, a ".925" stamp that indicates sterling silver, and karat markings such as "14k," "18k" or other karat amounts will indicate the actual gold content of any gold. It is actually necessary to ask questions about the quality of the materials used, so don't shy away.

2. What makes sustainable jewelry sparkle?

We can embrace sustainability by utilizing recycled gold, silver, and platinum purified in Japan, a testament to our commitment to responsible creation. You can have peace of mind that the adornment you are buying has benefited every single person involved in its mining and making, with just as much shine in your jewelry. Reputable jewelers don’t mind sharing details about their process and the techniques they use.

3. Could you share more details on the process?

The point here is to make sure the jeweler you choose is open to giving the details of each process to you. This is important as it shows that they really do care. Ask them for the certificates showing that the gems and diamonds used in their sustainable diamond jewelry are conflict-free and don't support any cruelty.

Ethics say to make sure that the company pays due respect to the culture from which the gemstones are sourced. The truth is, from responsibly sourced materials to the crafted expertise of artisans, this jewelry makes you appreciate its worth and the effort put into making it.

4. Does The Brand believe in the same values that I do?

Your morals push you to support the companies that share the same values and vision as you, and this creates a positive impact on the environment, motivating others, too. Each item you buy is a declaration, a quiet affirmation of the methods underlying the item. And choosing sustainable jewelry over unjustly sourced items, to stand by your morality, is a strong move

So, be aware of the brand you choose, and look for the brands that hold onto their morals as well.

5. Is this something that I will wear often?

Fast-fashion accessories often succumb to temporary fads, ultimately being discarded and overlooked. Instead, think about the “30-wear guideline.” Can you picture yourself donning this item a minimum of 30 times? This intentional method promotes careful choice, guaranteeing a true connection with your sustainable jewelry. You should focus on building a connection with your attire that goes beyond temporary fashions and evolves into the delight of possessing a beloved, timeless, and generational jewelry item.

6. Will this item last me more than a decade?

Buying sustainable jewelry also encourages you to go for the items that you know will last you for some time, since you want to minimize the waste. You should ask yourself if you will wear the same item, or if the quality is good enough to last you a decade at least. Sustainability also pushes you to pass down such items, making a beautiful streak of generational jewelry pieces.

7. Is this sustainable jewelry harmful to the environment in the long run?

With you making the right choice by opting for sustainable jewelry, keep in mind that the environment should ot be compromised in this. It is not just about using recycled products, because the processes involved in that might be polluting the environment. You need to consider that the energy, chemicals, and most importantly, water used in refining or mining also play a role. And after that, there's shipping and packaging. To avoid such problems, choose a reputable brand that respects the environment by using carbon-neutral shipping methods and eco-friendly materials. because at this point, every detail matters.

Sustainable Jewelry: As A Mode Of Morality

When you see all the work you have to put in to attain sustainable jewelry, it makes you wonder, the point of doing so much?  In short, the reason you should choose this over regular jewelry is that the fashion jewelry found in everyday stores has a long streak of vendors getting the material from places like Africa. Just like the laborers in the mining of diamonds are never justly paid, and receive minimum wages to barely make ends meet.

Think again when wearing a sparkly bracelet about the thousands of people fighting against this mistreatment. For this, lab-grown diamonds are perfect since they don't involve the mining process, with unpaid labor.

The Final Verdict

This is a quick guide to help you streamline your process for selecting the right sustainable jewelry. Make sure to ask yourself and the company these questions. Only if you feel satisfied, then invest in the jewelry that will last you a lifetime.

At T-Bird Jewelers, we place quality and ethics on a higher throne that dictates our actions. Committed to delivering the right thing, you can find the most ethically-sourced products in our store without extra hassle.