5 Tips To Shop For Jewellery Sustainably!
Sustainability is coming back in the world of Jewellery
Adding new jewellery to your collection can be super exciting, and if you’re wanting to do so with a more sustainable mindset, then you’re in the right place. We’re here with some great tips that will help you to make more eco-conscious choices, some of which can also save you quite a bit of money in the long run. From vintage options to buying better quality pieces, choosing timeless designs, looking for sustainability pledges and choosing handmade options, there are plenty of things you can do to make your shopping habits more sustainable.
Consider Vintage
One of the best things you can do to shop for jewellery sustainably is to consider vintage jewellery. With vintage jewellery, it’s already been made and the materials have been sourced, so by purchasing it, you’re ensuring that the process isn’t happening again and also that the materials aren’t going to waste. Also on the eco-friendly side of things, the processes used in the past were less demanding on the environment, also making them more sustainable. In addition to this, vintage jewellery is extremely beautiful, unique and carries a story with it, and those elements are what many people fall in love with.
There also seems to be a misconception that vintage jewellery is in a bad state or it looks old, however this couldn’t be further from the truth. Of course, some jewellery that is hundreds or thousands of years old isn’t in great condition, however the majority of vintage jewellery that is between 50 and 200 years old is in absolute pristine condition. There are many benefits, however the last one we’re going to talk about is the fact that vintage jewellery is VAT exempt, and so for the same quality piece of vintage jewellery as a new equivalent, you’d pay 20% less on the piece!
Buy Better Quality, Less Often
Another great way to shop for jewellery in a more sustainable way is to buy better quality jewellery less often. Rather than always buying pieces that last a few months or years, when you choose solid gold earrings or sterling silver bracelets, they will last for a lifetime. So, not only are you enjoying better quality in the short term, but you’re saving money in the long term, as well as being able to keep the same pieces to love and cherish for decades to come. You also get the opportunity to pass this jewellery down to future generations, making it even more special. This might require an investment short term, but it can be so beneficial both for the environment and for you to enjoy stunning jewellery.
Focus On Timeless Pieces
Something else you can do to shop for jewellery sustainably is to focus on timeless pieces that will never go out of style. The last thing you want to do is to buy a piece of jewellery, wear it for 6 months and then for it to go completely out of style and you end up not wearing it. So, instead, focus on timeless pieces that you know will be in style for years to come. Everyone’s style is different and so will be what they consider to be ‘timeless’, but a good rule is to wait for 6-9 months after first wanting a piece of jewellery to see whether it’s really going to stand the test of time or whether it is just another trend. Good quality jewellery isn’t cheap, so this will help you to save your money and invest in things that you’ll wear over and over again.
Look For Sustainability and Ethics Sections On Websites
If a jewellery company really cares about their commitment to sustainability and sourcing their materials ethically, then they will have a page all about it. They will talk about their supplies, products, supply chain, partnerships with any sustainable companies, packaging and overall their commitment to the environment and ensuring their business has a minimal impact on it. If the website only has a brief mention of being sustainable, or no mention at all, it’s likely that it’s not been a consideration throughout the process of sourcing, making and sending their jewellery.
Choose Handmade
Another good way to support local businesses whilst also being sustainable is to choose handmade jewellery. Look for small businesses who are using local materials (this means that things aren’t transported across the world making them more sustainable) and also ones who are open about their commitment to sustainability. Things like homemade clay jewellery is really stunning, it’s great to help small businesses and it’s much more likely to be sustainably made. You could even buy sustainable materials like beads and chains yourself and then host a cute jewellery making session for your friends! It can also make a great summer family activity. This will make it so much more special and you’re helping the environment too.