Brilliant Earth ring made from recycled gold with an “ethical origin” sapphire.
Most of the time I try to live a green lifestyle by consuming less, but I must admit, I love giving and receiving gifts during the holidays. And like many, I have an affinity for pretty, sparkly things, but not at the expense of the environment or workers — I couldn’t bear the thought of walking around wearing a blood diamond. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for the conscientious shoppers out there. So, for those of you who are going to splurge a bit this holiday season, we’ve put together this little holiday gift guide so you can impress the ones you love with some fabulous conflict-free and eco-friendly jewelry.
Brilliant Earth makes a complete line of fine eco-friendly jewelry made from 100% recycled gold, recycled platinum, and recycled silver, plus, all of their products are guaranteed to be “conflict free,” using Canadian diamonds, fair trade diamonds and “ethical origin” sapphires. If you’re feeling creative, you can also create your very own custom designs. Brilliant!
Environmentally friendly jewelry: Fortunoff Ecojewel necklace
Fortunoff’s eco friendly jewelry is made from recycled precious metals.
Fortunoff’s Ecojewel collection features a pretty collection of earrings and necklaces that are made in Italy with 100% recycled precious metals, gemstones and packaging. Their Open Circle Pendant is made from recycled sterling silver and 14k yellow gold vermeil, is stamped with “made in love” (so cute), and comes wrapped in a recycled fabric and paper sleeve.
Tiffany’s iconic little blue box is a symbol of sustainable jewelry. Flickr user dolinski.
If you imagined your gift would come in Tiffany’s iconic little blue box, the good news is that Tiffany & Co. is a leader in sustainability. They strive to minimize their environmental impact, employ responsible sourcing and sustainable mining practices, and only use conflict-free diamonds that follow the Kimberly Process. When they realized there was no way to harvest coral without destroying marine ecosystems, they took a stance and stopped selling coral jewelry in 2002, encouraging other jewelers to do the same. They are advocates for strong mining regulations, and oppose mining in areas that endanger important landmarks and ecosystems including their 1994 opposition to the New World Mine that threatened Yellowstone National Park, as well as their opposition to the Pebble Mine in Bristol Bay, Alaska. Watch this video to learn more.
Alex & Ani bracelets are made from recycled scrap metal.
Alex & Ani bracelets are chic, trendy and eco-friendly. They are made in the USA with recycled scrap metal that they get from local mills. Their embellished bangle sets are great holiday gifts!
Dogeared Karma in Action necklace.
Dogeared necklaces are handmade in the USA with recycled sterling silver or gold-dipped recycled silver. Aside from being environmentally friendly jewelry, the Dogeared Karma in Action collections benefit various charities including Heal the Bay, One Voice, Stand Up to Cancer, and Girls Learn International.
Dogeared necklaces are made from recycled silver and this one benefits Heal the Bay.
Antique Estate Jewelry
Another great way to gift eco friendly jewelry is to buy antique estate jewelry. There are a lot of gorgeous pieces out there that won’t require any new manufacturing or mining, plus when you buy antique jewelry, you guarantee that your gift will be one of a kind. You can buy estate pieces online, or from your local estate jeweler.
Vintage brooches and pins make unique holiday gifts. Flickr user GlitzUK.
