Ethical Jewellery Industry: The precursor of a green revolution

The ethical jewellery industry is making waves. The last couple of decades has witnessed a tectonic shift in the global jewellery market. Consumers began making a conscious shift toward concepts like environmental responsibility, sustainability, and issues of human rights violation. Concerns are also escalating about the harmful effects of mining, climate change, and the negative effects of mindless consumption. Thankfully, increased consumer concern and awareness has brought about a welcome and necessary change in the industry.

What constitutes ethical jewellery practices? 

However, implementation of these broader concepts has been slow in the industry, and it's not been a smooth ride. Many deceitful jewellers are finding reprieve as they bundle such concepts under an all-encompassing, catch-all label known as “ethical”. Now, it is a convenient term to convey a unified message of sustainable practices. The undefined nature of the statement leaves it open to abuse and frequent misuse.

So, does ethical jewellery matter? The answer is a resounding yes. 

Ethical jewellery refers to responsible and transparent sourcing practices, minimal human rights risks, and usage of sustainable materials. In a nutshell, ethical jewellery leaves no negative impact on the environment where it is produced, an end-to-end responsible supply chain, and no human rights abuse. It boils down to traceability. When any specific piece of jewellery is traced back to its origin, a consumer has the opportunity to make an informed decision based on its provenance.

Sustainability also plays a critical role as buyers want to benefit the world and not harm it. Soil contamination, community displacement, deforestation, unsustainable practices, and dangerous working situations are commonplace. For a jewellery brand to be precisely ethical in determining the origin of its resources must not be critical.  

Fair Mined, Fair Trade, and the Kimberley Process

It helps when brands adhere to Fairmined Gold and Fairtrade Gold certification systems. The Kimberley Process is a good place to start when you are searching for conflict-free diamonds. Ethical jewellery also refers to a fully traceable stream from mine to market. It means a consumer can access every detail about a particular piece of jewellery information that is traceable and direct, from the mine till it reaches the end buyer.

Jewellers are increasingly focusing on creating responsibly made pieces sans the exorbitant retail mark-up. They are working towards a circular economy by responsibly sourcing recycled metals and recyclable certified branded packaging.

If you would like to design your own piece of bespoke ethical jewellery, contact the team on +65 6733 4100, or email bespoke@thejewelbox.com