“Green” Jewelry Taking Over Hollywood, Runways
5/10/2009 7:32:08 AM SB Gannon
The latest trend in jewelry is sustainable gems and metals. From recycled materials to ethically-collected diamonds, it’s all about being earth-friendly right now. Some of the most popular jewelry designers on the runways and catwalks right now are also the ones most concerned with the effect that mining for treasure is having on the planet.
Caboclo Jewellery has a line called “Natural Jewels”, using objects found in the rainforest and handmade by local artisans along Brazil’s Amazon River. Using elements that are native to the area—stones, bone, seeds, leather, mother of pearl, and other natural materials—each piece is one-of-a-kind.
Subversive Jewelry designer Justin Giunta is one of the hottest new designers in Hollywood. Using old jewelry and costume pieces, he creates over-the-top—yet trendy—new jewelry that looks like, but does not cost, a million bucks. Using layers of chains with lockets, pendants, costume brooches, fake pearls and huge beads, he creates looks that are decadent and beautiful.
Brilliant Earth is one of the higher-end green jewelry designers. “Green” diamond engagement rings are their specialty. Using only ethically-sourced Namibian and Canadian diamonds, there is no question as to whether or not the diamonds are conflict-free. Workers are not mistreated and their diamond suppliers are not funding wars. Also, they work with recycled platinum and gold. Gold mining uses mercury and heavy metals in its process, so it can be harmful to the earth, particularly if it gets into the groundwater. The smelting process in gold still remains a tremendous air polluter. All of the other gems used in their diamond jewelry are also ethically sourced.
Danforth Diamonds not only insists on conflict-free diamonds, but uses only materials that are “Refined, Not Mined”. Precious metals are all from recycled jewelry and diamonds are primarily Canadian. Canadian diamonds are not only conflict-free, but the companies collecting them must stick to the strict environmental guidelines set by the government of the Northwest Territories to protect the Arctic environment.
Knowing that jewelry designers are heeding the demands of their customers and creating more earth-friendly diamond jewelry helps ensure more of a future for the industry. By using sustainable products, there is virtually no end to sources for fine jewelry pieces.
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