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5 Signs Your Jewelry Piece Is Truly Eco-Friendly
As the demand for high-quality jewelry grows, so do the concerns with greenwashing, a practice dishonest companies use to mislead consumers about environmental and ethical impacts of their jewelry. It’s a frustrating deceptive marketing tactic that has companies make false or exaggerated claims about eco-friendliness, responsible sourcing, and sustainability. In this post, as part of our bridal Jewelry tips, we explore signs you can ensure your piece is truly eco-friendly.
Greenwashing happens when companies conduct activities such as not fully disclosing information. For example, a company may not disclose that only a small percentage of its materials are recycled. Some may promise their jewelry is eco-friendly but lack transparency about the habits that verify this information.
The consequences of greenwashing impact jewelry consumers and the jewelry industry. It undermines the efforts of genuine companies practicing sustainable efforts.
Determining if a company is greenwashing its sustainability practices can be challenging. Rather than purchase from a company willing to blatantly mislead you, check out the tips below and learn how to spot true eco-friendly jewelry pieces.
Why is Greenwashing Such a Big Problem?
Companies practice greenwashing because it provides them with a plethora of benefits without the need to invest in higher-quality practices or making changes to their business model.
- Consumers want jewelry they know is ethically sourced. Brands greenwash consumers into believing they take action to protect the environment while in reality, they cause significant problems.
- Companies increase sales and profits when they use greenwashing techniques. By claiming eco-friendly practices without following through, companies earn higher profits, more sales, and a pristine reputation.
- Greenwashing allows companies to portray an image as an eco-friendly, responsible brand. Socially aware companies tend to earn trust from a larger demographic of consumers.
- Greenwashing gives companies additional marketing demographics. When they advertise themselves as “green” they even get a competitive edge against other brands as shoppers may find their products more attractive and desirable.
Watch this to learn more:
How to Spot Real Eco-Friendly Jewelry
Eco-friendly jewelry is created with minimal impact on the environment. It uses special materials and processes traditional jewelry doesn’t offer. Spotting real eco-friendly jewelry can be challenging, until now. Check out the tips below and learn how to choose real eco-friendly pieces.
1. Made From Ethically-Sourced & Recycled Materials
The use of ethically sourced materials is one of the first signs of a sustainable product. Gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals are often mined using processes that damage the ecosystem.
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. When no other gemstone will do, choose retailers that adhere to strict environmental standards. We recommend choosing lab-grown jewelry instead. We’ll go into more detail about lab-created jewelry below.
Look for companies focusing on recycled materials instead. Brands using recycled materials significantly lower their environmental impact.
2. Minimalist Packaging
Eco-friendly companies focus attention on packaging as well as their product. Look for minimalist packaging that refrains from excess foam inserts, plastic, and non-recycled materials. Brands that prioritize sustainable packaging take care in making jewelry that adheres to the same guidelines.
- Look for boxes made from recycled materials or cardboard
- Choose companies that use cotton or linen for their jewelry pouches.
- An extra-eco-friendly company reduces waste even more by avoiding unnecessary layers or wrap/unnecessary shipping boxes.
Watch this video for some inspo:
3. Transparency
Transparency is essential when it comes to eco-friendliness. A company that follows sustainable and eco-friendly practices will shout it from the rooftop and be more than happy to disclose its materials and production processes. Supply chain transparency reassures customers the company follows ethical practices that protect the environment.
Eco-friendly brands share information. They answer questions and publish reports. They partner with organizations that promote ethical practices all around the jewelry creation process. These companies go the extra mile to protect our environment and show consumers their contributions.
Jewelry companies that practice what they preach have nothing to hide and never attempt to deceive customers.
4. You’ve Selected a Mined Diamond Alternative
Diamond mining creates serious impacts on the environment, ranging from land erosion to leakage of harmful chemicals. It leaves a heavy carbon footprint due to the machinery used in diamond mining. Truly eco-friendly jewelry isn’t mined from the ground, but created inside a controlled laboratory. That’s why we recommend purchasing Moissanite jewelry.
Whether you want an engagement ring, a wedding band, or something to celebrate a special occasion, moissanite pieces are a more sustainable choice, providing the same sparkle and shine as diamonds without negatively impacting the environment. Furthermore, Moissanite costs up to 80% less than the cost of a mined diamond.
Moissanite jewelry from companies like Moissanite Co. for example, is created in a lab, erasing the negative impacts caused by diamond mining. It’s one gemstone buyers can take home confident it hasn’t seriously impacted the environment -or negatively affected the jewelry industry.
5. Eco-Friendly & Ethical Certifications
Look for certifications from eco-friendly and ethical jewelry organizations. These certifications ensure that a jewelry company follows the strict requirements in place for a piece to be truly eco-friendly.
A few common certifications to look for include:
- Fair Trade: This certification ensures materials are sourced from companies that treat workers fairly, eliminate conflict, and follow sustainable practices.
- Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC): Identifies ethically-sourced jewelry
- Kimberly Process: Ensures diamonds are conflict-free
- Fairtrade Gold: Certifies ethically sourced gold
Watch this video to learn more:
Finding companies holding one or more certifications offers extra peace of mind and assurance that you are dealing with a legitimate eco-friendly company that doesn’t use greenwashing tactics to con you into purchasing a low-quality product that has caused detrimental impacts on the environment. Look for one or more certifications from the list above before purchasing jewelry from any company.
Choose Eco-Friendly Jewelry Every Time
Eco-friendly jewelry companies are out there, although finding them can take time, considering the numerous companies using greenwashing tactics. Use the information above to help keep your eyes open when shopping for sustainable jewelry, and purchase your pieces with complete confidence that you are doing your part to contribute to a more ethical jewelry industry.
