Is Your Jewelry Sustainable? Here's How To Know

As new insights are learned and technologies developed, it's ever more important to educate yourself on if the jewelry you wear is sustainable, and what that even means from brand to brand Thankfully, a few jewelry designers who advocate for environmentalism are here to share their knowledge of how to ensure your next jewelry purchase is made by a brand that cares about both the planet and the people who reside there "Jewelers should always purchase from trusted vendors who can definitively state their stones' origins," Designer Melissa Joy Manning tells TZR.

"Many mines are controlled by nefarious groups who use metal and stone mining to fund terrorism It's imperative that we know where our stones come from so that we can mitigate our complicity in money laundering for these groups." Manning adds that jewelry lines should ensure their stones follow the Kimberly Process, which aims to eradicate conflict diamonds from the global supply chain The designer's namesake brand produces the collections from its certified green studio in California and only works with recycled metals.

Other potentially negative impacts the jewelry industry could have on the environment hides within the production itself Melissa Joy Manning suggests that if jewelry is made out of house, designers "Should visit the facility where the work is made and confirm that workers are paid well, receive benefits, and have published working hours." Ahead, shop jewelry brands with ethical and environmentally-friendly practices. . Source