The future of sustainable jewelry

Jewelry and the associated extraction of raw materials such as gold and diamonds is often problematic and comes with social and ecological challenges. But should one stop buying jewelry altogether, or are there solutions for a more sustainable production and value chain, and thus a more sustainable future? 

We say yes! Our approach is to inspire other producers and consumers to act more sustainably through new sustainable ideas, techniques, and solutions. Since people wore jewelry before they discovered clothing, we believe that jewelry has as much social and emotional significance, such as an engagement or wedding ring, that it is worth rethinking its production. 

We analyzed three studies on this and combined it with the knowledge of our Founder Helge, studied jewelry designer, summarized 15 relevant solutions for us and you. This way we were able to also our Sustainability We will review again and develop new ideas and insights for our production and our sustainable actions. We hope that we can also inspire you to consume more sustainably and consciously.

Mining operators must respect existing international agreements on occupational safety and human rights and implement them in their mines. The producing companies should ensure that they pay their suppliers fair wages, provide safe working conditions, and exclude child labor. [02]

When granting new concessions, sustainable livelihoods and the economic participation of the local population must be enabled, thus protecting their livelihoods. [01]

Local cooperatives can help achieve higher incomes and better negotiating positions for those living and working there through community-led organizations. [02]

A large part of today's gold mining is unnecessary, as much more recycled gold could be used. Gold from old jewelry, dental gold, or electronic waste is a sensible alternative to mined gold. Much gold from electronic waste from previous years remains unused in landfills to this day or is shipped abroad for recycling. [01]

To reduce the consumption of natural, finite resources, the recycling of precious metals and the use of artificial gemstones thus a possible approach. [02] For, if Recycling Gold Instead of newly mined resources being used, mining and the associated environmental pollution as well as human rights violations can be prevented. [03]

Certification systems like Fairmined create the opportunity for small-scale mining to promote mercury-free extraction techniques. For large mining companies, certification systems like IRMA set important environmental and social standards. [01]

Certificates and labels such as Fairtrade Gold also provide security in purchasing decisions by offering transparency about the production methods. [02]

When extracting gold, neither mercury should be used nor should any other hazardous chemicals or heavy metals leak into or be emitted into the environment. This applies both during the operational period and after the mine has closed. Air quality must be maintained and regularly monitored. [01] This requires better environmental standards and stricter ecological regulations, as well as investments in technologies that reduce the environmental impact of mining! [02]

Research and innovation to develop new technologies and materials that are less harmful to humans and the environment is important to enable sustainable change. For example, innovative technologies could reduce or completely replace the use of chemicals in mining. [02]

Organizations and initiatives that work to improve ecological and social conditions in artisanal and small-scale mining need better support. [03] Through this support and thus the improvement of living conditions, alternative sources of income could be created for the population to reduce dependence on raw material extraction. Companies should promote social projects that benefit communities in the long term, for example, by building schools, hospitals, and roads. [02]

A declaration of authenticity for customers can be an effective method to ensure greater necessary transparency. Whether it is newly sourced or recycled materials – a certificate can help establish certainty about the origin of the raw material in any case. [03]

Circularity is not only sustainable because consumed resources are continuously returned to the production cycle and recycled, but it also improves every product: By prioritizing durability and considering possible repairs directly in the design process, the quality of the product automatically increases. When selecting the materials used based on durability and recyclability, one acts 100% sustainably. [03]

A robust and detailed procurement policy must be established, specifying the suppliers and providing comprehensive evidence of the Chain of Custody – especially for precious metals like gold and silver and diamonds. [03] Furthermore, an assessment of all environmental and human rights risks throughout the supply chain, including evidence of due diligence from the upstream suppliers, should be implemented. [03] It is time for companies to take responsibility for their ecological and social impacts and to publish detailed information about their suppliers, as well as to implement systems that allow for precise tracking of the origin of materials. [02]

There is no way around a transparent supply chain. The WWF goes even further: They demand a tightening of the Supply Chain Act. Companies should disclose where they source their raw materials. Violations should be consistently sanctioned to create more transparency and accountability. [01]

Transparency helps to measure oneself against one's values. Those who publicly and honestly take stock of how sustainable the company actually is, for example in a sustainability report, create an incentive for themselves to operate in a better and more sustainable way. It is helpful to orient oneself to other reports, implement scientific studies, and disclose one's own figures to create a universally applicable standard. This is only possible if one knows their own data. Especially in the jewelry industry, bold sustainability approaches are still scarce – this needs to change! [03]

Because consumers should be informed about the impacts of jewelry purchases in order to make more conscious buying decisions. [02]

Holistic Sustainability goes beyond the mere product. It is also about the way work is done day by day: in the office, in shipping, while traveling. All of this must be identified so that new, possible, and scientifically based goals for improvement can be set. [03]

Not only should the products themselves be designed in a circular way, but companies should also offer service offerings for repairs and recycling. Additionally, the way work is conducted should aim to repair whenever possible, and otherwise recycle the individual components of tools, machines, and computers. [03]

Not only in production, but also in purchasing, it is important to ensure that the products being bought are durable and of high quality. Because holistic sustainability starts with the pencil for the first sketch and ends with the finished product and its shipping. [03]

Everything is easier together. Including sustainability. That’s why it’s important to support initiatives from other companies for more sustainability and responsibility at the business level. [03]

It is also essential to manage resources – if necessary, production should be reduced, eliminated, or changed. [03]

Our research has made it clear once again that our concept of holistic sustainability, which addresses the product, packaging, production, and supply chain in all three areas of sustainability: ecology, economy, and social aspects, is indeed the right way to become increasingly sustainable.

For you as consumers, we hope that this article inspires you to inquire more closely with the manufacturers of your jewelry pieces and to consume more consciously overall. Because when you choose timeless, sustainable, and high-quality jewelry pieces that withstand the test of time, nothing can really go wrong. These are the pieces of jewelry that you will pass down to your grandchildren!

[01] WWF, "Gold - anything but shiny for the environment" [Online] Available: https://www.wwf.de/themenprojekte/waelder/mining/gold-mining Accessed on 2024.11.08

[02] Hütz-Adams F. ; Koch S. ; Schneeweiß. A., "Jewelry - Proof of Love, Livelihood, and Exploitation - From Raw Material to Store Shelf" Südwind e.V. 2010 [Online] Available: https://www.suedwind-institut.de/fileadmin/Suedwind/Publikationen/2010/2010-05%20Schmuck%20-%20Liebesbeweis%2C%20Broterwerb%20und%20Ausbeutung.pdf Accessed on 2024.11.08

[03] Grünenfelder D., "A precious transition – Demanding more transparency and responsibility in the watch and jewellery sector – Environmental rating and industry report 2018". WWF Switzerland. 2018 [Online] Available: https://www.wwf.ch/sites/default/files/doc-2018-12/2018_12_07_WWF%20Watch%20and%20Jewellery%20Report%202018_final_e_0.pdf Accessed on 2024.11.08