We live in a world where overconsumption, fast changing trends and mass production are a norm. All of it is driven by consumerism which is costing us the Earth. Mindless consumption where one buys much more than you need and discard without a second thought is leading to excessive waste creation, resource depletion and exploitation. When it comes to fashion, we seem to be stuck in this endless cycle of trends where we are ready to buy the next ‘it’ thing even before we have truly used what we already have. It is time we break free from it and that starts from awareness and making informed choices. When it comes to jewellery here are a few things you should ask yourself to true make an informed and a sustainable choice - where are the gemstones sourced from, who made my jewellery, will it last, how often can I wear it? And so on….
5 Simple Ways to Make Your Jewellery Collection More Sustainable
To guide you to pay heed to certain factors to make an informed decision while purchasing jewellery and which will make your jewellery collection more sustainable are -
1. Ethically Sourced
Gemstones are often mined from conflict zones, through forced labour, illegally mined or cause environment destruction. It therefore makes sense to buy lab grown gemstones that look and feel as good or make sure you get jewellery with certifications.
2. Support Artisanal Jewellery
The jewellery industry still relies on the gifted skills of artisans whose hands can create and craft any wonder. However, machines are challenging this now. Make sure you pay some heed to the manufacturing process and rely on handcrafted jewellery. Because when you do that, you are not just getting yourself a beautiful piece of jewellery but supporting the very art and the livelihoods of artisans.
3. Repair and Recycle
Repair what can be repaired, recycle or reuse whatever can be reused and replace whichever jewellery can be re-plated. This adds to the life of your favourite pieces and by doing this some of them can actually last you a lifetime. Make sure you consider this while making your purchase choice. Zariin offers a lifetime warranty on gold plating which can actually make your Zariin jewels look as good as new. All you have to do is make the little effort of sending the piece back to us when you think it needs its shine back.
4. Take Care of your Jewellery
Make sure you pay attention to the care guide provided by the brands and labels and follow it through to make your jewellery last. Store it properly, avoid contact with perfumes, lotions etc, wipe it clean after every wear, avoid wearing it to swimming, bath of a beach. These are just a few things which adds to the longevity of your jewellery.
5. Choose Better and Wisely
Don’t lend trends dictate your purchase choice and let you choice by define by the timelessness of the piece, your personal style, and wearability. Invest in something you will true wear a lot and is extremely versatile. Impulse buying can happen sometimes but what you must really look at is long term wearability.
These are few things that will make your jewellery collection sustainable. We often wonder where to start, and with these above mentioned points you know where to do that, at least with your jewellery and frankly, a lot of it also implies on your other fashion choices too!
