With the rise of the ‘Who Made My Clothes’ movement, there has been a growing awareness about the importance of #slowfashion as more and more consumers take a sustainable approach to their wardrobes.
However clothing isn’t the only commodity that can be wasteful. Slow fashion can (and should) extend to all areas of the fashion industry, including the jewellery you pair with your outfits.
In celebration of World Environment Day (5 June), we talk to Sydney jeweller, Fairina Cheng (fairinachengjewellery.com), who has launched a collection made from recycled silver and gold. Fairina shares 5 tips to finding and buying jewellery that’s kinder to the planet.
1. Buy from small designers and makers
Small, independent brands don’t produce the volume of products that bigger brands do, so there is often less wastage and more of a focus on quality rather than solely profit. Local handmade brands (the kind you’d find on Etsy or at independent design markets) often make their pieces in small batches or make to order. “While this isn’t a guarantee that these brands value sustainability, it’s a good place to start,” says Fairina. “You’ll also be supporting an independent maker who does a happy dance every time someone buys one of their creations. Trust me, this happens!”
2. Choose pieces made in recycled metals
Precious metals like silver and gold can often be melted down and made into brand new jewellery, so they should never go to waste. “Choose brands who reuse their metal scraps in the workshop as this process doesn’t require the chemicals that larger scale refining of metals can,” says Fairina. “My newest collection, Trinkets, uses recycled sterling silver and 18ct gold melted down from precious metal off-cuts so nothing goes to waste.”
3. Choose pieces made with ethically sourced gemstones
Look for jewellery with gemstones sourced from local merchants, local mines or even from vintage jewellery (so no mining is required). “In some cases, the brand will be able to provide information about the origin of the gems they use (or be able to get this information from their supplier) including where they came from, who cut them and why they were selected,” says Fairina. “It’s always worth asking, and sometimes it’s fascinating to get an insight into where your jewellery came from.”
4. Choose brands that use sustainable processes in their studios
Harsh chemicals are often used to speed up the manufacturing process, such as sulphuric acid for cleaning jewellery and even cyanide and mercury for metal refining. They are fast and effective, however can have long term, detrimental effects to ecosystems. “Choose jewellers that substitute harsh chemicals with natural, environmentally friendly options (like citric acid) and use metal suppliers with environmental management plans that are continually being monitored and improved on,” Fairina says. “In my own studio, I also minimise non jewellery waste by sourcing recycled and recyclable packaging like paper-based bubble wrap alternatives. There is so much a brand can do and it extends to all aspects of the business, not just manufacturing.”
5. Buy only what you LOVE
“I know it’s hard, but sometimes it’s the act of buying itself that leads to excessive waste,” says Fairina. “Before you buy, ask yourself: Do I really want it? Am I buying for the pleasure of buying, or because I have fallen in love with this piece? Will it go out of style or can I wear it for years in the future? As a jeweller, I want to see my pieces go to people who will love them for life and who will still be wearing the same pieces when I see them years down the track. The beauty of high quality jewellery is that it’s built to last, so buy with that philosophy in mind.”
In honour of World Environment Day (5 June), Fairina has launched her new “Trinkets” collection, a range of precious metal treasures which are all about mindful consumption. “Trinkets is a collection that takes inspiration from the sentimental treasures we pick up from childhood to adulthood. It features a range of individually handcrafted matte black jewels embellished with gold granules. Both the silver and gold used to create the Trinkets collection are reclaimed from pre-loved jewels or leftover precious metals and are reformed into new pieces that continue their story.”
Find out more about the Trinkets collection at fairinachengjewellery.com.
Threadnz Editor’s Pick: The Trinkets Granules Ring ($152) Isn’t it gorgeous!
