In India, jewellery has long been synonymous with gold, diamonds, and silver. However, a rising awareness of eco-friendly and sustainable jewellery is leading to the emergence of numerous local and international brands offering environmentally conscious statement pieces in the country. Making smart, sustainable choices will always have benefits in the long run—for both the planet and your pocket. By investing in greener labels, we’re not only being much kinder to the planet, but we’re also building up a forever wardrobe, as these pieces are crafted to last a lifetime, avoiding the fleeting trends of the moment. Therefore, to cultivate greater mindfulness in our purchasing habits, here are a few practices to begin with.
Synthetic Diamonds
Lab Grown or synthetic diamonds provide a sustainable, ethical, and eco-friendly alternative to conventionally mined diamonds. While maintaining similar quality standards, lab-grown diamonds come at a significantly more affordable price point, making them accessible to a wider audience. Fiona Diamonds, a brand selling an exclusive collection of lab-grown diamonds, believes that true luxury goes hand-in-hand with caring for the environment. The brand uses high-quality stones created from raw diamonds and graphite or carbon under high pressure and temperatures. The diamonds obtained as a result of this synthesis are identical to natural ones in their chemical and optical properties. Each product reflects a commitment to ethical practices and environmental responsibility.
Consider Jewellery Rentals
To ensure lasting satisfaction with an extravagant piece of jewellery and avoid regrettable neglect, jewellery rentals are gaining popularity. This trend not only caters to changing tastes but also lessens the environmental impact of mining precious metals and gemstones. Brands like Aulerth allow customers to rent from the brand’s inventory at a fraction of the purchase price for up to two weeks. It also has an exchange* programme that gives customers the option to change their Aulerth jewellery at any time for another design. The returned pieces are restored for re-wear.
Choose Homegrown Brands
For a new generation, luxury is synonymous with conscious decisions and actions, and homegrown brands offer exactly that. These brands not only enhance our wardrobes with quality and style but also contribute to employment, preserve traditional crafts, and source materials responsibly. Tangerine, touted as India’s first ‘bio-jewellery’ brand, melds design innovation with sustainability, crafting pieces from 100% recycled materials like spices and plants. Another such brand is Eurumme, a sustainable fashion jewellery brand based out of New Delhi that uses semi-precious stones and metals, together with plating and electroplating, to produce handcrafted jewellery. Their statement jewels have been spotted on stars like Karan Johar, Kiara Advani, and more.
Choose Brands that Use Sustainable Materials
Locally sourced sustainable jewellery materials have the minimum impact on the environment, as some of these include materials like wood, fabric, and repurposed metals. Studio Love Letter, an accessories and jewellery brand, crafts nomadic pieces with recycled plastic and sterling silver/gold vermeil; its accessories are handmade for perfection. Similarly, Theaa is another Jaipur-based jewellery brand that makes jewellery out of broken diamonds. The leftover diamond chips are repurposed using ancient techniques by craftsmen and transformed into unique designs, making each piece sustainable.
Invest in Timeless Pieces
Last but not least, invest in classics that not only offer more utility but also give more value for money. Crafted with precision and using high-quality materials, these exquisite pieces are designed to stand the test of time. You can also consider wearing the pieces in your home in the form of heirloom pieces. You can either choose to wear them as they are or repurpose them for a contemporary look.
