Also Journal

Investing in slow fashion and timeless design is just one of the ways we can become more conscious consumers. Jewellery in particular is an accessory we may think of as a timeless investment, that is individual and intrinsically linked to our personal style. Here, ALSO documents the jewellery brands that are taking this approach to slow and personal design, but further take steps towards sustainability and ethical practices.

Recycled materials are at the core of jewellery manufacturing, as the use of expensive materials such as gold and silver mean that base materials can -and will- be reused, contributing to a more sustainable fashion cycle. Brands such as Ariana Boussard Reifel, AMAI Jewellery and All Blues are just some of the brands creating pieces with ethically sourced recycled base metals that contribute to this circular production process.

LA-based jeweller CLED takes this recycling process a step further, using discarded glass bottles as raw materials to create abstract designs as a by-product of waste.

Sustainability within jewellery manufacturing is not just limited to the material: as these brands prove that local production and the supporting of artisans in the jewellery trade is just as important for a sustainable business. Bar Jewellery locally cast and finish the majority of their pieces in their own London studio. They also support artisans in Denpasar, Bali who produce a share of their jewellery, helping to enrich the local community by supporting local craftsmanship and Balinese techniques.

Similarly, London-based Alighieri uses a family run, Hatton Garden-based company to cast all of their recycled brass and silver, which is then assembled just a few streets away in their own studio.

Jewellery can be as individual as the wearer and brands such as Laura Lombardi support the wearing and weathering of  jewellery, with the natural patina of her metals accepted as a unique part of her pieces. This promotion of the imperfect also sees the longevity of investing in a piece, and is quite unique to jewellery.

The way in which jewellery is consumed is changing- with positive steps for change to a more circular way of buying product. Browns Fashion, who stock brands such as All Blues (who use recycled materials in their processes) -and other retailers are curating edits of these consciously sustainable brands. Independent stores such as Joan the Store are curating sustainable and vintage jewellery in one outlet.

On a physical level- brands such as AMAI Jewellery and Bar Jewellery are creating sustainable ‘eco’ packaging from recycled materials and removing excess waste. This reduction of waste, the promotion of slow spending and timelessness,  and buying into brands who support their artisans and communities are just some of the ways that our choices -at least with jewellery- can become more conscious and sustainable.