Fine Jewelry and Why I Won't Make it

Sunburst w Purple Earrings 2, originally uploaded by B.B. Bellezza.

Sometimes I come across people who don't think that fun jewelry is really jewelry. Either they are only interested in fine jewelry or they make fine jewelry. Fine jewelry - jewelry made from gold or from fine silver with precious or semi-precious stones - can be lovely. It can be unique and beautiful and sometimes it is fun. IF, and this is a big IF for me, it is made in a sustainable and ethical way. If the all the precious pieces that make up the jewelry is mined in an ethical way, or the artist is using recycled gold or reusing stones from vintage jewelry, then I am happy to purchase and proudly wear it.

Unfortunately, that is not often the case.

So, I have no in-the-foreseeable-future-plans of making fine jewelry anytime soon. I like my fun, responsible, and inexpensive jewelry. You don't have to empty out your checking account to make a statement. You can make a statement with it because it's unique. If someone asks you about it, you can let them know it's green and ethical and even take a stand with it, if you choose. Or you can just know that you are quietly making a good choice for the earth and for it's people. A safe choice (no harmful metals!) and an ethical choice (no one is waging war or raping the land in order for me to make this jewelry.)

If you do wish to wear diamonds and gold, I really encourage you to ask questions about where these items came from and do your research. There are plenty of fine jewelers out there who are really making an effort to reuse gold and make sure that their stones are mined in ethical ways. Be an informed consumer!