The Best Brands of Recycled Metal Jewellery
Millions of people in England wear jewellery, but most is from gold and silver (newly-mined, when there is enough mined metals on earth, to last for eternity). Mining often uses mercury and cyanide that creates run-ff that destroys aquatic life, and causes floods (harming donkeys who often are the ‘transport’ used near mines). Also choose smartphones made with recycled materials.
Yet there are many artisan brands that make lovely jewellery from recycled metals (or scrap materials like plastic waste). Let’s look at a few good brands to support, these also make lovely zero waste gifts.
Donate broken necklaces or odd earrings to Recycling for Good Causes (list your local animal shelter: they sell the metal and pass on funds). Send unwanted jewellery (and watches) to Animals Asia, where cash raised helps to rescue moon bears.
Lily Charmed (playful eco designs)
Lily Charmed is a playful brand. Not only are most pieces made from recycled silver, but there are some real fun pieces like ‘jammy dodger earrings!’ This North Star necklace features a coin pendant, and can be engraved on the back with your message. Sold in sustainable packaging and a free polishing cloth.
Stunning Earrings from Recycled Glass
Just Trade turns discarded glass into stunning earrings (also in teal or blue) that tell a bold story. Inspired by the rich colours of Egyptian jewellery, these frosted bead earrings include hypoallergenic and nickel-free brass hook fastenings for pierced ears (returns not accepted, for hygiene reasons). Fairly made to support local artisans.
Reclaimed Tin Earrings from Yorkshire
Hammered in Yarkshire offers fun colourful jewellery, restored from old rare vintage tins! Like wearing a piece of history, this is made in someone’s spare room! Some tins are modern, but most are vintage. Recycle cellophane packaging at supermarket bag bins. Tins once used for sweets, tea or biscuits feature classic designs and adverts from local makers.
Some tins have soft faded colours, others boast bold prints straight from the 1960s or 70s. This means no two pairs are quite the same and there’s something for every taste. From an old toffee tin to a tea caddy, there’s real character in each pair.
Earrings Made from Old Shop Signs
Whittle and Wear offers unique pretty earrings, made from wooden offcuts. The range includes studs, double-sided flower shaped hoops, drop earrings and pin badges. Most are painted on one side and left natural the other.
Shop signs often end up as waste when they get replaced. Using off-cuts from these signs helps stop good materials from filling up bins. The offcuts are from the founder’s sign-writing business in Cornwall, and the earrings feature surgical grade stainless steel, for pierced ears.
Earrings Made from Old Coffee Pods
Coffee Pod Creations makes jewellery out of old coffee pods, to save them going to landfill. Coffee pod earrings tend to be very light. Even the larger pieces won’t tug at your ear.
Bin all coffee pods, as caffeine in grounds can harm compost bin creatures. Use a sink protector mat, to stop clogged drains.
Recycled Metal Jewellery from Birmingham
atypicalthing is based in Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter. But this trained silversmith uses recycled silver and gold, rather than new.
This recycled promise ring is adorned with sparkling CZ stones (zirconium dioxide are ‘manmade diamonds’ to avoid mining). Makes a lovely affordable wedding ring!
Earrings Made from Fishing Waste
Blue Juice Studio makes stunning jewellery, made from discarded fishing nets that otherwise harm marine wildlife in the oceans. Ghost fishing waste is one of the most damaging aspects of ocean litter today, so this is a great way to use it up (rather than clothing, which just deposits more plastic back in washing machines).
Recycled Earrings to Help Homeless People
Pivot is a social enterprise, which employs homeless people (paying a London living wage) to make earrings out of recycled metals or acetate (from a spectacle company), in geometric drop designs like triangles and circles. Profits from sales go back to community programmes.
Rings and Cufflinks Made from Old Skateboards
This recycled skateboard wooden ring (male or female) is suitable for weddings, and again can be engraved. It’s also waterproof and includes a free wooden protective box. The wood layers, old paint, and years of use create patterns you’ll never see twice.
These recycled skateboard cufflinks make a wonderful affordable gift. They are varnished for protection (avoid contact with water, lotion or perfumes) and sold nestled in a wooden box, lined with cork. Custom engraving possible, just add note to checkout.
Real Diamonds (made from air!)
Mining for natural diamonds damages habitats, and releases huge amounts of carbon into the air. Enter the world’s first carbon-negative diamond: Sky Diamond. Made by combining hydrogen from rainwater, it forms the same crystal structure as earth-mined diamonds. Unlike most lab-grown gems, Sky Diamonds cut out all fossil fuels and avoid the high emissions that come with mining.
To order, just find your correct ring size (you can have custom sizes and engraving if wished), then order a ring at the online shop. To care for sky diamonds, soak it in warm water and mild soap for up to 30 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush, rinse under warm running water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
