atypicalthing (recycled silver jewellery from Birmingham)

atypicalthing is based in Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter. But this trained silversmith uses recycled silver and gold, rather than new.

Keep jewellery out of reach of young children and pets. Also, don’t bin single earrings or snapped chains. Instead, pop them in an envelope with unwanted watches and any spare paper bank notes, then send them freepost to Animal Free Research UK (to support humane research) or War Paws (to help animals in war zones).

Why choose recycled vegan jewellery?

As well as avoiding harm with vegan jewellery (no bone, fur, feather, oysters, shells), it’s also important to choose pieces made from recycled metals, to avoid mining for new gold and silver (there is enough of both on earth to last for eternity).

Mining not only harms the planet, but disturbs ecosystems (and panning for gold is harming habitats of endangered hippos on the ivory coast). Donkeys in Tanzania also have to work in hot weather to transport gold from mines. Just choose recycled, to help everyone and everything.

How to care for and clean jewellery

Keep your jewellery in closed pouches, so it doesn’t rub and scratch. Take it off before showering, swimming, or using a sauna, and also before applying lotion or perfume.

For cleaning, soak it in lukewarm water with a little mild liquid soap, then use an old toothbrush to lift any marks. After that, rinse well and dry with a soft, clean cloth.

This recycled promise ring is adorned with sparkling CZ stones (zirconium dioxide are ‘manmade diamonds’ to avoid mining). Makes a lovely affordable wedding ring.