atypicalthing creates nice jewellery in Birmingham from recycled silver. A trained silversmith, the founder handcrafts all pieces and also uses recycled gold. This recycled promise ring is from a trained silversmith who handcrafts all pieces and also uses recycled gold. Adorned with 5 delicate sparkling CZ stones (zirconium dioxide are ‘manmade diamonds’ to avoid mining), it’s finished with a textured organic finish on the front, and smooth refined finish on the back for comfort. Makes a lovely affordable wedding ring.
Jewellery is worn by millions of people. Mining for gold and silver obviously has impacts on the environment and wildlife (whether ‘ethical’ or not) and although blood diamonds (profits funding civil war) are not common these days, there is enough already-mined gold and silver on earth to last for eternity. Go for vegan-friendly jewellery (free from bone, shell, feathers, pearls, leather).
Donate broken necklaces or odd earrings to Recycling for Good Causes (list your local animal shelter: they sell the metal and pass on funds).
Pivot Jewellery is a sustainable and ethical social enterprise, that employs young homeless people who live in hostels, then pays them the London living wage, to make eco-friendly jewellery. The items are designed to be made in hostels, to bring part-time and flexible (and meaningful) employment to those who find it difficult to access it. These recycled earrings are presented in a kraft box, and include the name of the person who made them.
