Where to Buy Recycled Vegan Jewellery
There is enough of both metals already mined on earth, to last for eternity. This recycled promise ring is adorned with sparkling CZ stones (zirconium dioxide are ‘manmade diamonds’ to avoid mining). Makes a lovely affordable wedding ring!
‘New’ silver and gold requires more mining that causes deforestation, pollutes water with mercury and cyanide and harms wildlife (charities like SPANA help donkeys that often suffer due to transporting mined metals, in flooded areas caused by mining, which disrupts natural drainage systems.
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.
atypicalthing (recycled jewellery from Birmingham)
atypicalthing is based in Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter. But this trained silversmith uses recycled silver and gold, rather than new.
Lily Charmed (playful recycled metal jewellery)
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 Drop Earrings (made 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.
Yorkshire Earrings (made from reclaimed tin)
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.
Pretty 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.
Pretty Stud Earrings (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.
Blue Juice Studio (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).
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.
Sky Diamonds (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 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.
