atypicalthing (upcycled jewellery from Birmingham)

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

For people who wear jewellery, there are better options to mining new metals, which causes deforestation and mercury pollution (not supporting new mining helps to reduce the number of draught donkeys used to transport metals in flood areas, which is tiring and dangerous work).

Recently 200 miners in Africa died, while mining for metals used in smartphones. Yet there is enough silver and gold already mined, to last for eternity. Here are some nice options, from upcycled metals to diamonds made from air! All are vegan (no bone, leather, pearls, oyster or feathers).

Keep jewellery away from young children and pets, and don’t throw out odd earrings or broken chains. Send them (with unwanted watches and any currency bank notes) freepost to Animal Free Research UK (to fund humane research) or War Paws (to help animals in war zones).

Store jewellery in enclosed pouches to prevent scratches. Remove when showering, swimming or in saunas (and when applying lotions or scent). To clean, soak in a mild solution of lukewarm water and liquid soap (use an old toothbrush to remove stains). Rinse 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.