Ethically Beautiful & Brilliant: Sustainable, Responsible & Eco-Friendly Wedding Jewelry

When planning your green wedding perhaps it was easy choosing eco-friendly wedding favors and earth-friendly wedding invitations. However, it can be confusing when it comes to selecting eco-friendly and ethical wedding jewelry.

That’s why I teamed up with the socially-minded people at Brilliant Earth to bring you some pointers for selecting conflict-free diamonds, sustainable and ethical wedding jewelry.

Look Beyond the “Limited” Definition of Conflict-Free Diamonds

Keep in mind that the Kimberley Process only addresses the narrow UN definition of conflict diamonds, and does not address other human rights abuses. Look for a jeweler that offers diamonds that are mined without violence, human rights abuses, child labor, or environmental destruction.

Something Blue & Beautiful in Nature

If you are thinking of wearing the stunning beauty of blue sapphires, consider ethical origin sapphires. They not only add unique radiance to your wedding accessories, they represent a priceless commitment to the earth.

Helping the Planet Shine a Little Brighter

New metal mining is damaging to the environment and can generate huge quantities of chemical waste. Remember, reclaimed gold and platinum can be recycled repeatedly and still look as good as new, so you can help conserve the earth’s resources without sacrificing an ounce of shine.

Preserve a Treasure from the Sea

Conventional pearls come from mollusks that are often overharvested, a process that damages marine ecosystems. Keep the unique pearl-producing oysters from becoming extinct, and insist on an earth-friendly Sea of Cortez Pearl instead.

Fair Trade Gold—Worth a World of Good

Unfortunately,  much of the gold out there is mined with inhumane labor conditions and environmentally destructive methods. Look for gold jewelry made from one of the first truly fair trade sources of gold from Oro Verde.  In addition to paying a fair wage, the fair trade gold cooperatives ensure the use of sustainable environmental practices, restore ecosystems damaged by other mining companies, and promote the well-being of the local community.

Coloring a Better World

With all eyes on you, it’s the perfect time to show your true colors and your dedication to the environment with beautiful colored gemstones of ethical origin. Opt for glowing emeralds, dazzling garnets and bright citrines from regions that practice low impact mining which eliminates the need for harsh chemicals and minimizes ground waste.

Saving the Coral, Saving the Oceans

Planning a seaside wedding? Fabulous! Please remember to stay away from the coral. Countless species of marine life depend on coral for their survival. Look for fine jewelry made from recycled metals and ethical origin gemstones instead of coral.

As you can see, there’s a lot to consider when purchasing the wedding rings you will be wearing on your hand for a lifetime. Isn’t it worth the time to ensure you are wearing a symbol of your love for each other and the world?

Photos courtesy of Brilliant Earth.