Ideal Bite

JEWELRY

Family Jewels

07.28.2009

Submitted by tmeronek on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 11:00pm.

The Bite:

When it comes to jewelry, do you want the whole package? You'll drop your pants over baubles that are beautiful, are made from eco-materials (such as melted-down used jewelry), and aren't so expensive you'll have to start selling your underwear on eBay.

The Benefits:

Greenness where it counts. A new 1/3-ounce, 18-karat gold ring creates about 20 tons of mine waste. (And yes, our mouths dropped too when we read that stat.)
A real kick for your eyes. Our picks are unique but wearable, and incorporate interesting materials like computer wiring, feathers, and vintage, costume-jewelry parts.
No below-the-belt labor practices. Mining is some of the most hazardous work around, so if you choose something with nonrecycled materials, just check that it's fair trade.

Personally Speaking:

Our least favorite part about writing this tip? The day we had to send back the samples…

Wanna Try:

Sidvintage - punk-inspired but girly bracelets, earrings, and necklaces made with salvaged baubles and chains; our fave: Cold as Ice Bracelet ($280).
Bario-Neal - reclaimed metals and ethically sourced gems make for sweet-and-simple baubles like the Knottedrush Ring ($154).
Eve Singer - recycled metal, geometric jewelry, cut almost like wood; take a look at the Ridge Ring ($145).
Liquid Metal by Sergio Gutierrez - melted-down computer parts turned into slightly goth, chain-mail-ish (in a good way) stuff; we like: Olivia Necklace ($135).
Molly M Designs - architect by day, this designer creates jewelry made from laser-cut bamboo, and recycled felt, suede, and wool as a labor of love; lovin' the Cattail Pendant ($36).
Kris Nations - nature-inspired shapes in recycled gold or silver; check out the Small Blade Earrings ($34).
Alex and Ani - its designer uses recycled metals and natural materials such as feathers (gathered after they fall off the birds) to make hipster-y bangles and necklaces; see the Owl Bangle, available in gold or silver ($28).
Global Goods Two-tone Bangles - glossy, fair-trade bracelets made from sustainable wood, handcrafted in India ($6).

Cocktail Fact

Last May, two jewelry thieves were robbed by two other thieves on their way out of a Milwaukee jewelry store; all four were arrested.

Bang For The Bite

If 10,000 Biters opt for a ring made from vintage or recycled materials rather than newly mined ones, we'll avert enough mine waste to fill 20,000 garbage trucks.

20 comments

Email This

Tips Like This

Drew on July 28, 2009 at 05:24 AM 1

i am getting married soon and have been looking for an eco-friendly wedding band. unfortunately, most of the ones i have found are pretty expensive. do you know of any places to get resonably priced eco-friendly wedding bands? thanks.

Sylvia on July 28, 2009 at 05:44 AM 2

And check out etsy.com Type in eco and you get reclaimed and reused jewelry, etc. Buy direct from the artist - usually waaaay cheaper than any of the listed options, plus you're supporting an artist. You can even specify local!

Anthony Zepeda on July 28, 2009 at 06:40 AM 3

i thought it was very interesting regarding the amount of waste that is made from a ring...i would be interesting to hear about diamonds as well. Thanks Anthony

Jet on July 28, 2009 at 07:34 AM 4

Drew, why don't you try pawn shops? Their jewelry is a lot less expensive than a regular store and they carry a lot of vintage jewelry as well.

Mia on July 28, 2009 at 07:35 AM 5

Find jewelry made from found and recycled parts from this Etsy seller - www.aclairejewelry.etsy.com. You can also become a fan on facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Aclaire-Jewelry/190611755300?ref=nf About 50% of her product is made from found or recycled parts - they usually go the quickest. I just got an email from her saying that she would have new items for Fall posted in the coming weeks.

Katie on July 28, 2009 at 07:58 AM 6

Wow, I couldn't believe the stat on mining waste, that is just astonishing. Speaking of etsy.com, one of my favorite sellers on the site--doing her part to-upcycle/re-cycle jewelry and cool knits--is Markella. All of her creations are unique and she does special orders as well. Check out her webpage at www.markella.etsy.com I hope you enjoy!

Megan on July 28, 2009 at 08:14 AM 7

Drew - Go Vintage! Look in the paper for Estate sales or try a shop that specializes in Estate jewelry. My engagement band is from the 30s (Platinum) and we switched out the diamond for an emerald (also old). Vintage is way cool as well as eco-friendly! These can be expensive, but also very reasonably priced.

Cameron on July 28, 2009 at 08:24 AM 8

"Greenness where it counts. A new 1/3-ounce, 18-karat gold ring creates about 20 tons of mine waste. (And yes, our mouths dropped too when we read that stat.)" How is this only 3/5 in Bang for the Bite? A week ago you rated some natural flea products 3/5. 20,000 garbage trucks in mining ore has got to far outweigh 2,000 cats worth of chemicals.

kara on July 28, 2009 at 10:08 AM 9

Melissa Joy Manning is another ecofab jewelry designer. I love her stuff! www.mjmmetal.com

kristina on July 28, 2009 at 03:04 PM 10

i'm surprised that no one has mentioned www.brilliantearth.com! brilliant earth specializes in environmentally and socially responsible gold or platinum. my husband and i bought our wedding bands here, fairly inexpensively. we bought the white gold comfort fit bands, neither with stones or embellishments, so that cut the cost. they truly are comfortable and we LOVE them! hope that helps!

Post new comment

target='_blank'>

border='0' alt='' />

Family Jewels

Cocktail Fact

Bang For The Bite

Tips Like This

Post new comment

Sign Up