When most people see a beautiful, sparkly ring or necklace, all they think about is what it symbolizes; which may be love, commitment, or just a flair for fashion, but what they may not be aware of is the significant harm that the mining and extraction of these jewels can cause to the earth. By choosing to purchase only sustainable jewelry NYC consumers will be doing their part to not compromise the environment just for the sake of owning some fancy baubles.
The most common metals used to craft jewelry are silver, platinum, and gold. They are naturally found in very small quantities within ore and rocks, which are only accessible by way of very destructive mining processes which rip apart the earth and involve the use of hazardous elements such as mercury and cyanide that can leave behind considerable contaminating waste products.
Purchasing previously owned jewelry or melting down older pieces and having them re-crafted into new designs by a jeweler is the best way to reduce the need for mining more metals. Platinum is a bit different however, and will require the expertise of someone who specializes in refining it. Some jewelers also insist on only selling environmentally-conscious precious metals.
Diamond extraction does not involve toxic materials but it does cause a considerable deal of harm to the landscape just the same. There is one species of diamond, found in Canada which is mined from lake-beds after they are drained to begin excavation that present somewhat less damage to the earth. Diamonds are also a resource that produces some of the wealth needed to fund wars and violence in some nations, although in recent times treaties have been drawn up to change this situation.
Australian and Canadian diamonds are not at the center of any conflict, making them a better choice than those mined in some other nations. Some mining companies have also started restoring the land when excavation is finished. Purchasing man-made diamonds is another alternative that still looks good and causes no environmental damage.
The colored gemstones, for instance, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies, must also be extracted from the earth using destructive processes, and these too can be the object of political conflict. During their processing and refining, they are often treated with radiation, heat, and resin fillers to make them look the most dazzling, but all of these can present health hazards to those working with them.
Because these gemstones are found closer to the rock surface, they don't call for as much destructive extraction as diamonds. Research conducted by some companies in the mining industry has also allowed them to alter their practices in a way that limits the pollution produced during extraction. Gemstones can also be recycled by removing them from one piece and resetting them in another.
If sellers are continually asked to provide buyers with information about the source of the materials used to manufacture the jewelry, they will need to oblige and ensure that it is available. In doing this, both consumers and retailers alike become more aware of the importance of this issue.
The most common metals used to craft jewelry are silver, platinum, and gold. They are naturally found in very small quantities within ore and rocks, which are only accessible by way of very destructive mining processes which rip apart the earth and involve the use of hazardous elements such as mercury and cyanide that can leave behind considerable contaminating waste products.
Purchasing previously owned jewelry or melting down older pieces and having them re-crafted into new designs by a jeweler is the best way to reduce the need for mining more metals. Platinum is a bit different however, and will require the expertise of someone who specializes in refining it. Some jewelers also insist on only selling environmentally-conscious precious metals.
Diamond extraction does not involve toxic materials but it does cause a considerable deal of harm to the landscape just the same. There is one species of diamond, found in Canada which is mined from lake-beds after they are drained to begin excavation that present somewhat less damage to the earth. Diamonds are also a resource that produces some of the wealth needed to fund wars and violence in some nations, although in recent times treaties have been drawn up to change this situation.
Australian and Canadian diamonds are not at the center of any conflict, making them a better choice than those mined in some other nations. Some mining companies have also started restoring the land when excavation is finished. Purchasing man-made diamonds is another alternative that still looks good and causes no environmental damage.
The colored gemstones, for instance, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies, must also be extracted from the earth using destructive processes, and these too can be the object of political conflict. During their processing and refining, they are often treated with radiation, heat, and resin fillers to make them look the most dazzling, but all of these can present health hazards to those working with them.
Because these gemstones are found closer to the rock surface, they don't call for as much destructive extraction as diamonds. Research conducted by some companies in the mining industry has also allowed them to alter their practices in a way that limits the pollution produced during extraction. Gemstones can also be recycled by removing them from one piece and resetting them in another.
If sellers are continually asked to provide buyers with information about the source of the materials used to manufacture the jewelry, they will need to oblige and ensure that it is available. In doing this, both consumers and retailers alike become more aware of the importance of this issue.
About the Author:
Read more about Guide To Buying Sustainable Jewelry NYC Shoppers Will Find Helpful.
0 commentaires:
Enregistrer un commentaire