As we approach one of the most sparkly seasons of the year, it’s easy to lose sight of the unethical sourcing and practices that are behind some of our most beloved gemstones.
Sustainable fashion doesn’t stop at clothing; it includes shoes, jewellery, make-up, and even interior pieces. It’s important to know where our finery comes from, what it has been through, and who may have been impacted along the way.
Sustainable fashion doesn’t stop at clothing; it includes shoes, jewellery, make-up, and even interior pieces. It’s important to know where our finery comes from, what it has been through, and who may have been impacted along the way.
Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend
We all know that diamonds are a girl’s best friend—but can they be the earth’s best friend too? Precious stones are among nature’s most extraordinary treasures, so how do we enjoy them without harming the planet?
Beyond unfair labour practices and hazardous working conditions, mining for precious stones has significant environmental consequences. Habitat destruction, pollution, and the heavy energy consumption of mining machinery all take a toll. And that’s only the beginning...
After extraction, gemstones travel through complex networks of trading, polishing, and global transportation—producing an estimated 57kg of carbon emissions per carat. Along this chain, it’s all too easy for workers to be underpaid or exploited in order to keep the cost of your ‘affordable diamond’ earrings low.
Beyond unfair labour practices and hazardous working conditions, mining for precious stones has significant environmental consequences. Habitat destruction, pollution, and the heavy energy consumption of mining machinery all take a toll. And that’s only the beginning...
After extraction, gemstones travel through complex networks of trading, polishing, and global transportation—producing an estimated 57kg of carbon emissions per carat. Along this chain, it’s all too easy for workers to be underpaid or exploited in order to keep the cost of your ‘affordable diamond’ earrings low.
The Green Growth of Carats
One option is to choose lab-grown gemstones. These eliminate many of the environmental and ethical concerns associated with mining. However, they can still be energy-intensive and often rely on fossil fuels for production and distribution. To minimise the footprint, look for brands that use renewable energy and maintain transparent, responsible supply chains.
We’re Here To Help
We understand that there is a lot to consider, especially if you’re just here to pick out the perfect gift! This is where The Carbon Closet makes things easier. The jewellery on our website is created from ethically sourced materials by responsible brands who care about the planet as much as they care about their craft.
Here are some of The Carbon Closet’s recommended brands for elegant earrings, beautiful bracelets or maybe even a special ring if your Christmas plan is to pop the question...
1) Monica Vinader
2) Anuka
3) Lucy Simmons
4) Edge of Ember
5) Claire Hill
Start Your Sustainable Fashion Journey Today
We hope you now feel inspired to choose your next treasured piece from a brand that values ethics as much as aesthetics. If these five recommendations don’t match what you’re looking for, explore our full range of ethical jewellery to find the perfect gift this Christmas.
The Carbon Closet is leading the way for the future of eco-fashion. Why not find the rest of your Christmas gifts on our website? Sign up to our newsletter to stay in-the-loop on more sustainable fashion and lifestyle tips, and read more about why the materials you choose matter.
At The Carbon Closet, we believe the future of our planet is more precious than any gemstone.
The Carbon Closet is leading the way for the future of eco-fashion. Why not find the rest of your Christmas gifts on our website? Sign up to our newsletter to stay in-the-loop on more sustainable fashion and lifestyle tips, and read more about why the materials you choose matter.
At The Carbon Closet, we believe the future of our planet is more precious than any gemstone.
