november 13, 2019 - Milano Jewelry Week

WHEN GOLD GOES GREEN - Ethical Gold and Sustainable Metals in Jewelry

It is important that jewellers are aware of the origins of the materials used to create jewelry. Our planet is under threat from man-made activities and over- exploitation of natural resources which will take generations to resolve. Currently, there is an increasingly vocal demand for ‘green gold’ that comes from traceable, recycled precious metals, as well as a demand for ethical gold. There are only two non-profit organisations working to help produce ethical gold; Fairmined, and Fairtrade Gold.

Precious metals can be recycled, and this is something #saskiashutt has done since the beginning of her career. Increasingly, much of her business focuses on remodelling customers’ existing jewellery: it’s a practice she has proposed to customers for at least 15 years. Unworn gold jewelry can be taken apart, precious gemstones demounted, creating a completely new jewelry piece. The unfashionable can be transformed and made wearable. In so doing, the sentimental value of a piece can be preserved or even enhanced. At the same time, this circular design reduces the impact upon the environment in many ways.