5 Tips For Greener Jewellery on Earth Day 2024

Earth Day is all about giving back to the planet and coming together to figure out how, in our everyday lives, we can minimise any further damage. Whilst jewellery might seem like only a small step in the right direction, there are many ways that we can consider the planet whilst shopping for favourite pieces. 

Tip 1: Choose Hard-Wearing Metals

When shopping around for new jewellery, always go for high-quality pieces. Here at Hepburn & Hughes, we love sterling silver for many reasons. Not only is it timeless and looks great, but sterling silver lasts for an extremely long time. We also use recycled silver for all our chains. 

When it is well looked after, your sterling silver pieces will look great for years to come. Choosing hard-wearing jewellery not only ensures its longevity but also reduces the need for frequent replacements. This, in turn, minimises the waste generated from discarded or worn-out pieces, meaning fewer items ending up in landfill. 

Tip 2: Support Artisans and Local Craftsmanship

Your support is so important to small and local businesses, which are much more likely to prioritise sustainable practices and traditional craftsmanship. As well as getting beautifully unique pieces, you will also reduce your carbon footprint. So many large companies rely on mass production and long-distance shipping. For instance, here at Hepburn & Hughes, we love seeking out artists that make their pieces locally. Meg Muir’s beautiful watercolour pendants are made from recycled sea glass. Hand-painted, her array of intricate flower designs celebrate the beauty of nature.

Tip 3: Embrace Upcycled Jewellery

Upcycled jewellery breathes new life into old materials and can truly transform old, discarded pieces. To prevent more material ending up in landfill, items such as plates, vintage beads and other reclaimed metals can be used in the process of creating eye-catching jewellery designs. 

Take, for instance, our Clarice Cliff collection. Made completely from broken or discarded plates from this famous English ceramic artist, we have a range of pendants, rings and earrings which include her beautiful work. As well as creating unique and eye-catching pieces that are good for the environment, they also help to continue showcasing her innovative work. To obtain the materials used to create our Clarice Cliff jewellery, we scour auction sites and antique dealers to source damaged crockery, saving them from being thrown away. 

In a similar light, we also have our Minton Pottery collection. Again, created from broken pieces of Minton Willow plates, we have created stunning pieces of sterling silver jewellery. Each pendant tells the story of the forbidden love between a Chinese Mandarin’s daughter and his secretary and their tragic journey to be together. 

Tip 4: Opt for Timeless Designs

As well as choosing high-quality pieces, it’s also important to opt for jewellery that you will wear again and again. Timeless designs that go with any outfit, for any occasion, will provide more wearability. Take it from two jewellery connoisseurs – jewellery that is versatile is a must have! 

Some of our favourite pieces have to be our Art Deco collection. Our range of Art Deco earrings, pendants and rings are inspired by the timeless style of the Art Deco movement, which originated many decades ago in France, just before the First World War. Representing glamour and glitz, the beautiful symmetry of the designs moved away from the traditions of the time. As well as our Clarice Cliff collection, we have also created our black and silver designs. Nothing's quite as versatile as neutral pieces, and with their contemporary shapes, these could be the timeless jewellery that you have been looking for. 

Tip 5: Practise Careful Consumption

Our final tip would be to think carefully before purchasing new jewellery. Instead of buying cheaper pieces, which won’t last as long and will tarnish very quickly, choose pieces which align with your own values and lifestyle. 

Here at Hepburn & Hughes, we understand how much a jewellery piece can mean, so it’s important to choose carefully. Prioritise pieces that have personal significance and build your own curated collection that reflects your individual style, and which can be passed down to new generations of jewellery lovers. This way, we can all enjoy unique jewellery as well as minimising any environmental harm.