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.
Less demand for metals and the destructive practices associated with it can be achieved by making the decision to either purchase previously owned items or to have older pieces of jewelry melted down and reshaped into new ones by a jeweler. Platinum is a bit more challenging to refine and needs the services of someone who specializes in working with it. A small but growing number of jewelers also deal exclusively with ecologically-friendly mining companies.
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 gems such as sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are also extracted in a non-environmentally friendly way and many are also tied into various forms of political conflict. During their processing, heat, resin fillers, and radiation are all used to maximize their appearance, but at the same time pose potential health risks to workers exposed to them.
The amount of ecological damage necessary to extract colored gems is comparably less than diamond mining because they are typically found closer to the surface of the rock they are contained within. Some mining companies have also conducted research into how to reduce pollution related to their extraction which they have put into practice. As with other types of jewelry, these stones can also be reset into new pieces.
Buyers can do their part to promote awareness of the importance of sustainable jewelry by always asking retailers about the origin of the metals and gems. They will provide this information if they realize that it matters to their customers, and they will in turn become more aware of it themselves in the process.
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.
Less demand for metals and the destructive practices associated with it can be achieved by making the decision to either purchase previously owned items or to have older pieces of jewelry melted down and reshaped into new ones by a jeweler. Platinum is a bit more challenging to refine and needs the services of someone who specializes in working with it. A small but growing number of jewelers also deal exclusively with ecologically-friendly mining companies.
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 gems such as sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are also extracted in a non-environmentally friendly way and many are also tied into various forms of political conflict. During their processing, heat, resin fillers, and radiation are all used to maximize their appearance, but at the same time pose potential health risks to workers exposed to them.
The amount of ecological damage necessary to extract colored gems is comparably less than diamond mining because they are typically found closer to the surface of the rock they are contained within. Some mining companies have also conducted research into how to reduce pollution related to their extraction which they have put into practice. As with other types of jewelry, these stones can also be reset into new pieces.
Buyers can do their part to promote awareness of the importance of sustainable jewelry by always asking retailers about the origin of the metals and gems. They will provide this information if they realize that it matters to their customers, and they will in turn become more aware of it themselves in the process.
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Find a summary of the reasons why you should buy sustainable jewelry NYC stores sell and view our selection of rings at http://www.linhardtdesign.com right now.
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