Buying Recycled Metal Engagement Rings

By Rosella Campbell


New trends are emerging when it comes to jewelry. One of these is a move towards recycled metal engagement rings. This trend is a result of an increasing awareness of just how environmentally destructive mining can be. The human rights abuses involved are also a matter of concern which is ironic, when considering that a ring is supposed to be a symbol of love and commitment. This is why many couples are moving away from traditional choices and examining other options.

As the demand for such items increases, so jewelers are going this route too. They are choosing to cultivate transparent, sustainable and ethical practices. This means that the range of such items on offer is growing all the time. There is also opportunity offered to customize items. These jewelers source their materials in as ethical and responsible a manner as possible.

There are no laws regarding re-using of metals in the jewelry industry. This leaves a door open for false claims to be made and it is up to the consumer to make sure they do not fall for false marketing. Reputable companies will be willing to offer proof of their claims. Some offer certification by a third party that the materials they use are post-consumer recycled materials.

An awareness of the fact that 20 tons of ore are required to produce just one gold ring, is often convincing enough for individuals to make a switch. There is an increasing desire to opt for recycled materials so as to reduce the demand for newly mined ones. Sources of materials used for these items consists of existing jewelry, industrial-use metals and even electronic components.

There is no real sacrifice involved in making such a decision as metals can be used again without degrading their quality. Reclaimed gold and silver can be refined back to their pure elements so the quality is absolutely identical to newly mined materials. Precious metals are renewable resources that never lose their value. When selecting metals, palladium, platinum and yellow gold are all good choices as they are very durable. This is important as that little hoop you wear on your finger usually remains there a long time.

Trends are also changing when it comes to the stones found in such a ring. It was traditionally regarded as important to have white diamonds. However, this perception is changing, particularly as people are increasingly aware of human rights violations and environmental damage involved in obtaining these diamonds. There are now a variety of other choices, from conflict-free diamonds to vintage pieces and non-traditional stones.

A substance which has become a good alternative to a diamond is Moissanite. This substance is created in laboratories and it is almost as hard as diamond, comes in various colors and sparkles beautifully. Other stones can also be created in laboratories or sourced ethically like sapphires, rubies and amethysts.

There are couples who do not see the appeal of eco-friendly rings because they have the mistaken impression that they are cheap and fake. In fact, the main difference is simply in the way they are produced. Many of them are visually similar to traditional ones. In fact, the quality and range of choice on offer may even be superior to some traditional items. One does not have to settle for second best when choosing this option.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment