mercredi 17 juin 2015

Information About Purchasing Sustainable Jewelry NYC Buyers Should Know

By Freida Michael


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 valuable metals that are commonly used for crafting jewelry are platinum, gold, and silver. Naturally occurring in relatively small amounts in ore and rocks, these metals can only be extracted by some mining practices which cause extensive damage to the earth and also require the implementation of toxic elements like cyanide and mercury which are known to leave behind hazardous waste products.

Purchasing previously owned jewelry or melting down older pieces and having them re-crafted into new designs by a jeweler is the best way to reduce the need for mining more metals. Platinum is a bit different however, and will require the expertise of someone who specializes in refining it. Some jewelers also insist on only selling environmentally-conscious precious metals.

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.

The good thing about opting to buy diamonds that are mined from either Canada or Australia is that they are not tied into any conflict, and some mining organizations even restore the land when the site is no longer going to be used. Man-made diamonds are another option and they look almost exactly the same as the real thing but do not tax the environment.

The colored gemstones, for instance, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies, must also be extracted from the earth using destructive processes, and these too can be the object of political conflict. During their processing and refining, they are often treated with radiation, heat, and resin fillers to make them look the most dazzling, but all of these can present health hazards to those working with them.

Because these gemstones are found closer to the rock surface, they don't call for as much destructive extraction as diamonds. Research conducted by some companies in the mining industry has also allowed them to alter their practices in a way that limits the pollution produced during extraction. Gemstones can also be recycled by removing them from one piece and resetting them in another.

If sellers are continually asked to provide buyers with information about the source of the materials used to manufacture the jewelry, they will need to oblige and ensure that it is available. In doing this, both consumers and retailers alike become more aware of the importance of this issue.




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