What Is Sustainable Jewelry? A Scientist’s Guide to Buying Better
The term “sustainable jewelry” is used widely, but rarely defined clearly, and often used incorrectly. Sustainability refers to environmental impact, sourcing practices, and how long a piece is designed to last, but it is important to note that not all jewelry labeled “sustainable” meets those standards.
Understanding what actually makes jewelry sustainable can help you make more informed purchasing decisions.
What Is Sustainable Jewelry?
Sustainable jewelry is designed and produced with consideration for environmental impact, material sourcing, and product lifespan.
This can include:
- Recycled or upcycled materials
- Responsibly sourced natural components
- Small-scale or made-to-order production
- Durable construction intended for long-term wear
Sustainability is not determined by a single material or label, but by the full lifecycle of a piece.
Why Most Jewelry Isn’t Sustainable
Much of the jewelry industry relies on resource-intensive processes and high-volume production.
Mining for metals and gemstones can result in habitat destruction, water pollution, and high carbon emissions. For example, gold mining alone is associated with significant deforestation and toxic byproducts such as mercury and cyanide contamination (Ogola et al. 2002; United Nations Environment Programme).
At the same time, fast fashion jewelry is often produced cheaply, worn infrequently, and discarded quickly, contributing to growing global waste streams (Ellen MacArthur Foundation).
This combination of extraction and waste contributes significantly to environmental impact.
What to Look for in true Sustainable Jewelry
There are several indicators that a piece has been made with sustainability in mind:
Recycled or upcycled materials
Using existing materials reduces the need for new resource extraction and lowers associated environmental impacts. Many of our pieces incorporate vintage components, such as those used in our Urchin Spine collection.
Transparent sourcing
Clear information about where materials come from helps establish accountability (e.g. where pearls are grown, how a material is harvested). We source our abalone from a small farm in New Zealand that utilizes ethical and traditional practices. You can read about it on our transparency page and shop our abalone collection.
Small-batch production
Lower production volumes (think small businesses!) often mean less waste and more intentional design.
Longevity
Pieces that are designed to last—both physically and stylistically—reduce the need for replacement and do not contribute to fast fashion. Simple, durable designs like our pearl studs are intended for long-term, everyday wear.
Where Shell and Pearl Jewelry Fit In
Ocean jewelry (pearls, shells, abalone) are often assumed to be sustainable because they are natural materials. However, sustainability depends on how these materials are sourced.
Some shell products are mass-harvested or chemically treated, while others are byproducts or secondhand materials that would otherwise go unused. Unsustainable harvesting of marine materials can contribute to habitat degradation and biodiversity loss, particularly in sensitive coastal ecosystems (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
Responsible sourcing is key to minimizing environmental impact and maintaining connection to marine ecosystems.
How Scallop Design Co. Approaches Sustainability
Scallop Design Co. uses a combination of secondhand, upcycled, and intentionally sourced materials.
Many of our components are sourced from existing supply, such as vintage glass or previously owned shells, reducing demand for new extraction. When new materials are used, they are thoughtfully selected with attention to production, quality, longevity.
Each piece is constructed in small batches with a focus on durability and connection to the ocean, rather than trend-based turnover.
You can explore current pieces here!
How to Shop More Sustainably
For consumers looking to make more sustainable choices, a few guidelines can be helpful:
- Choose fewer, higher-quality pieces
- Look for information about material sourcing
- Prioritize brands that emphasize longevity over trends
- Consider secondhand or upcycled jewelry
And the number one way to shop sustainably: SHOP SMALL!
The point isn’t to be perfect, but to make more informed choices over time.
Thoughtful materials and intentional design can make that process easier ♡
XO Scallop Design Co.
References
Ogola, J. S., Mitullah, W. V., & Omulo, M. A. (2002). Impact of gold mining on the environment and human health: a case study in the Migori gold belt, Kenya. Environmental geochemistry and health, 24(2), 141-157.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
United Nations Environment Programme