In anticipation of Earth Day on Sunday, April 22, fine jewelers are laying bare their sustainability practices, use of recycled materials, and reaching out to those in need in their communities. From closing their online shop for 24 hours to recycling skateboards for jewelry, here’s a look at what some companies are doing.
Bering to close for 24 hours
Watch and jewelry-maker Bering will close its online shop and social channels on Sunday to celebrate Earth Day. In particular, Bering is concerned with the Arctic landscape, which has inspired Bering as a brand from the beginning. Bering is committed to protecting the beauty of the Arctic and the habitat of the polar bears. “It is a sincere and heartfelt mission of ours to support Polar Bears International nonprofit organization,” the company said in a release. “Their research, educational and action programs address most of the issues putting the polar bears in danger.” The company will sell a “Time to Care” limited-edition watch and for every watch sold will donate $15 to Polar Bears International (BPI). Bering has already donated $220,000 to PBI for its conservation efforts and research. For more information, visit Bering.
Time to Care limited-edition watches, $300 to $500; Bering
Rebel Nell turns graffiti into jewelry
Rebel Nell is a jewelry company based in Detroit that turns chipped graffiti into jewelry. And not only that: The company, led by Amy Peterson, provides employment and financial literacy and other resources to impoverished women in local shelters who are trying to make independent lives for themselves.
Graffiti bracelet in sterling silver, $175; Rebel Nell
Tara Locklear makes jewelry from broken skateboards
Tara Locklear recycles broken skateboards and oxidized sterling silver to create what she calls her versions of “rubies and diamonds.” The graphic quality of the boards combined with her one-of-a-kind designs honors the history of each skateboard and its rider.
The PopRoxx collection’s Gem Arc Triple Dangle earrings made from recycled broken skateboards and oxidized sterling silver, price on request; Tara Locklear
Dell x Nikki Reed recycles motherboards
Tech company Dell teamed up with actress, entrepreneur, and activist Nikki Reed to create a jewelry made from recycled motherboards in celebration of Earth Day. The One Earth collection features 14k and 18k gold rings and earrings made from gold extracted from computer motherboards recovered through Dell’s recycling programs. The line uses sustainably sourced sapphires and turquoise to represent the oceans that cover our planet. The collection will be available to purchase on Earth Day on Bayou with Love.
Bayou with Love x Dell Open Sapphire Two Stone ring, $160; Bayou with Love
Vrai & Oro sources above-ground diamonds
Los Angeles–based Vrai & Oro uses only Diamond Foundry diamonds, diamonds grown above ground through solar technology. The company also uses certified recycled gold for all of their in-house gold items—both jewelry and engagement rings.
Vrai & Oro emerald-cut engagement ring, $1,576; Vrai & Oro
Top: PopRoxx Collection Flat Stack earrings made from recycled broken skateboards, oxidized sterling silver, and stainless steel, price on request; Tara Locklear
Kristin Young is writing the On Your Market blog while Brittany Siminitz is on maternity leave.
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