Recycled Jewelery: greenKarat Makes Change Edit

Jewelry makers greenKarat do their part to end the environmental, ethical and ecosystem destruction of mining for gems and gold, without compromising their art. They are an environmentally and socially responsible company that uses 100% recycled precious metals, gems and stones.

A few years ago, I was mesmerized by the aquatic blue of a Larimar stone set in a simple silver ring. This is a rare stone that can only be mined in the mountainous province of Barahona in the Dominican Republic. Without flinching, I bought the ring (I was mesmerized I tell you). I skipped along to find my love to show him my new purchase. His response was underwhelming to say the least, but more importantly, it grounded me fast, wiping the aquatic blue from my brown eyes and bringing me back into reality: “Ah, from which piece of earth did they plunder to get that stone?” I haven’t worn the ring since the day I bought it.

Apparently, I am one in millions who have jewelry sit idle, yet 2500 tons of gold alone is mined per year. In fact, if all mining came to a halt right this minute, according to greenKarat, there would be enough “already mined gold to satisfy consumer demands for up to 50 years.”

Instead of taking the approach of radical activism, greenKarat quietly creates their pieces using recycled jewelry. Their offices are wind powered, and consumers can voluntarily pay small carbon tax on ordered pieces. You can donate pieces for 80% store credit or donate your beaten up or broken jewelry directly to charity. All images in the gallery are pieces made by greenKarat and can be found on their website.