Here are some of the sustainable jewellery trends that will rule in the year 2021
When it comes to jewels, our choices have remained restricted to metals, diamonds or pearls as they have ruled the jewellery trends for centuries. But not many people are aware that the mining of precious metals is responsible for a great deal of environmental damage, from soil erosion to lead emissions and the creation of sinkholes. Even the modern trend of ‘fast-fashion’ that has fuelled the demand for cheap jewellery also comes with a carbon footprint. Responding to heightened interest in sustainable and ethical practices, a new wave of jewellery designers are starting to incorporate sustainable materials for creating exotic pieces, which complements the contemporary fashion landscape.
Here are some of the sustainable jewellery trends that will rule in 2021.
Concrete jewellery pieces
Concrete is a wonderful and ubiquitous material with a real presence, adapted in its most refined form to form jewellery pieces. Concrete jewels are something new and revolutionary, which is driven by sustainability. With statement designs and minimal embellishments, the handcrafted concrete jewellery pieces are ideal for people who are not afraid to experiment with their looks. From hoops to shoulder-grazing earrings, stackable rings to layered necklaces, chokers to festive pieces, the industrial-grade material never seems to disappoint with its unique look.
Recycled ones
To minimise waste and reduce carbon footprint, recycled jewellery can definitely be a game-changer. Recycling is not a new concept in the jewellery industry as many jewelers have been recycling metal or other precious stones in one form or another for decades to create new pieces. Choose to recycle or upcycle jewellery that needs a new lease of life instead of buying a new one that could leave a larger carbon footprint.
Eco-friendly substitutes
The jewellery designers are proactively replacing gemstones with sustainable materials in their pieces to create mind-blowing eco-friendly jewellery. Some of these materials include clay, wood, sea glass and cork. Clay can be molded in any form or shape, and it can also create the illusion of a stone. Pressing stencil onto the wet clay, the designers can add various textures and colours can be added to mimic the look of gemstones or even metals. Wood is another material that can be incorporated into jewellery to add an ethnic touch to it. The lightweight material can be strained, polished, painted and carved to make intricate designs. Although sea glass exists from a non-eco-friendly activity, the byproduct can be used to create beautiful pieces.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is one of the most durable and hard-wearing materials, starting to get a new reputation as an eco-friendly alternative in jewellery. Stainless steel is 100 per cent recyclable and non-degradable. Artisans can create classy, elegant, quirky or junk jewellery using it. Unlike metals that have limitations due to their intrinsic characteristics, stainless steel can be easily molded in dramatic geometric shapes for vintage and modern styles. The hard material resists scratches and corrosion, allowing the jewellery piece such as rings, bracelets or anklets to resist wear and tear from everyday activities, which makes it a wonder of choice for jewellery.
(The writer is Gurpreet Kaur Tuteja.)