Blood Diamonds? Dirty Gold? No thanks.
While jewellery is very much a part of all of our lives, whether it be the band we wear on our finger to signify our love for our partner, or a simple necklace given to us by a best friend, the origin of it's contents is of serious ecological and ethical consideration. The diamond and gold mining industries are particularly scandalous in many countries.
Conflict diamonds are a crucial factor in prolonging brutal wars in parts of Africa, and underscored that legitimate diamonds contribute to prosperity and development elsewhere on the continent. In Angola and Sierra Leone, conflict diamonds continue to fund the rebel groups, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) and the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), both of which are acting in contravention of the international community's objectives of restoring peace in the two countries.
- www.un.org
One company leading the way in a passionate respect for natural resources and human rights, is New York based, Real Jewels.
Made entirely in New York city with sustainable practices, the company ensures wages and working conditions are controlled by not outsourcing to large offshore factories. All pieces are manufactured from recycled sterling silver and gold, and all gems are certified fair trade stones & conflict free diamonds.
The company also supports the 'Save our Gulf' initiative, with their iconic pelican pendant, in which 100% of all profit goes directly to the Waterkeeper Alliance. It's great to see a company with such vigour for change in such a historically corrupt industry. Check out their website at www.real-jewels.com.
Wow Katie, these look beautiful! x
ReplyDeleteIt would be great if more of these kind of companies would spring up and if we could all buy from them.
ReplyDeleteDiamonds are not a girl's best friend if they are covered in blood!
I definitely agree with SwapQueen, if we had more companies like this, we would support them. I recently bought a Peace Cord from ARZU STUDIO HOPE and LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteLive life in peace! Wear fashion that matters and makes a difference.
Peace Cord is a handmade bracelet woven by Afghan women, sold exclusively through ARZU STUDIO HOPE (www.arzustudiohope.org).
Why should you buy a Peace Cord?
1. 100% of net proceeds help fund programs that empower Afghan women and support projects carried out by our troops that directly benefit the Afghan people
2. Available in an assortment of colors and military styles
3. Trendy accessory that supports fashion with a purpose
If you would like to learn more about Peace Cord, please visit www.peacecord.org or call ARZU STUDIO HOPE at 312.321.8663
Mining is really dangerous to people and also to our earth. Lots of land are being destroyed just to get these precious stones. Just imagine how our land are getting destroyed little by little.
ReplyDeleteYou have made a great blog! its informative and learning too thanks...
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I really appreciate the variety of styles and body shapes represented by these sites
Lovely pictures and such a heartfelt post.
If shopping blogs promote small businesses, they also scrutinize the green claims of organized retail. How green is your "eco friendly, 100% detergent free" floor cleaning formula, in reality? Many shopping blogs take pains to find out about the latest research on so-called green cosmetics and household cleaning agents.
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