Eco Fashion Week -- Ethical Jewelry
With hundreds of new designs hitting runways in New York City this
week, you can give your style a fashionably green flair with these
tips--no catwalk required.
Tip #3: Give unwanted jewelry a makeover
Determined to declutter? Mad about mining? Then the nonprofit Ethical Metalsmiths has a project for you: A Radical Jewelry Makeover, in which artists recycle donated jewelry into new designs--eliminating the pollution-heavy step of mining for new metals. The group has asked San Francisco Bay Area residents to "mine" their homes for unwanted gold, silver, and other jewelry and drop off or mail the pieces to collection sites before September 11. Students learning the art of designing jewelry with alternative materials will then handcraft new pieces for a fall gallery exhibit, where donors can use discount coupons to buy the madeover metals. Those who buy the jewelry will help support Ethical Metalsmiths' mining reform efforts.
If you're not in San Francisco, take heart: Ethical Metalsmiths has organized similar projects in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Richmond, Virginia (you can check out the designs here), and your town could be next. In the meantime, consider connecting with local art schools, cooperatives, or metalsmiths that can update your outmoded jewelry or organizing your own swap fest with friends. Bead strands can be cut apart and given to kids or crafty types for reincarnation.
Share your tips and stories: What do you do with unwanted jewelry? Where have you found your favorite pieces?
::via ecofabulous
This is the best thing I have heard in along time there use to be a kids programme in the uk that you had to send in your old keys to melt down and reuse. My Mother has recently become a silver smith. I asked her if she would make me a ring, she siad only if I can melt down your christening mug.
I have since become an upcycle jewelry maker and have my jewelry on my website. www.missohaha.com
Posted by: Miss O Haha | September 20, 2008 at 12:00 PM
What a great idea to recycle old jewlery. I am going to try this myself at home? Anyone else?
Posted by: Shenoa Burns @ Diamond Engagement Ring | September 29, 2008 at 10:53 AM
wow cool nice way to recycle old jewelries! interesting.. I got a few oldies here.. might try :P thanks for the share! :)
Posted by: diamond engagement ring | October 06, 2008 at 06:18 AM
good,I look forward to reading your column every day
Posted by: jewelry | October 19, 2008 at 07:08 AM
Very helpful and interesting article!
Posted by: Sefa | November 04, 2008 at 02:24 AM
That's an amazing idea, recycling old and unwanted jewelries into something new, more fashionable and up to date. It's something that we should all support plus it also helps the environment.
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Posted by: ** 95% Off Jewelry Sale ** | November 24, 2008 at 09:12 AM
Recycling old items and make it a brand new jewelry was very cool and interesting. This would really test your sense of creativity and uniqueness.
Posted by: Replica Watch Scams | January 31, 2009 at 02:52 AM
Go check out www.buzzbuzzdesigns.com - she does amazing stuff! It's all recycled vintage, and best of all - affordable!
Stacy
Posted by: Stacy | February 12, 2009 at 10:44 AM
Wholesale jewelry at http://www.towholesalejewelry.com
Posted by: wholesale jewelry | February 16, 2009 at 07:02 PM
I love jewelry! especially earrings!!
I like wear different earrings everyday, kind of addictions:)
But I awlays buy them here
http://www.emitations.com/earrings.html
Posted by: Tina | March 17, 2009 at 08:38 PM
good article i will bookmark this page for future reference but if your looking to buy body jewelry check out http://www.stretchyourears.com thats where i buy all my jewelry
Posted by: john mcneils | March 19, 2009 at 02:55 PM
This post makes allot of since.
Posted by: Chris | March 22, 2009 at 01:36 AM
Let's face it, the average Joe can't afford $10,000-$30,000 for an authentic Rolex watch. This is a luxury that only a few elite people can afford. But this doesn't mean that we are not all entitled to a bit of luxury in our lives. I say go with a replica, it cost 1/100 of the price and only a professional jeweler can tell the difference. www.replicawatchfinder.com
Posted by: gents watches | April 01, 2009 at 09:40 AM
I love jewelry! especially costume jewelry!!
usually we wholesale jewelry from china on the site
http://www.china-jewelry-wholesale.com
Posted by: Joh | April 28, 2009 at 02:13 AM
Ethical jwelery is very interesting things.
Posted by: jewelry | June 09, 2009 at 01:55 PM
Good website,nice post.
Posted by: wholesale jewelry | June 15, 2009 at 10:33 PM
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Posted by: inwowgold | June 21, 2009 at 05:05 PM
Reuse and recycling is the way of the future. Our family, a typical middle class family goes to the Op Shop and we get a lot of bargains as well as helping the planet. I feel good and my wallet does as well.
Posted by: Brick Paver | July 08, 2009 at 08:06 PM