Jewelry is the perfect accessory for enhancing your beauty and your personality. But nowadays, when environmental awareness and ethics play a key role in our purchase decisions, it is important to know where the materials used to manufacture your jewelry come from, how they are extracted and sold. Don’t underestimate the impact that the jewelry you buy can have on the environment and how it affects the workers involved. We’re going to look at what so-called sustainable jewelry consists of and what you should bear in mind when it comes to buying jewelry to look after the planet and our society. In addition, we’ll explain how we implement our code of ethics at TOUS.
What is sustainable jewelry and why is it so important?
Sustainable jewelry is designed, produced and distributed responsibly, respecting the environment and human rights. It goes beyond superficial beauty, it is more about a commitment to responsible practices, from the extraction of the material to the manufacturing, distribution and after-sales.
Let’s take a look at some basic principles that sustainable jewelry is based on:
Organic materials
Sustainable jewelry uses organic, recycled or recyclable materials to reduce the need for additional extraction of natural resources and therefore minimize the environmental impact and consumption of resources. As an example, we can use the term ethical jewelry if a piece has been made using synthetic stones, with natural stones, but of an ethical origin, or with different certified materials. TOUS takes care in sourcing its raw materials. The Kimberley process is one example, representing a certification scheme designed to prevent diamonds from conflict-free areas from entering the market.
Jewelry company transparency
It is vital that jewelry companies are transparent. Potential customers who are committed to sustainability want to know about the supply chain and, in that way, make an informed purchase decision. If the origin of the materials and the manufacturing practices are hidden from us, we should question this. At TOUS you can find all of the details related to sustainability on our website.
Circular economy
Encouraging the circular economy is vital for sustainability. Companies must promote the reuse, repair and recycling of jewelry, extending its use life and preventing waste. TOUS is capable of giving jewelry a second lease of life, making the company an expert in reviving, reusing and recycling jewelry. At TOUS, the after-sales service is key, with a team of artisan restorers capable of maintaining the jewelry so it continues to be part of its customers’ lives.
Ethical production
This basic principle involves fair and safe working conditions for workers. Brands must also guarantee that they are respecting human rights throughout the production chain. TOUS has an ethical code of conduct in place, signed by employees and suppliers to guarantee good practice, traceability of raw materials and transparency in their actions. The company’s code of ethics sets out that no type of discrimination will be tolerated against any person on the grounds of their ideology, religion or beliefs, their belonging to an ethnicity, race or nation, their gender, sexual orientation, family situation, illness or disability, and is applied at all levels of the group.
Durable designs
Making durable jewelry is another way of helping to look after the environment. Thanks to durable and sustainable jewelry we are able to prevent planned obsolescence and reduce waste. And if you’re in any doubt, all jewelry from TOUS is made using high quality materials to commit to durability. You will enjoy your ethical jewelry for years to come if you opt for our brand. This principle, in addition to supporting the environment, will benefit your pocket.
Why choose sustainable jewelry?
If we still haven’t been able to convince you of the basic principles, we are going to try to win you over with some other benefits that both you and the planet will love. Firstly, ethical and sustainable jewelry will make you feel good about yourself, you will know that you’re helping to promote human rights, boosting social and economic development. You will reduce your ecological footprint and your consumption of natural resources so future generations can also enjoy them. You will be wearing exclusive jewelry with lots of personality. You will sparkle with ethics and environmental awareness, standing out from the crowd. We look forward to seeing you at TOUS!