Congrats Morgan! You are the winner of this week’s giveaway.
Thank you to everyone who participated. So many great tips and suggestions.
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I have been on the hunt for some seriously cute and eco earrings for some time now. Since the jewelry industry can be both insanely unethical and environmentally hazardous (from destructive mining practices, toxic chemicals used for leaching the resource, to being very water intensive) I usually purchase used or certified vintage on Ebay and Etsy as well as look for jewelers that incorporated environmental and ethical responsibility into their mission.
Recently, I came across Melissa Joy Manning and was excited to read about their certified Green U.S. based refinery, zero waste manufacturer, and transparent relationships with gemstone and diamond vendors who hold top eco standards. I was also pleased to find that their pieces are made from 100% recycled gold and silver.
I reached out to Melissa to confirm these practices and wanted to share her inspiring response with you all
What drove you to practice environmental stewardship?
MJM: As an artist inspired by the environment I believe it would be disingenuous of me not to protect it. I grew up in Northern California surrounded by both nature and activism. They are both in my blood. For me, sustainability is a journey. I honestly started on my path when ensuring domestic labor practices in my business. It was when creating a community of artists that I realized my work could have an effect larger than creating beauty. So, as I grew I began researching how to incorporate environmental sustainability into my business. It is a continual path that challenges me as both a designer and entrepreneur. However, I believe the best design solves problems- having to push myself to create proactive change through my work just makes me produce better work.
Are there any other actions you suggest jewelry consumers do in order to shift the mainstream market?
MJM: Demand better product. Consumers control the market- when they demand transparency in the supply chain by asking where and how things are made designers and corporations will have to provide it. If we pay more for a label why can’t we pay more for a belief?
Thank you Melissa! So grateful for your work and mission.
This week you have the opportunity to win this Gold Hugging Hoop from Melissa Joy Manning. This piece is made from 14k recycled gold in their studio located in Berkeley, CA.
To enter the giveaway, please share a comment below telling me how you make an effort to consume jewelry consciously?
I will announce the winner on Friday December 5th
With Love,
Alicia
• LIMIT ONE COMMENT PER ENTRY. MULTIPLE COMMENT ENTRIES WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. (NO INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING, SORRY).
• THIS GIVEAWAY ENDS AT MIDNIGHT PST, THURSDAY 12/4
• AFTER WINNERS ARE ANNOUNCED, ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR CLAIMING YOUR PRIZE WILL BE EMAILED.
• NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS GIVEAWAY.
• VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
