Slow Jewelry Concept
What Is the Significance of the Slow Jewelry Concept in Contemporary Times?
The concept of slow jewelry is rooted in the promotion of the wellbeing of individuals and the environment. It is a constituent of the slow market, which originated as a counterpoint to fast food with the advent of Slow Food. The the term of “slow fashion” was first coined by Kate Fletcher, an author, design activist, and professor. According to Fletcher, slow fashion is characterized by a focus on quality rather than time-based considerations. The market has since expanded its scope to encompass design in all its manifestations, with a focus on the promotion of the welfare of both humans and the environment. The utilization of standard fast fashion entails the promotion of mass-produced work, which is typically manufactured overseas using substandard materials. The ephemeral nature of such jewelry is reflected in its short-lived utility, as it is often discarded after a single season of wear.
The concept holds considerable significance within the domain of jewelry design, production and consumption in our contemporary times. This notion pertains to the creation of jewelry pieces that are crafted with a focus on quality, sustainability, and ethical practices. The slow jewelry concept emphasizes the importance of taking time to create pieces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also have a positive impact on the environment and society. It prioritizes quality over quantity, promoting the production of durable and high-quality jewelry rather than short-lived, low-quality pieces. This approach stands in contrast to the fast fashion industry, which prioritizes mass production and rapid turnover of products. The slow jewelry concept aligns with the principles of the slow strategy, which advocates for a more mindful and deliberate approach to consumption. As such, the strategy has gained traction among consumers who value craftsmanship, sustainability, and ethical production practices. The promotion of high-quality jewelry over low-quality, disposable options is being encouraged to instill value in customers’ purchases and promote longevity of use.
What challenges exist in the fast jewelry industry?
I briefly alluded to some of the challenges:
Complicated supply chain
The extraction of raw materials frequently occurs in one nation, followed by their processing in a different nation, and ultimately culminating in the production of jewelry in yet another nation. The journey from the extraction of raw materials to their eventual sale in the market is fraught with numerous social and environmental challenges. The lack of transparency in the sourcing of raw materials, such as diamonds or gold, poses a significant obstacle for both brands and consumers in identifying the country of origin.
Environmental and social challenges
The extraction of a single carat of diamond necessitates the displacement of approximately 250 metric tons of earth by miners who earn as little as $3 per day in certain regions. Gold mining corporations discharge 180 metric tons of hazardous water into water streams annually. During gold mining, large pits have to be dug in the ground and hazardous chemicals like cyanide are used for extracting little amounts of metals which are associated with emissions, water pollution and waste promotion. For instance, 16,000 kg CO2e is emitted to the atmosphere from gold mining to achieve 1 kg gold. Furthermore, in Ecuador, the production of a single ring, which contains approximately 10 grams of gold, results in the generation of an average of 20 to 60 tons of rock waste and the contamination of 7000 liters of water with cyanide. Silver, pearls, and other gemstones pose their own set of challenges. The extraction of valuable metals, namely gold, silver, and platinum, is not without its challenges such as land degradation, deforestation and waste. In addition to the environmental ramifications, there exist notable social consequences. The use of child labor in operations is a common occurrence, with these young workers often being exposed to hazardous chemicals and working in dangerous conditions. Furthermore, miners themselves are at risk of exposure to toxic chemicals and dust, resulting in a higher mortality rate compared to the general population.
Overconsumption and production
Fast jewelry is frequently utilized for a limited number of occasions before being discarded and ultimately deposited in a landfill. The global jewelry market is anticipated to experience growth in the forthcoming years, with a projected value of 292 billion U.S. dollars by 2025. Furthermore, the online jewelry market is exhibiting a steady increase and is predicted to attain a value of approximately 60 billion dollars worldwide by 2027. In addition, the watches and jewelry segment of the accessories market is expected to experience a steady growth in global revenue from 2023 to 2026, with a total increase of 44.8 billion U.S. dollars, representing an 11.97 percent rise. It is anticipated that the revenue will reach 418.9 billion U.S. dollars by 2026. These growth in consumption and production pose a formidable obstacle to the attainment of sustainability.
A shift in mindset is necessary for producers to cease overproduction, and for consumers to cease overconsumption.
What are the potential contributions of slow jewelry to sustainability?
Environmental sustainability
- It is imperative to refrain from utilizing detrimental methodologies in mining process that lead to adverse environmental consequences, including but not limited to soil and water contamination, land deterioration, and deforestation.
- The utilization of fairmined metals and gemstones, extracted through responsible mining, serves to mitigate the environmental impacts and contributing to the preservation of natural resources.
- The production of jewelry in smaller batches has been found to be an effective strategy in reducing waste and promoting the uniqueness of each piece.
Social sustainability
- The guarantee of the prevention of child labor in the mining process.
- Ensuring equitable remuneration and safe working environments is imperative to guaranteeing equitable treatment of the miners and jewelry-making workforce.
- Transparency in business practices enables consumers to make informed decisions regarding their purchases of jewelry.
Economic sustainability
- The act of generating employment opportunities and income within local communities serves to stimulate and enhance the economic growth of said communities.
In the pursuit of promoting sustainable jewelry, there exist several measures that can be undertaken:
- Purchasing from small, independent jewelers is a prudent choice as they are more inclined to employ sustainable materials and practices in their operations.
- In the process of purchasing jewelry, it is advisable to inquire about the materials and techniques employed by the jeweler.
- It is advisable to endorse brands that have obtained certification for their sustainable practices in the jewelry industry. It is recommended to seek out jewelry that has been certified by a reliable authority to avoid falling prey to greenwashing tactics.
Finally, my response to certain critiques that have been raised regarding the concept of slow jewelry.
The cost factor is a pertinent consideration. In comparison to fast fashion jewelry, slow jewelry is frequently more costly due to the utilization of superior quality materials and the production of smaller quantities. This may pose a hindrance for individuals seeking to procure sustainable jewelry.
My response: Although the cost may currently be higher due to its novelty among businesses, the underlying question is whether one is willing to invest in products with a short lifespan that lack transparency in their supply chain, or opt for a few high-quality pieces of jewelry that adhere to sustainable practices.
The task of locating slow jewelry can prove to be challenging due to the relatively lower number of artisans engaged in this craft as compared to those involved in fast fashion jewelry production.
My response: The procurement of slow jewelry may pose a challenge, however, the endeavor is deemed worthwhile. In the foreseeable future, an increasing number of enterprises will embrace the concept of slow jewelry and implement it in their operations. There are reputable and exceptional brands available in the market such as Noën Jewellery, Maren Jewellery and Monica Vinader. Noën Jewellery pieces are made from responsibly sourced gold and silver from Fairmined certified mines which are100% traceable. Their gemstones and diamonds are all sourced from reliable and ethical mining sites. They also upcycle so-called vintage diamonds. Maren Jewellery exclusively employs recycled precious metals and lab-grown diamonds as opposed to mined diamonds, while also prioritizing eco-friendly and fully recyclable packaging. The company’s production process is based on a “made to order” system, which effectively mitigates overproduction and conserves valuable resources. As a result, each piece of jewelry is distinct and one-of-a-kind. Monica Vinader’s industry-first program, Product Passport, enables customers to track the entire journey of their jewelry, from its inception to its final production stage. The brand boasts a collection of more than 50 fully traceable pieces.
