Organic Jewellry

Two of the most over-used terms for 2008 are the words organic and eco-friendly. Organic products are those produced in an environmentally friendly manner and that which is biodegradable.

Can jewellry be organic?
Yes, it can. In fact, it can also be divided into three categories: organic forms, organic processes and organic products.

Organic Forms
Though slightly deceptive, this kind of labelling is for pieces of jewellry inspired by nature. This in itself cannot mean that the jewellry is ‘organic’. For example, if a jeweller twists wire into the shape of a leaf and turns it into a pair of earrings or pendant – this is then an organic form of jewellry.

Organic Processes
Precious metal or gemstones do not come from organic processes. Nor do they contain organic carbon, only diamonds do. However, jewellry designers have moved onto new and more exciting designs using fabric or materials such as hemp, linen, silk. Therefore, depending on the raw materials produced, it is possible to have jewellry with an organic origin.

‘Living Creature’ Jewellry
While this might seem horrifying, there is quite a number of jewellry made from pearls, coral and even from animal horn. Wearing such jewellry these days is questionable and can raise much debate. However, faux alternatives are the ones to choose your jewellry from.

Mourning Jewellry – Organic Carbon Based Jewellry
This entails wearing jewellry made from the dead. For instance you can have gemstones on your jewellry containing the carbon of a loved one, created from their cremated remains or from a lock of their hair.

Eco-friendly jewellry is all about the raw materials used and re-used. It is not really a new innovation, but has been practised most probably since the first piece of jewellry was made.