Hammered Silver Ring

Newly mined silver has a devastating impact on the environment, find out how independent jewellery makers are changing the tide

Mining for silver has many negative consequences on our planet including emitting greenhouse gases, soil contamination and loss of habitat. The practice can also have a significant impact on the local people including being displaced from their homes and being prevented from accessing clean land and water. 

In light of the growing awareness around the issue, ethical jewellery makers in the UK are starting to use recycled silver to create their pieces. This turns outdated unwanted jewellery into contemporary designs, whilst reducing the demand for newly mined silver. 

Eco-friendly online department store, Wearth has created a new ethical jewellery department which partners with these independent designers who make all of their jewellery by hand using recycled silver. Here we take a look at the different types of jewellery being made with this innovative material and the brands at the forefront of this growing trend. 

Rings

Hammered Silver Ring, £15 – Delicate yet robust ring which is hand hammered to create a textured finish. The brand is called Arborea Jewellery and is run by a woman called Christy, alongside using recycled silver all the packaging used is recycled and she even uses renewable energy to power her tools.   Astra rings 

Astra Ring, £45 – Inspired by astronomy, this contemporary ring is made using 925 recycled eco silver. Each ring is made to order in the North West of England by jewellery maker, Ara | the altar. 

Necklaces

Whale Tail Necklace  

Whale Tail Necklace, £35 – Nautical inspired necklace where 10% of the sale goes towards the Marine Conservation Society. Created by a new up and coming jewellery brand called Smoke and Ash, which is run by Sarah Adams who makes all of her pieces in the South of England.   Mantra Necklace 

Mantra Necklace, £48 – Unisex pendant necklace with hand stamped message. Made by jewellery designer, Kate Wainwright, in her home workshop in West Sussex. 

Earrings

Tassel Hoop Earrings

Tassel Hoop Earrings, £22.50 – Colourful blue/green tassels made from cotton thread with sterling silver hoops by Smoke and Ash.  Dandelion Stud Earrings

Dandelion Stud Earrings, £20 – Pretty earrings with stamped floral design, made by Arborea Jewellery. 

Bracelets

Rope charm bracelet

Rope Charm Bracelet, £10 – Choice of 7 charms with organic cotton adjustable bracelet by Smoke and Ash.    Gemstone bracelets 

Gemstone Bracelets, £45 – Silver bracelet by Kate Wainwright with choice of three ethically sourced gemstones, Amethyst, Cubic Zirconia or Black Spinel.

You can explore Wearth’s entire collection of recycled silver jewellery here

Alongside jewellery, Wearth has a range of other departments including natural beauty, homewares, furniture, lifestyle and gifts. They only partner with independent sustainable and ethical UK brands and all of the products sold are vegan and cruelty-free. The store has also created a new way of shopping where you can shop by certain values. For example you can shop by plastic free or products made in the UK. For the plastic-free section even the postage packaging is zero-waste, you can check out this section here.