Wearing with intention: a slow fashion approach to jewellery
Bel e Viv Honeycomb Stud Earrings
Everything moves fast these days, especially in fashion. Trends change weekly, and we’re often encouraged to keep buying and moving on. But that cycle comes at a cost. It’s not just about what we wear, but how it’s made, who makes it, and what happens when we no longer want it.
That’s where slow fashion comes in. And yes, it includes the jewellery we wear every day.
A slower, more considered approach
Slow fashion is about buying fewer, better things. It’s about caring more about how pieces are made, what they mean to us, and how they fit into our lives long-term.
Instead of chasing trends, it encourages us to ask: Will I still wear this next year? Does it hold value? Was it made with care? It’s about being mindful in choosing pieces that reflect our values, rather than buying on impulse.
What fast jewellery is costing us
Fast fashion isn’t just about clothing anymore; jewellery has become part of that cycle too. Pieces are made quickly and cheaply, often without much attention to quality or longevity. This encourages impulse buying rather than thoughtful choices.
Many fast jewellery items are made from inexpensive metals like nickel or brass, which can tarnish quickly, lose their shine, and even cause skin irritation. Beyond that, most of this jewellery isn’t recyclable or biodegradable, adding to environmental waste.
The manufacturing process behind these pieces is often unclear. Factories producing low-cost jewellery may lack transparency about labour conditions and environmental standards. Some budget jewellery has even been found to contain harmful heavy metals like lead and cadmium, posing risks to both workers and consumers.
The true cost of cheap jewellery to the environment, to people’s health, and to the workers making it is often hidden beneath its sparkle. This ongoing cycle prioritises profit over care, quality, and meaningful craftsmanship.
Pieces that stay with you
Jewellery is deeply personal. A necklace gifted on a special occasion, a ring that becomes part of your daily ritual, or a pair of earrings that reminds you of someone you love. These pieces hold emotion, not just style.
That’s why quality matters. When jewellery is crafted using gold vermeil, high-quality gold plating over sterling silver, or natural gemstones, it’s designed to last; not just in how it wears, but in how it feels over time.
Choosing well, wearing often
Mass-produced jewellery may cost less, but it’s often made from poor-quality materials, produced unethically, and not built to last. Pieces can quickly lose their colour, irritate the skin, or end up in the bin.
High-quality, demi-fine jewellery is the opposite. They hold up over time, both in beauty and meaning.
It’s about more than just style
Slow fashion, especially in jewellery, encourages us to connect more deeply with what we wear. It’s about choosing with care, not just for the look, but for the story, the feeling, and the impact.
Being mindful with what we buy means thinking beyond the price tag. It’s asking: Who made this? What is it made from? How long will it last? What does it mean to me?
Small acts that make a difference
- Look for craftsmanship. Seek out quality materials like sterling silver, gold vermeil, natural stones and recyclable materials
- Wear thoughtfully. Select pieces that feel personal and timeless in your collection
- Care for your pieces. Store them well, clean them gently, and repair or recycle them if needed
- Shop mindfully. Let your jewellery be a thoughtful reflection of you, chosen with care and intention
Slow fashion isn’t about perfection. It’s about small, conscious steps. Jewellery can be a part of that; something you wear with love, again and again, knowing it was made to last and made with care.
Choose jewellery made with care, quality, and heart. Browse our collection now.
