Eco-chic: One ring to rule them all.

This week, I want to talk a bit about jewelry and it's connection to environmental responsibility. Thanks to recent news exposure, many of us are aware about diamonds and their connection to war-zone conflicts and financing of insurgencies. These so-called conflict, or blood diamonds have been a black-eye to the jewelry industry, who are now pushing 'conflict-free' diamonds from areas such as Canada, Australia and Namibia. The Kimberly process is a step in the right direction, but it does nothing to address the environmental impacts of mining and extraction methods. In countries with advanced infrastructure and stricter government oversight, some efforts are made to restore mined areas to their natural state. That is rarely the case with third-world and conflict diamonds. Heirloom diamonds and lab-made diamonds are a great options that have lower impact on our planet. To learn more about cultured diamonds, check out Gemesis's excellent site.


Gold is perhaps the most popular precious metal, but it is also the most environmentally damaging to extract and process. Thankfully, there are just as many options that will allow you to feel better about your choice of symbols of everlasting love and unity. 'Green Gold', or Oro Verde refers to sustainably and safely mined gold from Columbia. Similar to fair-trade coffee, this fair-trade gold allows an indigenous culture to continue to thrive free of exploitation. Check out Cred, for fair-trade precious metals, or look at Green Karat for recycled gold jewelery.

Looking for something more unique? Not all of us are vanilla or chocolate fans. Thankfully, there are endless options that will garner just as much admiration and allow you to express your creativity. For a stylish, lightweight and eco-friendly choice, check out titanium. This metal is harder than gold and silver-so you don't have to worry as much about dents and deep scratches. Titanium is also hypo-allergenic if you have sensitive skin. No worries about rashes or discoloration. Gold, silver and other precious metals can be incorporated for unlimited design options. My wife and I chose titanium and couldn't be happier. We even had interior engraving to further customize them. The wonderful lightness of these rings are ideal for men that don't usually wear jewelry. They are a very low-maintenance option. Learn more about titanium grading and view some stylish samples here.

Think you're tough? Well, you're no match for tungsten-carbide rings which can only be cut by a diamond. Sometimes referred to as the permanently-polished ring, they are the most wear-resistant metal you can buy. When you reach your 50th anniversary and look down at your wedding ring, it should shine as bright as the day you first put it on. Not exactly the lightest of metals, but some people prefer the heft of a substantial piece of jewelery. If I were to get a 2nd ring, it would probably be a tungsten-carbide with wood inlay similar to this piece.

In a future post, I will cover more ways to save some 'green' on your wedding while keeping the environment in mind.