Talking About Green

If you aren’t aware of how the precious metals and brilliant gemstones you keep in your jewelry box make their way from the Earth to your finger, then you might be in for a bit of a shock (especially if you harbor eco-friendly sensibilities).  All are pulled from mining operations, many in poor nations around the world that are not governed by the same strict environmental protections that we uphold in the United States.  These mines are not only invasive, burrowing into the ground to leave an ugly blight upon an otherwise pristine landscape, they are also notorious for polluting the area for miles around with harmful sediment and toxic chemical byproducts that can unbalance the ecosystem for years to come.  That rock is not looking quite so pretty now, is it?  Then, of course, there are all the political and social ramifications of mining, but that’s another issue.  In any case, despite this unfortunate situation, most people still want the shiny things in life.  And luckily, there are ways to have the jewelry you love without harming the environment.