Sustainable and Fashionable: Where to Find Ethical Jewellery in Hong Kong
Being sustainable or being a fashionista? The good news is it does not have to be mutually exclusive! You can love fashion and love Mother Earth at the same time, by choosing green or ethical options for your fashion choices and limiting your consumption in general.
These include reusing old clothes or donating them to those in need and giving preloved clothing articles a new lease on life through thrifting or secondhand shopping. Another option is sourcing fashion items from sustainable makers and stores, and this includes not just clothing, but shoes, bags, and accessories like jewellery, too!
In Hong Kong, you will be glad to know that there is no dearth of sustainable jewellery stores. Here are some that we believe you should check out!
Via de Lourdes
Via de Lourdes, founded by Brazilian Daniella Barros in 2018, is an accessory brand specialising in raw natural Brazilian and Indian gemstones. Its store's offerings range from fashionable sandals and bags to accessories like bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and hair clips.
Via de Lourdes is a proud member of the 1% For The Planet global network, giving one percent of its sales to environmental and conservation organisations.
Niin
It was Jeanine Hsu's experience working in the fashion industry that compelled her to start niin upon seeing the amount of waste the industry generates firsthand. Niin came to the fore in 2009 and has not faltered since in giving the people of Hong Kong more sustainable and environmentally friendly fashion. Niin works with small artisanal businesses in Southeast Asia to produce its items, which include jewellery and home accessories like boxes, trays, and photo frames. Some of niin's bestsellers include the Vida Driftwood Moon Cord Bracelet, which retails for HK$480, and the upcycled abalone Vida Round Pendant Earrings, priced at HK$2,000.
EARTH.er
Next up is EARTH.er, founded by Benny Yuen in 2012 in the fishing village of Tai O in Hong Kong. EARTH.er's products "emphasize the craftsmanship of the handmade," created by artisans from different cultures who Benny collaborates with. EARTH.er's main material is hemp, a versatile and eco-friendly material that is also "mistakenly maligned." EARTH.er's products range from hemp bags, scarves, eco shoes, and hats to different accessories. Keep your eyes peeled for EARTH.er's latest designs on its Instagram account.
John Hardy
Looking for sustainable luxury jewellery? Consider John Hardy, a Bali-inspired jewellery-maker with an artisan collective that has been around since 1975. It has boutiques in New York and Bali, as well as Sogo, Hong Kong. John Hardy is committed to sustainability and is a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council and is Kimberley Process compliant, ensuring that its stones, diamonds, and metals are ethically produced and conflict-free.
Its paper materials are also certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, a non-profit organisation whose mission is to promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world's forests.
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