Everyone is obsessing over ethical gold jewellery.

 What is more beautiful than wearing gold? Wearing it consciously! With the rising need to take a step back and rethink our everyday choices, trends and terms like recycled, redipped and fair trade gold is making a lot of noise across the globe, to ensure that both production and purchase of gold is done ethically. From white gold being reused by redipping, to heirloom pieces being worn and restored, and fair trade paying their due to gold miners, gold lovers are ensuring that wearing/buying gold is ethical by all means Here’s why there has been a lot of focus on ethical gold lately.

White gold means redipping to make it look appealing

Certainly, while gold looks more appealing, but it requires redipping to retain its lustre, shine and colour. “While one can always have the option of exchanging an old ornament for a new one, redipping helps restore white gold, thus reducing carbon footprint generated while making a new piece of jewel,” says jewellery designer Kanan Mali.

Recycling gold is an eco-friendly measure

Several jewellery brands and gold lovers are now making recycling gold mainstream in order to save the environment and promote ethical gold jewellery. “Old jewellery that is broken or needs a makeover or is out of fashion, recycling is a great way to infuse a new life in them without hurting the environment,” says Kanhaiyalal Sharma, who deals in gold recycling.

Heirloom pieces are back in vogue

While heirloom pieces are a great way to stay connected to your roots, they are also great for nature. “A couple of years ago, youngsters would often exchange the inherited gold for something new, but now they are gravitated to wearing these traditional pieces with pride. The rise of heirloom jewellery is also a result of their belief in sustainability and saving energy used in creating new gold items,” adds Kanan.

The rise of the fairtrade gold

According to Fairtrade Gold, a platform that works towards the upliftment of gold miners and artisans, buying fairtrade gold ensures that small-scale and artisanal miners were paid a fair price and given financial security. “In recent times, due to several fashion revolutions, the fairtrade certification has got momentum which means gold is not just sourced responsibly, but the hands behind them – the miners, small scale artisans and jewellers – get a fair share in the business,” adds Kanhaiyalal. It also ensures that no child labour is involved or there is over-exploitation of mines in the world.