In recent years, the fashion industry has begun to focus on sustainability and ethical practices. Consumers are increasingly interested in where their clothes come from and how they are made.
As a result, sustainable fashion is on the rise. One sustainable option that is often overlooked is sustainably sourced pearls. Let’s take a closer look at sustainable pearls and why you should consider them for your next piece of jewelry.
What are Sustainable Pearls?
Sustainable pearls are cultured pearls that are grown in a way that is good for the environment. Cultured pearls have been around since the early 1900s, but it wasn’t until recently that there has been an increased demand for sustainable cultured pearls.
This can be attributed to social media and celebrities promoting them as a fashion accessory option with a conscience.
Sustainable pearls are grown using methods that do not harm the environment or the creatures that produce them. Sustainable pearl farms use LED lighting, recirculated water, and other green practices.
These methods produce pearls that are just as beautiful as traditional pearls but with a smaller environmental impact.
Impact of pearl farming on the ecosystem
Oysters are vulnerable to changes in their environment, including water temperature, salt content (salinity), disease agents and food sources. Interestingly, some farmers may have high-stocking densities of oysters due to commercial reasons.
This has been known to negatively impact ecosystems and not only oyster populations but other marine life.
While pearl farmers may not use species native to certain areas due to sustainability concerns regarding harvesting practices or impacts on reef ecosystems when removing specimens from fragile habitats where they thrive naturally (such as in Australia), other regions such as Japan still harvest high-quality ones annually without harming their natural habitats by releasing them back into local rivers after harvesting so they can continue growing for another year before being harvested again.
Why Choose Sustainable Pearls?
When you choose to buy sustainable pearls, you are supporting pearl farmers who are using environmentally friendly practices. You are also helping to preserve the environment and the creatures that live in it.
In addition, sustainable pearls tend to be of high quality since they are grown in controlled environments. This means that they will last longer and look better than traditional pearls.
How to know if a pearl is sustainably farmed
One of the best ways to determine whether a pearl is sustainably farmed is by checking the word “sustainable.” The word “cultured” or “farmed” indicates that it was farmed in the wild, whereas a label saying “sustainable cultured pearl” means that the pearl was cultured using environmentally-friendly methods.
Another way to check whether a pearl is sustainable is to check for any indication of naturalness on the packaging, such as “pearls from nature, not farms.”
If you want to be absolutely sure that your pearls are sustainably farmed, it’s best to ask a jeweler or visit their website before making your purchase.
How to Find Sustainable Pearls?
You can find sustainable pearls from several jewelers. Many jewelers are now offering sustainably sourced options for their customers. You can also find sustainable pearls online from websites dedicated to selling eco-friendly jewelry.
When shopping for sustainable pearls, make sure to look for certification from organizations like the Cultured Pearl Association of America, one percent for the planet, or the Pearl Sustainability Initiative. These organizations certify that the pearls you are buying are truly sustainable.
Where to find sustainable pearl necklaces
If you are interested in cruelty-free pearls acquired through sustainable pearl farming practices, I will highly recommend Kamoka Pearls. They produce high-quality Tahitian pearls using a renewable resource of oysters. They sell various sustainable pearl necklaces, earrings, pendants, rings, and bracelets.
Conclusion
Sustainable fashion is on the rise as consumers become more interested in where their clothes come from and how they were made.
One sustainable option that is often overlooked is sustainably sourced pearls. Sustainable pearls are grown using methods that do not harm the environment or the creatures that produce them.
When you choose to buy sustainable pearls, you are supporting pearl farmers who are using environmentally friendly practices.
You are also helping to preserve the environment and the creatures that live in it. If you’re looking for a new piece of beautiful and eco-friendly jewelry, consider buying a piece with sustainable pearls today!
