Until recently, I was unaware of the dirty practices of the gold and diamond mining industry. Industrial gold mining destroys landscapes and creates huge amount of toxic waste (particularly mercury). Gold mining is the leading source of man-made mercury pollution in the world. In case you're wondering what is wrong with mercury, be known that it is a potent neurotoxin that harms the brains, muscles and vital organs of adults and especially children. Of course, in addition to the environmental issues, the mining industry is also infamous for its treatment of workers - who are exposed to toxic chemicals and paid unfairly. Did I mention the (ab)use of child labor?

Fortunately, for conscious consumers, there is a new breed of ethical jewelry brands that are mindful about every aspect of the jewelry production - right from using recycled gold and gems to ensuring the workers are paid fairly.

In my journey towards creating a more sustainable wardrobe, after gradually shifting to sustainable clothing, ethical vegan handbags and shoes and clean beauty, I'm also trying to be mindful about the jewelry that I wear. That's how I came across ethical fine jewelry brand AUrate. 

This New York-based brand is raising the bar with its ethical jewelry crafted from recycled gold, recycled silver, and ethically sourced diamonds. Their jewelry is handcrafted in New York and the company makes sure its people are paid fairly and have a healthy workplace. What I also like about them is that they are committed to giving back. For every piece of jewelry they sell, they give a book to a child in need.

I fell in love with their affordable minimalist-clean designs and ordered their 14-carat gold earrings and a gold vermeil ear cuff online (free international shipping). The package was delivered from New York to Dubai in literally three days. Loved their pretty coral packaging too!

Wearing Earth Polo t-shirt from Ralph Lauren & Ethical Aurate Jewelry

Mining is a dirty industry and not just precious metals, but even mining of minerals like mica is plagued with issues like child labor. 60% of the high-quality mica that goes into cosmetics comes from India, where child mining and worker exploitation is the norm The unfortunate thing is mica is littered throughout the cosmetics industry — and is found in everything from high-end eyeshadows palettes to drugstore lipsticks. Shocking? It sure was for me. I discovered this while researching ethical jewelry brands after I learned about the mining industry. 

Now that you are also aware of the sustainability issues with the mining industry - right from gold and diamonds to the minerals used in the cosmetic industry, I hope you'll do your own research and make an effort to support ethical brands. Brands that are standing up against the unethical practices followed by the jewelry industry and bringing a wave of positive change.

I would love to learn about ethical fashion, jewelry and beauty brands that you have been using!