Not just green...GREEN green!

As a company that considers itself to be the leader in green & eco-friendly jewelry, we here at Real Jewels thought it important to take the time to let you know about the other organizations we have partnered up with to show you how seriously we take our commitment to providing a truly green product to the marketplace!

1) NO DIRTY GOLD

We don't mean gold that needs a bath!  Did you know that gold mining is actually one of the dirtiest businesses in the world?  The production of one gold ring generates 20 TONS of mine waste!  We exclusively use recycled 14 karat gold to create our pieces and are proud to have signed the NO DIRTY GOLD pledge which states, "I support the No Dirty Gold campaign to end destructive gold mining practices. I call on retailers and manufacturers of gold jewelry, electronics, and other goods to work to ensure that the gold in their products was not produced at the expense of local communities, workers, and the environment. I demand that the global mining industry provide retailers and consumers an alternative to dirty gold."

2) GREEN AMERICA

This not-for-profit membership organization founded in 1982 has a mission to harness economic power - the strength of consumers, investors, businesses, and the marketplace - to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society.  Their vision is a world where all people have enough, where all communities are healthy and safe, and where the bounty of the Earth is preserved for all the generations to come.  We're on board with that!

3) JEWELERS VIGILANCE COMMITTEE

As a member of this not-for-profit trade association, founded in 1917, we are one of many companies working to maintain the jewelry industry's highest ethical standards.  JVC is considered to be the industry's guardian of ethics and integrity, and is a resource for both trade and consumers.  When our guardian angel is on vacation, we know the JVC is still around looking out for us!

4) RESPONSIBLE JEWELLERY COUNCIL 

The name ALMOST says it all!  We are so proud to be one of over 300 member companies across the jewelry supply chain who are committed to promoting responsible ethical, human rights, and social and environmental practices in a transparent and accountable manner throughout the industry from mine to retail.  Our commitment aims to reinforce consumer and stakeholder confidence in jewelry products. 

We hope this helps you to learn a little bit more about what we are doing on a daily basis to bring creations that are beautiful on both the inside and out to you! 

And, as always, we'd love to hear from you!  Please contact us with questions or comments any time HERE. 

Until next time...

STAY REAL,

The Real Jewels Team 

Fortunoff Goes Green (and we're totally in on it!)

The Real Jewels team LOVES spreading the word...the GREEN word, that is!

Because of this, we were super excited when our friends at Fortunoff decided to take a big step in spreading the word on responsible jewelry practices by carrying...that's right -- REAL JEWELS!

We are especially pleased to announce that in addition to them carrying our creations  ONLINE ...they are also one of the responsible companies that have signed the "No Dirty Gold" pledge!

While crafting pieces that are gorgeous is something we do, our fans and loyal customers know our passion is eco friendly jewelry!  

It gives us great satisfaction to support a retailer like Fortunoff in their efforts to support No Dirty Gold and understand the importance of responsible mining and refining practices.  We just love getting the green word out there!

For new fans of our company, Real Jewels exclusively uses 100% recycled precious metals, and conflict-free diamonds...plus, even our packaging is eco-friendly!

If you're interested in seeing how our pieces look at the Fortunoff site...CLICK HERE (Spoiler Alert: they still look AWESOME!)

Stay real,

The Real Jewels Team

Annual Spring Sale (just in time for Earth Day)

Whoever said having great taste wasn't a talent? Not us!

We admire you, our loyal friends and fans, so much that we want to reward you for your impeccable taste and commitment to being a responsible fashionista!

Starting tomorrow (Tuesday), when you Tell A Friend about Real Jewels (using our fancy shmancy Tell A Friend option on the home page of real-jewels.com) you will receive a discount code that entitles you to 30% off anything you purchase...oh yeah, and your friend can also get 30% off by telling a friend of theirs and so on and so on!  We're determined to create a recycled chain of eco jewelry lovers! 

Remember, this sale starts TOMORROW, Tuesday, March 9th and only lasts through Tuesday March 16th...so you've got ONE WEEK to cure those Winter blues with our fabulous eco jewelry collections featuring recycled Sterling silver and gold!

We want to make as many people aware of our beautiful Green jewelry as possible and we want to thank you for your support of a healthier, happier, and more stylish planet!

And, don't forget that Mother's Day and graduation are right around the corner...how special would a piece of Real Jewels be for Mom or your high schooler heading off to college?

Or maybe you've got a Spring 2010 wedding?

Remember, Real Sweet necklaces make an awesome Bridemaid's gift!

And, of course, what kind of an eco jewelry brand would we be if we didn't mention that EARTH DAY is coming up on April 22nd?  We can't think of a better tribute to Mother Earth than rocking some jewelry that's as responsible as you are!

There's a Real Jewel right for all the special people in your life...and a unique piece of jewelry for any occasion!

Stay real,

The Real Jewels Team

FASHION WEEK GOES GREEN (with some help from us!)

Exciting news, Real Jewels fans!  On Monday, February 15^th, we had our first press event during New York City’s world famous FASHION WEEK!

It was an amazing debut and we thank everyone who came out to be dazzled by our eco-jewelry.

Check out the pics below!

In the past few weeks, we’ve been talking about NO DIRTY GOLD and the fact that we’ve taken the NO DIRTY GOLD pledge, but, really, what does that mean?

Well, in short, we pledged to work towards sourcing precious metals that would not make them complicit in the destructive impacts of mining.

This commitment means working to ensure that our suppliers of precious metals use RESPONSIBLE practices including:

-respecting basic human rights as outlined in international conventions and laws;

-obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) of affected communities;

-respecting workers’ rights and labor standards, including safe working conditions;

-not operating in areas of armed of militarized conflict;

-not forcing communities off their lands;

-not dumping mine waste into oceans, rivers, lakes, or streams;

-not operating in protected areas, fragile ecosystems, or other areas of high conservation or ecological value;

-not contaminating water, soil, or air with sulfuric acid drainage or other toxic chemicals;

-covering all costs of closing down and cleaning up mine sites;

-allowing independent verification of practices. 

In addition, we also committed to auditing our current sources, to inform our suppliers of this Golden Rules sourcing commitment, and to increase recycled content in our products.

Sounds like a big commitment, huh?

Absolutely!  But we owe it to the Earth, to the people making the jewelry, and to you, the responsible customers who have chosen to wear green jewelry! 

And…just to give you that extra little bit of assurance that your jewelry has been made in a responsible manner, Real Jewels eco jewelry comes with our signature Peridot tag.   No one else has one!  I mean, after all, we did receive an A rating for our responsible practices so why not brag with a tag? 

When you see our Peridot tag, you know your jewelry has been created in a responsible manner. Fair trade, recycled precious metals, now that’s Green Jewelry! So when you are looking for sterling silver jewelry or gold jewelry and you want it to be green, think Real Jewels! 

‘Cause really, why would anyone want to hurt another human being or Mother Earth for the sake of jewelry? 

Need more reason to shop REAL?  Well, our mailers are made from 100% recycled post consumer product...so are our gift boxes and envelopes!  And oh yeah, we use soy-based inks as well!

Listen, we know our product is good...but we want EVERYONE to know it's good!

Spread the word on GREEN -- tell your friends about Real Jewels via our Tell A Friend feature at REAL-JEWELS.COM and you'll get 10% off your first Real Jewels online order!  With free shipping on top of that, how can you say no?

REAL JEWELS. BEAUTIFUL. SUSTAINABLE . REAL.

 

Stay real,

 

The Real Jewels Team

We have many great loves...

our customers, our jewelry...and, of course, the planet!

Any company can talk about how they're eco-friendly and green, but how many actually have the ratings and press to back those claims up?

Not to boast, but Real Jewels is one of only two US companies that received an 'A' rating from Earthworks No Dirty Gold NGO in Washington, DC.

Check out our amazingly positive press in National Jeweler Magazine!

We worked hard for that 'A' rating and we're proud of it!  

But, guess what?  You should be proud of yourself, too!  You're a responsible shopper and you deserve some bragging rights for choosing fair trade pieces with no green washing!  To help you out with that, all our jewelry comes with the signature fair trade peridot as your assurance that the jewelry with which your adorn your figure has been made in a responsible manner.

It's important to us to make a commitment to you and to the jewelry industry!

To commit to these values, we've taken the NO DIRTY GOLD pledge, we contribute to The Madison Dialogue, and we're a member of Green America!

How's that for some seriously ecological credentials?

Have a beautiful Valentine's Day!

Stay real,

The Real Jewels Team

With a New Year Comes a New Commitment...

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is coming to a close and a new year is now upon us...

And, with a new year, comes a new commitment to the environment! We here at Real Jewels believe that each individual can make a difference in a small way (together, making a BIG impact!).

Here are just a few of the ways REAL JEWELS has resolved to care for Mother Earth:

All of our pieces are made from recycled gold and silver.

Our packaging is FSC-certified, 100% recycled, 100% post-consumer waste, and chlorine-free.

Our mailers are made from recycled fibers and post-consumer content.

We use soy-based ink for all of our printing. (Vegetable-based inks offer a safer work environment for production staff by reducing harmful fumes and VOC emissions.)

In addition, we here at Real Jewels have taken the "No Dirty Gold pledge" which states,"I support the No Dirty Gold campaign to end destructive gold mining practices. I call on retailers and manufacturers of gold jewelry, electronics, and other goods to work to ensure that the gold in their products was not produced at the expense of local communities, workers, and the environment. I demand that the global mining industry provide retailers and consumers an alternative to dirty gold."

Learn more about dirty mining and refining practices at the official No Dirty Gold website!

So, in 2010, why not make a promise to yourself and the planet?

We've made it easier than ever before to take REAL JEWELS with you wherever you go...introducing Real Jewels MOBILE
!

Now that you've made a commitment to the planet, how about a reward?

Try an initial pendant from the REAL ME collection! They are available in Sterling Silver, 10 Karat gold, and 14 Karat gold. All come with our signature, fair trade green peridot tag that guarantees that your jewelry was made in a responsible manner!




Real Jewels. Beautiful. Sustainable. Real.

Stay Real & best wishes for a happy and healthy new year,
The Real Jewels Team