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

A Thoughtful Gift (For Loved Ones & The Planet!)

Since it’s the season of giving, we’re going to do just that and keep our free ground shipping in effect for the rest of 2009…that’s one great reason to shop Real Jewels!

But, don’t forget the most important reason to shop Real Jewels – our commitment to the planet!

To help minimize the environmental impact that irresponsible mining and refining practices can have on our planet, we exclusively use recycled sterling silver and 14 karat gold in the manufacturing of our fine jewelry. We use precious and semi precious stones that are fair- traded. Our diamonds are kimberly processed certified and conflict–free.



We believe that “responsibly made” should be synonymous with trendy and fashionable, and that now is the time to embrace sustainability and promote awareness for future generations to come. We create jewelry that is joyful, thoughtful and always respectful of the environment and the people who make it.

What better way to show the ones you love that you care for not only them, but also for the Earth and the rest of its people this holiday season?

“If there is any responsibility in the cycle of life it must be that one generation owes to the next that strength by which it can come to face ultimate concerns in its own way.” -Erik H. Erickson

Stay real,

The Real Jewels Team

A little bit about us...

“We create the world in which we live; if that world becomes unfit for human life; it is because we tire of our responsibility.”
-Cyril Connolly

Now that the blog is up and running, we here at Real Jewels think it only fair to tell you a little bit about our company!

While one of our goals is to, of course, create unique pieces for you to enjoy, what you may not realize is that our jewels are just as beautiful “on the inside” as they are on the outside.

All of our jewelry is “responsibly made” exclusively from recycled precious metals and fair trade sustainable gems. In addition, you can have the assurance that the person who made your necklace, bracelet, or earrings was paid fairly and crafted your jewelry in a healthy, safe work environment here in the USA. We do not outsource any of our manufacturing to large, offshore factories. Instead, we manufacture our jewelry in small, family-run shops.

And, we don’t just talk about our moral, eco-friendly way of doing things…we also participate in the following organizations:

No Dirty Gold: http://www.nodirtygold.com

Green America: http://www.coopamerica.org

Madison Dialogue: http://www.madisondialogue.org

Now that you know some more about us…we’d love to get to know more about YOU! E-mail us at RealJewelsBlogger@gmail.com and let us know what you’d like to read on this very blog!

Until next time…

Stay real,

The Real Jewels Team