"Rings Around You" ring, £39.00

In the past years, the prices of gold and silver have skyrocketed, reflecting the reality that new sources of these precious metals, like other finite resources, will disappear in the future. La Jewellery, a jewelry company based out of Wales, was built upon the notion that responsible consumption of silver and other precious metals is necessary now in order to preserve for the future. As a result, all of their silver jewelry is handcrafted locally in Wales from 100% recycled silver.

This silver is sourced from vetted bullion dealers that recycle and refine used silver and reclaim the silver by-product of certain industrial processes. Using recycled silver not only decreases the demand for new, untapped silver resources, but precludes the damage to the environment caused by chemicals like mercury and arsenic used in mining processes.

The environment is an obvious inspiration for many of La Jewellery’s pieces. The majority feature textured surfaces, resulting in uniquely rustic yet feminine jewelry. I love the striation on the “Rings Around You” ring, which was designed for and presented to Eddie Izzard (maybe for the cross-dressing outfits he wears during his hilarious standup comedy routines?). And I can’t help but think that Lisa Ann, La Jewellery’s jewelry designer, was paying homage to the Beatles when she created the “Love Me Do” ring.

In addition, their packaging is made from 100% recycled materials, with the boxes containing 90% post-consumer recycled material. (Potential American buyers please note that the final price will be lower as it will not include the VAT.)

"Petite Ivy" necklace, £10

"Medusa" necklace, £103.00

"Love Me Do" ring, £42.00

For more reading on silver and its position within the sustainability world, check out this article by Ecologist.