Introduction
What can be a better time to talk about fashion and accessories than now! The festive season is upon us, and we are all going through our wardrobes, putting ensembles together for the numerous events coming up – parties, festive bashes, picnics and more! Spare a thought and make the shift to sustainable fashion this festive season with exquisitely crafted handmade jewellery.
Sustainability and Jewellery Can Go Hand In Hand!
Sustainability is not just a trend anymore – it is a much loved and widely embraced way of life. Most stylish and fashion-conscious people swear by sustainability and are promoting slow/sustainable fashion with great gusto. When we talk about fashion, accessories cannot be left out. And when we are embracing sustainability, it is obvious that our accessories also need to belong to the circle of sustainability!
If you thought that artisanal jewellery can only be crafted out of precious metals and stones, you have probably not explored the various environment-friendly options in accessories yet. Welcome to the world of handcrafted jewellery that is planet positive, i.e., biodegradable, carbon neutral and made from natural materials! For those who value the idea of showing some love to Mother Nature, Amala Earth is a one-stop curated marketplace for all things earth-friendly in beauty, fashion, home, food, wellness, festive gifting and much more! Shop from a wide range of consciously made jewellery only on www.amala.earth
Handcrafted Jewellery – A Tribute to Indian Heritage
Handcrafted artisanal jewellery has a charm of its own. It reflects the rich cultural heritage of our country and every handmade jewellery design is unique – a piece of art that you would be proud to own. The oldest jewellery known to us was handmade and is now considered exotic! Several brands are offering sustainable jewellery, shining the spotlight on small artisans who continue to painstakingly carry forward the tradition of handmade jewellery in India. Let us empower these artisans with our conscious choices and do our bit for the planet!
Recycled Jewellery – The New Buzz
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Sustainability is all about the least possible impact on the environment. Practices like recycling and repurposing discarded materials, using locally sourced or renewable materials, traditional methods and fair trade are all integral to sustainability. An excellent example of this is recycled jewellery – buying recycled jewellery takes some load off landfills, empowers local, small craftsmen and gives you good reasons to be proud of yourself! It will be a great idea to make a collection of recycled necklaces to match your festive outfits this year!
Made from leather scraps, coconut shells, clay, cotton fabric scraps, jute, orphaned buttons, paper quilling, wood from discarded furniture, cork, waste cardboard and waste plastic, recycled jewellery is a sure-fire showstopper, thanks to its quirky designs and unfactory-like imperfections! Explore Amala Earth and take your pick from the collection of stunning pieces curated for the eco-fashionista that you are!
Environment-friendly Jewellery Options
Jute is a widely available used natural fibre that is spun into coarse and long threads. Also called the ‘golden fibre’, it is a sturdy natural fibre that can be easily dyed in any colour. Designers are experimenting with several handmade products from jute, and jewellery is also one of them. In the recent past, jute-based jewellery has become popular. Fine quality jute can be used to craft the most beautiful pieces of jewellery like handmade rings, handcrafted bracelets, anklets and necklaces. Daintily embellished handmade earrings made of jute are the perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation and lend a rustic charm to any outfit.
Jewellery made manually, without using any machines, has become the source of livelihood for many marginalised communities. It is also gaining popularity as each piece can be customised or prepared to suit the preference of the wearer. Silver jewellery, among the oldest forms of jewellery, exudes a warm and earthy vibe that anyone would fall in love with. A traditional hath phool is just what you need to ring in the festivities this year! Pair it with ethnic or formal outfits for an elegant touch.
- Silk thread and cotton scraps
Patwa jewellery, elegantly crafted from silk threads, is a traditional form of jewellery that originated in Rajasthan. Beautiful tassels are made from silk threads, and then earrings, necklaces and rakhis are crafted with those tassels. The parandis worn traditionally by Punjabi women are a great example too. Why not order yourself a pretty parandi this festive season? Or maybe a gamcha necklace and earring set? Gamcha jewellery or fabric jewellery is also popular nowadays. Made of fabric beads/fabric scraps, it is 100% environment friendly and looks chic too.
Brass has a close resemblance to gold and is more affordable as well as durable. Brass jewellery is increasingly chosen by those who prefer their jewellery to exude sophistication without drilling a hole in the pocket! Traditionally, brass rings were worn by women in Eastern Burma to elongate their necks. Brass is easily malleable and can be crafted into the most intricate designs or even chunky statement pieces. It is not brittle, doesn’t rust, is corrosion resistant and great for securing gemstones. Brass may develop a greenish film over time, which can be prevented with lacquering. Brass earrings, rings, necklaces and bangles are easily available in traditional as well as modern designs. Brass cuffs deserve a special mention, as they are gender neutral and make an exotic style statement.
