 "Zentz recently became a Fairmined licensee, meaning that she only buys and sells sustainably sourced gold and silver. A standard 18-karat wedding band leaves behind 20 tons of ore and waste rock, according to Earthworks, a “No Dirty Gold” mining watchdog group." - Georgia Johnson, Good Times
1 Comment
As of January 12, 2018 I am now a Fairmined Licensee. This is a dream come true! I am now authorized by the Alliance for Responsible Mining to buy and sell gold and silver under the conditions of the Fairmined Standard. From now on, all of my jewelry will have the Fairmined Mark. As of February 2018, I am 1 of 43 jewelers in the United States who are certified Fairmined licensees (reference: Fairmiend Licensee List 2018). I am so thankful to all of the people who brought Fairmined Gold & Silver to the USA. A special thank you to Christina Miller, Co-Founder of Ethical Metalsmiths, for introducing me to this way of supporting responsible mining organizations.  7 ethical jewellery brands you need this spring (guys too) by Pebble Magazine Fashion isn't the only thing that needs an ethical makeover. Jewellery has its own issues around the sourcing of metals, precious stones and diamonds and making sure the people in the process are being fairly paid and treated. But there are ethical jewellery brands out there who've done the hard work for you. Here are some of our current favourites for this spring. "Take a trip under the redwoods of Big Sur, California with Sarah Zentz. This one woman brand creates simplified esoteric-feeling jewellery that uses recycled wood, Fairmined gold and silver and ethically sourced diamonds. She’s also an award-winning documentary maker. This simple silver and wood pyramid necklace has a Cali vibe wherever you wear it."  By Scott Douglas Jacobsen, Trusted Clothes Sarah earned a BFA in New media and Metalsmithing from Millersville University. She studied under Christina Miller, who is the co-founder of Ethical Metalsmiths. Sarah founded Sarah Zentz Jewelry. Here is her story.  How did you get interested in ethical and sustainable fashion?
In 2008, I received a BFA in New Media and Metalsmithing from Millersville University in Pennsylvania. I studied Metalsmithing under Christina Miller, Co-Founder of Ethical Metalsmiths, a non profit organization leading jewelers and consumers in becoming informed activists for responsible mining, sustainable economic development and verified, ethical sources of materials used in making jewelry. Therefore, I have chosen to only work with ethically sourced materials. All of my jewelry is made with recycled metals, reclaimed wood, and ethically sourced diamonds. What seems like the importance of ethical and sustainable fashion designers and companies? The commitment from jewelers to become activists for responsible mining, sustainable and ethical sources for gold, silver, and diamonds could lead to responsible mining and supply chain transparency. It is of upmost importance for jewelry designers and companies to transform the mining and jewelry industries for the protection of the earth, its peoples, and cultures. How can ethical and sustainable fashion contribute to the long-term sustainable future for the atmosphere, the biosphere, and the environment? The mining industry has a devastating impact on ecosystems from poised waters to solid toxic waste. According to No Dirty Gold, “producing gold for one wedding ring alone generates 20 tons of waste.” Most people probably don’t know this but metal mining was the number one toxic polluter in the United States in 2010 releasing arsenic, mercury, and lead into the environment. According to Ethical Metalsmtihs, “Large open-pit mines operated by multi-national corporations consume wilderness areas, destroy ecosystems and violate human rights. Artisanal mining in impoverished nations exploit labor, poison communities and ravage environments.” Ethical jewelers can help reduce the ecological and human footprint of mining by using sustainable materials and recycled metals. What is Sarah Zentz Jewelry? Sarah Zentz Jewelry is an ethical jewelry production company. I design contemporary pieces of adornment that are minimal, geometric, and ethically made where the ocean meets the redwood forest in Big Sur, California. My handmade ethical jewelry is inspired by and created for the nature loving adventurer and traveler. What are some of its feature products? My newest ethical jewelry line is made from reclaimed redwood and Argentium silver. The redwood species contains the largest and tallest trees in the world. These majestic trees can live thousands of years. Redwood forests once covered large parts of Europe, Asia, and North America, but changing climates spared only three small areas of these majestic trees – the Coast of California is one of these three places. Due to habitat losses from fire, logging, drought, and air pollution they are endangered. In my jewelry production, I only use fallen old growth redwood from California. The redwood is not treated, and remains fully biodegradable. My hope is that my jewelry will be a part of the conservation efforts to preserve the remaining redwood forests by bringing awareness to the threats the largest and tallest trees in the world are facing. Additionally, Argentium Silver is considered an “environmentally responsible” metal. All Argentium is made from 100% recycled silver and fully traceable, ethically sourced, raw silver. What is the customer base – the demographics? Although, I consider many of my wood jewelry designs unisex, my main customer base is 25-34-year-old women. What personal fulfillment comes from this work for you? Since the first time I saw the Pacific Ocean and magnanimous redwood trees, I was inspired to live and create work in the beautiful place I now call home in Big Sur, California. I love creating pieces of adornment that have a story and connect people to a space. To be able to create jewelry using fully traceable, sustainable, and ethical materials gives me the most incredible fulfillment and purpose. I am so blessed to be a part of the movement of ethical jewelry and ethical fashion. Any recommended means of contacting, even becoming involved with, you? The best way to get in touch with me is through my website: https://www.sarahzentzjewelry.com You can also keep up to date with me on the following social media platforms: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahzentzjewelry Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahZentzJewelry/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/sarah_zentz Thank you for your time, Sarah Zentz. READ FULL ARTICLE HERE: http://www.trustedclothes.com/blog/2017/02/06/interview-sarah-zentz-sarah-zentz-jewelry/ "Ethical Jewelry – Sarah Zentz from Sarah Zentz Jewelry" What does “sustainable fashion” mean to you?
Sustainable fashion, in regard to sustainable jewelry, means promoting responsible mining and supply chain transparency. It is of utmost importance for jewelry designers and companies to transform the mining and jewelry industries for the protection of the earth, its peoples, and cultures. What inspired you to start an ethical jewelry company? In 2008, I received a BFA in New Media and Metalsmithing from Millersville University in Pennsylvania. I studied Metalsmithing under Christina Miller, Co-Founder of Ethical Metalsmiths, a non-profit organization leading jewelers and consumers in becoming informed activists for responsible mining, sustainable economic development and verified, ethical sources of materials used in making jewelry. Therefore, I have chosen to only work with ethically sourced materials. All of my jewelry is made with recycled metals, reclaimed wood, and ethically sourced diamonds. What is your company’s mission? Sarah Zentz Jewelry’s mission is to be an advocate for responsible mining, sustainable and ethical sources for gold, silver, diamonds and all materials in the production of jewelry. Who is your customer? I design contemporary pieces of adornment that are minimal, geometric, and ethically made. My handmade ethical jewelry is inspired by and created for the nature-loving adventurer and traveler. Although I consider many of my wood jewelry designs unisex, my main customer base is 25-34 year-old women. What is something you wish people knew about sustainable jewelry? The mining industry has a devastating impact on ecosystems from poisoned waters to solid toxic waste. According to No Dirty Gold, “producing gold for one wedding ring alone generates 20 tons of waste.” Most people probably don’t know this but metal mining was the number one toxic polluter in the United States in 2010 releasing arsenic, mercury, and lead into the environment. According to Ethical Metalsmiths, “Large open-pit mines operated by multi-national corporations consume wilderness areas, destroy ecosystems and violate human rights. Artisanal mining in impoverished nations exploit labor, poison communities and ravage environments.” Ethical jewelers can help reduce the ecological and human footprint of mining by using sustainable materials and recycled metals. Furthermore, people can purchase ethical jewelry instead of “blood diamonds” and “dirty gold.” READ FULL ARTICLE: http://sustainablefashiondirectory.com/ethical-jewelry-sarah-zentz-jewelry/ |