Jewelry is a common fashion item, worn by men, women and children alike regardless of social status. It is used for adornment and as a show of wealth or position around the globe. It is produced in thousands of tonnes every year, ranging from simple beaded jewelry to expensive and intricate gold pieces. It makes a statement about the wearer, and was as much a part of society in ancient times as it is in modern living.
However, recent trends towards the environment and economical situations worldwide have enabled jewelry to be used in a much more important way than mere investment or adornment. It is now being used to assist good causes and aid charities with funding.
The concept of charity is long established in the fashion industry, and now there is an influx of similar events around jewelry design, manufacture and production. Charity jewelry is a fantastic choice for many reasons. The obvious reason is that it raises money for a good cause. However, on another note it is often designed by famous designers at a fraction of the cost. It is often limited edition or unique in design, with each piece being hand made. It is a beautiful gift but has the added value of aiding a good cause. In time, the piece will become collectable.
One way in which jewelry is helping good causes is through charity events such as fashion shows. These fundraiser shows support specific causes with a donation of sales going to the named charity. Other features include famous designers providing designs for free to attract interest, or other famous names donating pieces to jewelry auctions with the funds donated.
Awareness jewelry is also a popular approach, with all major charities such as cancer research selling pin badges, ribbons and charity bands for small donations.
Another way in which jewelry is helping charities is through non profit charity organisations. These organisations encourage communities in need of financial assistance to create jewelry based on attainable natural resources including seeds, wood and semi precious stones such as jade. This enables communities in need to raise money which can be invested in areas that require urgent funding.
One such example is Uniteforsight based in Africa. This charity supports rural villages and refugee camps by selling their handmade jewelry over the internet with the money that is raised funding their own eye care expenses. Other examples include organisations which work globally to rebuild lives of children and women at risk. The products are made by the people that receive the funds, creating employment and money raising opportunities.
Fair trade is a recognised organisation which is backed by the world leaders of the richest countries. They ensure that the jewelry they sell contains materials that respect conservation areas, that products replanted where possible and that any hazardous waste materials are disposed of correctly. This aids regeneration whilst ascertaining fair prices and employment for third world producers of jewelry and materials. There are 40,000 traders in America alone producing fair trade products, which include linens, food and jewelry. Products can be bought on the high street and are available also online for better marketing and availability.
Jewelry makers are also looking at the resources used. Precious metals are limited and so the amount released for the purpose of jewelry making is monitored yearly. It is environmentally safe as it is recycled as heirlooms and collectables. This means that jewelry is not destroying the earth supplies. Mining is safer for workers and the environment in modern day also. Another popular trend is to use natural and sustainable ingredients such as seeds, wood and semi precious stones, with recycled packaging.
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