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The Eco-Friendly Charm of Antique Jewellery

Posted on: 07/11/2021
 

Author: Magdalena Kořínková

Sustainability, minimalism, slow, conscious, and ethical fashion, and lifestyle are influencing the world. Fashion is no longer as superficial as it may seem at first glance. It’s an expression of self, a reflection of our outlook on life and the world. It’s not only about aesthetics but also about ethics. If you, too, aim to avoid waste, recycle, sort, and make choices to minimise your ecological footprint, then choosing an antique is the best step in selecting your (old) new jewellery or accessory.

 
Today’s fast-paced world is slowly but surely starting to slow down. There is an emphasis on calm, relaxation, sufficient sleep, and minimalism, both at work and in leisure time. There are portals, books, and podcasts emerging about slow fashion and decluttering in homes and lives. There is more and more discussion on awareness and information – that the textile industry is a massive business putting a huge strain on the Earth, being the second largest polluter of the planet.

 

How much does each wear cost?

The concept behind the acronym CPW stands for Cost Per Wear. What does it mean? Let’s illustrate with an example. Imagine you treat yourself to a dream dress for 5,000 CZK, which you then wear 50 times a year for five years, loving how you feel in it every time. Five years times 50 wears per year equals 250 wears. If you divide the price of the dress (5,000 CZK) by the number of wears (250), the cost per wear (CPW) is 20 CZK. The longer you own and wear it, the more the price per wear will continue to drop.

But if you buy a dress for 500 CZK that doesn’t fit quite right, and after the first wash it changes colour or size, you may wear it only three times before it ends up at the back of your wardrobe or in the bin. What’s the cost per wear? Price of the dress (500 CZK) divided by wears (3) = 166 CZK. It’s unlikely to get any lower.
So, what is the CPW of an antique piece of jewellery or accessory that has adorned ladies for decades – or even centuries?

 

Renowned brand or antique?

A beautiful ring from a prestigious brand usually costs multiple times more than an equally stunning antique ring, often set with a stone in an old cut.
High costs of beautiful brand-name jewellery also include significant expenses on presentation. Buying antique jewellery also saves your wallet.
 

Gemstones and ecological impact

You may argue that, for environmental reasons, you’d prefer jewellery with a synthetically created stone. These are beautiful, and their physical and chemical properties are identical to natural stones. Unlike the mining of natural stones, they don’t harm the environment, and their purchase price is considerably lower. However, from an ecological perspective, we must clarify a misconception. Producing synthetic stones requires a massive amount of electricity generated from fossil fuels. When producing 1 carat of synthetic diamond using the CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) method, the carbon footprint is 40% higher than that of a natural diamond.

 

diamond rings

Treasures from Grandma’s jewellery box

Vintage pieces are in fashion, so we recommend exploring your grandma's or mother’s jewellery box. Fashion is cyclical, and some jewellery is timeless, so you’re bound to find pieces that were stylish 50 years ago and still are today. Antique jewellery has been admired by generations – great-grandmothers, grandmothers, mothers, daughters, and perhaps even granddaughters. It has become a classic, guaranteed to always be appreciated.
If you find pieces that don’t suit your style or are damaged, you can have them modified or use the materials to create a completely new piece tailored to your taste. A ring with glass can easily be set with a chosen precious stone, and a brooch that you may not like much can be turned into beautiful earrings or even a pendant.


History as added value

Many people no longer want wardrobes filled with cheap fashion and accessories from chains; instead, they select clothing, footwear, and accessories that are original and eco-friendly. Pieces meant to last for years and have added value. The stories behind our wardrobes and jewellery boxes give our lifestyle charm. If our pieces are enriched with history, we have a perfect small talk topic at hand.




antique jewellery



 

Antiques for a better world

If you, too, are a supporter of slow fashion and a lover of history, we’d love to welcome you in our shop on Maiselova Street, where you can choose from unique antiques and adorn yourself with jewellery or accessories that no one else in the world has. You’ll carry with you a gem that holds its own stories and history – a piece that may have even helped shape history.