Ethical Fine Jewelry

Fine jewelry simply means high-quality jewelry. It is an umbrella term that encompasses rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets, and is made with high-quality materials, specifically precious metals like gold, silver or platinum. Fine jewelry can also have diamonds and gemstones such as sapphires, rubies and emeralds. It takes longer, requires more skill and uses much more precious materials than fashion, or costume jewelry.

Ethical jewelry is the cornerstone of Ecksand's ethos. Every one of our pieces is handcrafted using ethical and sustainable practices. Our ethically sourced materials like recycled metals and conflict-free stones, are the base of every Ecksand jewel, contributing to economic development and supporting local communities. Rest assured that by purchasing from Ecksand, you are supporting a more sustainable and equitable industry. Overall, ethical jewelry is about making conscious choices that prioritize the planet and its people.

Gold-filled, or gold-plated jewelry involves enveloping a less expensive metal like copper in a fine sheet of gold. Achieved through a specialized process, the base metal is submerged in a chemical concoction rich in gold. An electric current is then applied, causing the gold ions to gravitate towards and bond with the base, resulting in a delicate overlay of this precious metal.

Another process similar to gold-filled jewelry is called Vermeil. This is a storied technique that marries gold with sterling silver. In the case of Gold Vermeil, there is a thicker application of gold that elevates the piece, offering durability that distinguishes it from standard gold plating.

That being said, Ecksand only makes jewelry with high-end recycled 14k or 18k solid gold or platinum. Jewelry with real gold can be identified by the markings on the jewelry. For example, on the inside of any Ecksand ring, there will be a marking of either 14K or 18K, indicating that it is real gold. For necklaces and bracelets, these markings are typically found on the clasp, and for earrings they are usually found on the backing and the post.

Cleaning jewelry regularly is of the utmost importance in mantaining their durability and shine. However there are different methods of cleaning depending on the kind of jewelry and their gemstones. Here is a rundown of the most common and effective form of cleaning:

1. Mix some mild detergent or dish soap in a cup of warm water.
2. Soak the jewelry in this solution for a few minutes.
3. Gently scrub the jewelry with a soft-bristled brush, or just your fingertips.
4. Rinse the jewelry under warm running water before drying it gently with a soft cloth.
5. For jewelry with gemstones, avoid using harsh chemicals. Instead, simply use gentle hand soap.

If you have any doubts or questions about cleaning your jewelry, call us at 1-866-726-7263 or book a free consultation with one of our jewelry experts here.

Sustainable jewelry is made without causing severely negative environmental effects. A lot of jewelry is created with the use of hazardous chemicals like mercury and cyanide, whereas sustainable jewelry is made entirely without the use of these chemicals. However, ethical gold mining may still use harmful chemicals which is why, at Ecksand, we only use 100% recycled gold sourced from old pieces of jewelry or discarded gold to prevent harmful chemicals from being used during the production process at all.