I was reading an article in Newsweek called "Cleaner Karats." The article pertains to buying diamond and gold jewelry in a more socially and environmentally friendly manner. Apparently, mining for gold can produce 20 tons of waste per 18-karat gold ring, which can pollute drinking water. Companies such as Brilliantearth.com are booming, due to the sale of recycled gold items and "clean" diamonds from Canada (whatever that means). Another company, GreenKarat.com, sells recycled gold and synthetic diamonds and encourages couples to turn in old gold items to be turned into engagement or wedding bands.

This article made me also contemplate the energy consumed and the waste associated with all of the mining for new jewelry items. We all have old jewelry that is out of style or that we simply never really liked. It seems to make perfect sense to try to recycle the metal and gems already used in these items, instead of letting them sit in the drawer forever. Since there seems to be more discussion lately about reusing items and reducing waste, this seems to be a prime way in which the average person could make a difference. Perhaps the average jeweler may not like this concept, but those on-line retailers mentioned above, sure do stand to benefit.