Slow is the way to go -

Slow is the way to go

Introduction

Fast fashion jewellery closely mirrors the clothing industries trend of rapidly producing cheap, low-quality and trendy pieces designed to be worn once and disposed of.

My intention here is to highlight the damaging effects of fast fashion and to encourage you to consider more ethical and sustainable options. Sustainability is a driving force in my business and informs the kind of materials and packing I use. I prefer to upcycle, recycle and reuse materials that are already in existence as well as restore neglected vintage jewellery pieces. Let’s take a look at the fast fashion industry:

The Bigger Picture: Fast Fashion’s Environmental Toll

Even though most stats focus on clothing, many of the same environmental issues apply directly to jewellery—especially with mass-produced, trend-driven pieces.

The global fashion industry accounts for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions—that’s more than international aviation and maritime shipping combined .
It produces over 92 million tonnes of textile waste each year, with just 1% of clothes recycled into new garments .
80 billion new garments are produced annually .
The industry uses 93 billion cubic meters of water annually, accounting for 20% of global wastewater .
Synthetic fibres—used in most fast fashion—are major sources of microplastic pollution. Textile washing alone releases up to 500,000 tonnes of microfibres into oceans each year, equivalent to 50 billion plastic bottles .

Fast fashion jewellery often uses cheap synthetic materials, toxic chemical plating, poor-quality metals, and disposable design—so while the jewellery sector isn’t as large as apparel, the same resource-waste and pollution patterns apply, magnified by widespread turnover and low quality.

Trying to keep up with fashion trends can be draining financially and energetically. They change extremely fast, not just from season to season, but from week to week. The pressures to keep up with these trends infiltrate our day to day lives through social media, adverts, magazines and TV shows. It can be tempting, especially for young people to try and keep up with the trends.

Another attraction can be the low cost of these trendy jewellery items. However cheap jewellery comes with a bigger cost to the environment and it’s really worth considering this the next time you’re on the high street and on the look out for jewellery.

Why choose Vintage, Pre-Owned or recycled/upcycled Jewellery

Whilst vintage and handcrafted jewellery might come with a bigger price tag, your purchase is more likely to be an investment piece you’ll treasure for years to come.

No new resource extraction: recycled/upcycled jewellery reuses existing materials, preventing fresh mining, manufacturing and its environmental fallout .
Resource conservation: Every vintage piece revived saves water, energy, and raw materials—whether gold, gems, or metals.
Circular economy in action: Reusing existing pieces contributes to waste reduction and avoids the high emissions intrinsic to mining.
Lower carbon footprint per piece: Processing existing metals and gems has a much smaller footprint than mining; for example, manufactures from recycled metals emit significantly less CO₂ .
Supports sustainable consumer behaviour: Reusing aligns with a more thoughtful, circular lifestyle—something growing in popularity (e.g., 42% of consumers purchased second-hand clothing last year) .
Transparency and connection: Vintage items carry history, uniqueness, and stories—traits seldom found in mass-produced fast fashion pieces.
Unique and quirky designs from the past, revived for the future. You’re more likely to come across u usual and quirky designs when shopping for vintage or handmade pieces.
Custom made designs – if you would like something really special, some handmade jewellers will offer a custom design option. Having something created just for you is not just exciting for the customer, but also challenges the individual making the item. Your also guaranteed to be the only person wearing this design!
Shopping sustainably often means you’re supporting homegrown, local businesses that are extremely passionate about their products.

Consumer demand for sustainability is on the rise globally as people become more aware of the environmental and social impact of the fashion industry. Quality over quantity is becoming increasingly important, with consumers paying more attention to the materials being used, their origin and carbon footprint.

Choosing vintage or pre-owned jewellery doesn’t just help the planet — it helps people too. By buying from local independent jewellers, vintage sellers, and upcyclers, you’re putting money directly back into your community instead of into the pockets of giant fast-fashion corporations.

Every purchase makes a difference: Studies show that for every £1 spent with a small business, around 63p stays in the local economy, compared to only 40p when spent with a larger chain (Federation of Small Businesses, UK).

Ethical and transparent sourcing: Independent makers often hand-select materials, reuse vintage components, or work with recycled metals. That means you can trace where your jewellery comes from and feel confident it’s made with care.

Unique pieces with a story: Unlike mass-produced fast fashion jewellery, small business creations and curated vintage finds are often one-of-a-kind. They carry history, creativity, and individuality.

Human connection: Buying from a small business means supporting someone’s passion and livelihood. You’re not just a transaction—you’re part of a story, a community, and a movement towards slower, more meaningful fashion.

Conclusion

In short: every ring, necklace, or bracelet you buy from a small business is a vote for creativity, sustainability, and community over exploitation and waste.

Slow is the way to go. Buy pieces that truly speak to your heart and wear them as often as possible! I still have jewellery I bought when I was a teenager and was gifted from family members. They hold wonderful memories and bring me so much joy.

Do you have a favourite jewellery piece you enjoy wearing time and time again? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear your stories.