Editor’s Note
As consumer demand for ethical and sustainable products grows, the jewellery industry is responding with innovative approaches—from responsibly sourced materials to certified recycled metals and even bio-based alternatives. This shift reflects a broader movement toward greater environmental and social responsibility in luxury goods.
Driven by a global focus on ethical practices and sustainability, the jewellery business is going greener. From ethical sourcing to certified recycled products and bio-jewels, industry innovations are increasing to meet the needs of socially conscious buyers.
With the global luxury jewellery market expected to grow beyond €330bn by 2026, there is every reason for brands to focus on sustainability while also prioritising intellectual property protections. These trends are playing out around the world, especially in India, which ranks second in global revenue generation and fourth in gold recycling.
These deeply embedded cultural practices are a valuable springboard to scale up sustainable behaviour. Prominent Indian jewellery manufacturer Titan is a case in point. In 2022, its brand Mia by Tanishq announced the use of 100% recycled gold for manufacturing jewellery.
Several luxury jewellery brands are on track to meet key environmental benchmarks. For example, Bulgari uses 100% recycled gold in its watches and jewellery. In 2022, Prada launched its Eternal Gold collection, featuring 100% certified recycled gold. Danish jewellery brand Pandora, after discontinuing the use of mined diamonds, announced its shift to using entirely recycled silver and gold in all its jewellery by 2025, a move expected to save 37,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually. Notably, Titan’s jewellery division has set ambitious sustainability goals of becoming carbon-neutral and water-positive in manufacturing by 2030.
Sustainable jewellery is not limited to using recycled materials like gold, silver and gems but extends to every aspect of production and the supply chain including fair wages to labourers, eco-friendly product packaging, local community impact and development, using recycled water and reducing carbon footprint, among other considerations.
Bio-jewellery, or bio-jewels, made from organic, nature-sourced materials is another sustainable alternative gaining momentum. These pieces often feature plant-based or recycled elements, offering a stark contrast to traditional jewellery that relies on precious metals and gemstones. For example, Tangerine, recognised as India’s first bio-jewellery brand, creates unique pieces using everyday kitchen spices. Other designers incorporate materials, such as wood, shells, bones and dried flowers into their collections.
In addition to recycling initiatives, many international brands are focusing on the ethical and sustainable sourcing of materials. For instance, Chopard was one of the first to publicise its commitment to using only ethically sourced gold. Since 2018, it has used 100% ethical gold in its jewellery and watches; this is gold that is mined without harmful chemicals or forced labour. Similarly, Tiffany & Co. is working towards achieving 100% traceability of all gold, silver and platinum used in its products, including those from third-party suppliers. Meanwhile, Prada utilises blockchain to verify the authenticity of its sustainable jewellery, allowing consumers to trace every step of a product’s journey, from sourcing to production.
Other examples include Swiss watchmaker Hublot’s partnership with Nespresso to create the Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin in 2023, a revolutionary timepiece crafted from recycled coffee grounds and aluminium capsules. The watch’s design demonstrates the potential of circular production, incorporating recycled materials into the case, bezel, crown and straps. Similarly, luxury brand Boucheron launched its Jack de Boucheron Ultime collection in 2022, made from Cofalit, a material derived from recycling an industrial by-product of asbestos.
Brands also try to use patents to protect their jewellery designs. To qualify for patent protection, an invention must meet three essential criteria – novelty, inventive step and industrial applicability. Under traditional interpretations, jewellery designs often do not satisfy these requirements. However, with technology penetrating every space, the jewellery industry has been innovating significantly. For instance, sustainable alternatives have received patent registrations. The manufacture of synthetic diamonds is one qualifying example. Other examples include a Finland-based design and lifestyle brand introducing jewellery made of sustainable Sulapac materials, a patented bio-based alternative for conventional plastics.
Interestingly, Indian women collectively hold around 24,000 tons of gold, or 11% of the world’s total gold reserves. This exceeds the combined gold reserves of the top five gold-holding countries: the US, Germany, Italy, France and Russia. In India, gold has deep cultural and emotional significance because it signifies wealth, security and prosperity. It is also a staple in weddings, festivals and religious ceremonies through which women secure financial security in traditional family structures. For ages, gold has been passed down through Indian generations, an age-old example of sustainability in action.