include aquamarines and sapphires
procured from around the globe, are
guaranteed to have been mined by
workers earning a fair living wage.
Alternative
NoDirtyGold.org offers a clickable
list of retailers who have taken the fi rst
step toward more responsible sourcing Healing
of gold. And Brilliant Earth (Brillian-
tEarth.com) makes its earrings, neck-
laces and rings from recycled gold and
Stones
Canadian diamonds.
“By using recycled metals, we
by Jay Workman
decrease the global demand for newly
mined gold and diminish the environ-
mentally and socially destructive effects
Mineral jewelry can do more than adorn the body; some people use crystals
of dirty gold and other metal mining
and other gems to promote wellness. Two factors are at work: the crystalline
practices,” says company co-founder
structure of a stone and its color.
Eric Grossberg. “Because precious
Many believe that quartz and other types of crystals can be used to
metals can be recycled repeatedly with
bring the body’s energy meridians and seven energy centers, or chakras, into
no degradation in quality, they are a
alignment. Colors work on a subconscious, complementary, level to address
naturally renewable resource.” Five
psychological issues. Certain stones have become associated with specifi c
percent of Brilliant Earth’s profi ts go to
chakras, as follows:
African communities victimized by the
diamond trade.
First chakra – The Root: red. Garnet, ruby, red jasper.
The wedding and engagement
rings, earrings and necklaces offered by
Second chakra – The Navel: orange. Carnelian, orange zincite.
GreenKarat (GreenKarat.com) are made
Third chakra – The Solar Plexus: yellow. Citrine, yellow sapphire, yellow
from recycled gold, silver and titanium,
topaz.
as well as synthetic gemstones. “Buy-
Fourth chakra – The Heart: green. Emerald or green tourmaline.
ing recycled gold is one of the most
ecologically and socially responsible
Fifth chakra –The Throat: light blue. Aquamarine or turquoise.
choices a consumer can make,” advises
Sixth chakra – The Third Eye: dark blue. Blue sapphire or lapis lazuli.
GreenKarat President Matthew White.
Seventh chakra – The Crown: purple. Amethyst or quartz.
PristinePlanet.com’s online cata-
log brims with eco-friendly jewelry at
Remember to verify the source of any gemstones acquired to ensure that they
a variety of price points, qualifi ed as
come from humanitarian, fair trade sources.
confl ict-free, fair traded or reclaimed Source: Mike and Diane McKnight, in Sun City, AZ.
and recycled. Connect at 480-614-5365 or WeHug.com.
Antique jewelry always serves as a
thoughtful, conscientious and welcome
gift. Delightful heirloom pieces often
turn up at local shops. The Antique
Jewelry Mall (AntiqueJewelryMall.com)
also stocks a wide selection, including
birthstone jewelry, necklaces, earrings
and wedding and engagement rings.
The irresistible glow of precious
metals and gems has always led us to
buy jewelry with our heart. Now, our
good intentions can be doubly congru-
ent with our conscience.
For more information, visit the Council
for Responsible Jewelry Practices at
ResponsibleJewellery.com. A group
working for mining reform is Washing-
ton, D.C.-based Earthworks at
EarthworksAction.org.
www.MichiganHealthyLiving.com
February 2009
21
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