Jewellery is fraught with difficulties; diamonds and gold come with heavy ethical and environmental costs. The average 18-karat gold wedding band, for example, is responsible for twenty tonnes of toxic mine waste, according to mining watchdog group Earthwork.
But new ethical jewellers are stepping up by working with local communities, buying fairtrade materials and giving back to the craftspeople who make the jewels. This Christmas, make sure your jewels have a positive impact.
