Bario Neal Recycled and Fairmined Gold Jewelry

To be honest with you, I hadn’t really considered where the world’s precious metals were sourced from until a few weeks ago. When I got married 5 years ago, ethical consumption was just a glimmer in my eye – I was really into etsy, but I hadn’t overhauled my thinking yet – so I haven’t had the opportunity to look much into fair trade or recycled options (in case you haven’t noticed, I don’t own a lot of fine jewelry).

Philadelphia based jewelry designers, Bario Neal, contacted me a few weeks ago to introduce me to their Fairmined gold jewelry line. The brand specializes in eco friendly and sustainable jewelry pieces and, as such, already made all of their jewelry with recycled metals and gemstones. But, as they explained to some of my fellow Ethical Writers Co. members, demand for gold is greater than gold available on the secondhand market, so there’s a “need” (that world is relative, isn’t it?) for Fairmined options. You can read more about the process and requirements on the Fairmined website. 

As it happens, the earrings I’m wearing here are actually made from recycled gold, and that’s my preference anyway. They’re the Octillo Small Earrings and they add the perfect touch to anything. I love that they’re small enough that I can leave them in when I go to bed and wake up accessorized, but the light hits them in such a way that they still make an impact. Another plus: I have very sensitive skin and these don’t bother me at all.

I wore this outfit on the Fourth of July, gallivanting around wine country with out-of-town guests and enjoying the fireworks at a local park. I also wore the earrings the following day, when my former boss at the coffee shop told me she liked my earrings. And she’s quite picky, so that’s a real compliment. (And then I proceeded to never take them off.)

Shop Bario Neal here. Read more about their ethical and sustainable business practices here.