Precious metals and stones often have a nasty secret history - but at GreenKarat you can know exactly where it's coming from through their Green Assay. For each piece, the listing contains information on whether the metal is recycled, if the gems and other components are ecologically mined, if the metal is from an ecologically certified refinery and if the jewelry maker used ecologically sound manufacturing procedures. They also recommend you pay the voluntary carbon tax - a premium of about half a percent that covers the carbon. My favourite piece is called First Fig, which features a lab-created emerald in either recycled gold or platinum. At $325 USD and with so many ethical components, it truly qualifies as what they call a Responsible Indulgence. [GT]
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From: BEST OF 2008: Eco-friendy and sustainable shoes