Have you heard of 19K gold?

In a past post, I explained the differences between the various karat golds. Now, I am happy to introduce 19K white gold as an exciting eco-friendly option.

19K is 79.2% pure reclaimed gold as confirmed in writing by the supplier (Argen). The color is a stable gleaming white on par with platinum. The best part about it is that it doesn’t need to be rhodium plated! Rhodium plating uses various harmful and toxic chemicals that typically end up in the environment.

The reason that it stays the same color is because of the content of the alloy. The mixing of gold, nickel and zinc together (when it is melted to form the karat gold grain) produces the finished product.

Unlike rhodium plating, which is layered on forming a thin skin of whiteness over the off colured white gold (old style ), the color of the 19kt ultra white always remains the same. Not a layered colouring, but the color is set up in the grain structure of the metal. It will always remain the same color.  

Posted via web from 3BL Media, CSR News, and Emily

Kyler by Joy O added as Featured Designer on Sulusso | 3BL Media

(3BLMedia/theCSRfeed) December 21, 2009 – Sulusso, the premier online retailer of sustainable jewelry, announced today that Kyler by Joy O will now be featured on the site.

Kyler is the latest endeavor of San Francisco-based jewelry designer Joy Opfer, whose jewelry is a favorite among celebrities including Anne Hathaway, Cameron Diaz, and Jessica Alba.  

Instead of seeing alternative materials such as recycled stainless steel or reused glass as obstacles, Joy recognized that using these materials she could create more sustainable jewelry alternatives with great designs while using minimal resources. Helping the jewelry and fashion industry to be carbon neutral is indeed one of her motivations.

Kyler is handmade in the United States with recycled and recyclable materials like stainless steel, 14k gold fill, sterling silver, black zinc, and artisan glass, all chosen with our planet in mind.

Kyler by Joy O jewelry starts at just $50. 

About Sulusso

Sulusso, which means “On Luxury” in Italian, is the premier online marketplace dedicated to sustainable jewelry. All of the items featured on the site are crafted by artisans and designers committed to creating fine jewelry with minimal social and environmental impact.

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(Revised)CSR Minute: October 6, 2009 – Dow Corning’s Green Portfolio; CRO’s Conference; Sulusso’s Sustainable Jewelry

Corporate Social Responsible News: Dow Corning’s Green Innovation Portfolio; CRO’s Summit Conference; Sulusso’s Sustainable Jewelry

Sulusso Becomes Exclusive Online Retailer of Okomido Sustainable Jewelry

Sulusso, the best online source for sustainable designer jewelry, will be the exclusive online retailer of Okomido jewelry.

“I am so pleased to be partnering with Sulusso to sell our jewelry. Sulusso shares our deep commitment for social and environmental responsibility, so it seemed like a natural fit,” said Midori Wayne Ferris, Okomido designer and founder.

Okomido was conceived from the idea that the jewelry we wear reflects our values.  Now more than ever, it is apparent that consumers are seeking products that demonstrate a connection to the earth and its inhabitants.

The company’s commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious design, translates into no new mining.  Without exception, all the materials used in the Okomido jewelry are completely reclaimed, from sterling silver and 18 karat gold to vintage gemstones resurrected from antique jewelry.

Painstakingly hand-crafted by artisans in Sonoma County, California, every piece of Okomido has a history, incorporating vintage elements that contain their own stories of wearers past.  This historical connection brings additional meaning to the collection and provides yet another reason to treasure the jewelry for future generations.

About the Designer
Midori, which means “green” in Japanese, grew up in Pondicherry, India and California. While working at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, she was inspired to collect antique and vintage jewelry. From there she developed a successful practice of creating one-of-a-kind pieces for specific clients.  Her passion for history and environmental stewardship coupled with her love of art eventually led her to developing Okomido.

via 3blmedia.com

CSR MInute: September 24, 2009 – Lowe’s School Grants; IBM’s Iowa Initiative; C5′s Sustainable Jewelry

Corporate Social Responsible News: Lowe’s School Grants; IBM’s Iowa Initiative; C5′s Sustainable Jewelry

Socially Responsible Business Supports Jewelry Art of Indigenous Mexicans

Elegant Roots Blog

Difficult and unreliable roads faced noted landscape and lifestyle photographer Richard Speedy travelling in northern Mexico’s Sierra Madre. He labored his way, fueled by storied-beauty to the rocky, pine-wooded heights around Copper Canyon to explore and capture the stunning scenery.

In the remote village of Norogachi, Chihuahua, he found his own heart captured by the indigenous Tarahumara Indians and Mestizo farming families living there. Richard was drawn to their culture, seemingly little touched by modern life, but quickly realized that without sustainable economic viability the Norogachi way of life was threatened by a desperate and alienating exodus to urban centers. Instead of simply photographing yet another traditional culture’s demise, then turning his back, Richard committed to do something positive.

Back home in New Jersey, Richard partnered with his wife Mara Speedy, Rob Thacker and designer Jody Olcott to find a way to help the Noragachi villagers maintain their culture and way of life. Building on the traditional talents of the Norogachi artisans, Richard and his team formed a jewelry-art group they called Julio Pagliani—an affectionate moniker he had been given during his Copper Canyon travels. Soon the Julio Pagliani team and their Norogachi partners were making some of the most exquisite, museum-quality jewelery you’ll find anywhere in the world.

The Julio Pagliani story and its extraordinary jewelry graphically demonstrate the power of a socially responsible enterprise. The team began with a desire to make a positive difference in an economically challenged part of the world, then worked tirelessly to make their vision a reality.

Read more here: www.elegantroots.com/blog/

via 3blmedia.com