Eco Friendly Green Wedding Rings

You may not have thought about the environmental implications of your wedding rings, but since your wedding ring is designed to be a lasting symbol of your union, you want your ring to have all the positive associations that it can.

photo credit: dennis and aimee jonez

If you have your heart set on a diamond, make sure it’s conflict-free. Ask the retailer for certification that the diamonds they sell are 100% conflict-free. If they can’t prove their diamonds are conflict-free, shop elsewhere. Profits from diamonds mined in war-torn African countries are often used to fund civil wars, including purchasing arms and carrying out devastating damage to both civilians and the environment. If you don’t know much about the Blood Diamond controversy, Amnesty International has a good overview of the problems, as well as some guidance you can use as you shop for your conflict-free diamond.

If you’re not satisfied with the diamond retailers you talk to, or if you’re just looking for a different option, you can look into buying vintage jewelry. Because of the wide array of styles available, you’re likely to find something that appeals to you in any metal you desire and with any gemstones you prefer. If you can’t find a vintage piece you like, you could instead choose to melt down an old piece of jewelry and have a jeweler fashion it into a custom design.

If you want to make more of a statement, you can choose a wedding ring in a nontraditional material. Many couples are choosing wooden rings to help symbolize their commitment to a green and simple lifestyle. Touch Wood Rings is one wooden ring company that’s gaining in popularity. Run by a couple out of their rural home, Touch Wood Rings creates only custom rings and is a sustainable and eco friendly company. A bonus of wooden rings is that they are much less expensive than typical wedding rings, generally only a few hundred dollars.

When you choose an eco friendly wedding ring, every time you glance at your hand, you’ll not only be reminded of your love for one another, but you’ll also be reminded of your commitment to the environment.