"Who are you wearing?" That's the question most heard at fashionable and chic events the world over. Names Neil Lane and Harry Winston are often the first to escape a starlet's or socialite's lips. But if the team behind greenKarat has it their way, that will change. This groundbreaking company aims to impart "green living" standards on high-fashion with its line of environmentally conscious and sustainable jewelry design. GreenKarat has been going strong for seven years. According to Matthew White, the company's co-founder and spokesperson, its principle edict is to educate the public on the toil that jewelry design and construction can have on the planet. "The concept was born through awareness of the toxic effects of gold mining. Gold is typically separated from rock through the use of either cyanide or mercury. Both are environmentally destructive and harmful to people." he says.
When looking at a greenKarat creation, one simply must pause to absorb the breathtaking elegance of each piece. These rings showcase contemporary design elements while paying homage to antique handiwork. There is a great need these days for the product that greenKarat creates. As more and more individuals more toward a more socially conscious lifestyle, it becomes imperative for companies to grow and change with the times. White has a great understanding of the consumer market. "We believe our immediate success in 2003 was due to existing demand for eco-friendly jewelry," he says, "but the boom in eco-awareness has no doubt facilitated our continued growth." GreenKarat also thrives among the international backlash against blood diamonds. The company is well-aware of this terrifying epidemic and vows to bring it's consumers conflict-free wares. "Blood diamonds are used by rebel groups to fund civil wars, and have been instrumental in the murder and displacement of millions of people," says White. "The diamond industry has responded with a program (the Kimberley Process) intended to track the origins of diamonds, thus allowing consumers to avoid becoming a part of the cycle of terrorism. In fact, the program is full of holes and cannot be counted on to give the purchasers of diamonds peace of mind. Even Canadian diamonds, which are purportedly free of the conflict issues, are abusive of the rights of Aboriginal peoples and damaging to the environment. And it is our understanding that Canadian diamonds of .18 carats and under (including those so popular in pavé right now) cannot be tracked at all in compliance with the Kimberley Process. Canadian diamonds continue to be heavily marketed as environmentally friendly and conflict free, so even consumers who think they are acting responsibly are perhaps being duped. Because greenKarat offers only recycled diamonds and manmade diamonds, our customers can rest easy, knowing that they have removed themselves from the cycle of demand for diamond mining and all the tragedy which seems to follow it." As for the celebrities this unique company would love to see wearing its designs, there's an instant answer. "The President and First Lady," confesses White. "It appears that the Obamas have a pragmatic and optimistic approach to environmental issues and solutions. That philosophy is consistent with greenKarat’s approach. "¤.
For more information on greenKarat or to purchase these and other designs, visit www.greenkarat.com
When looking at a greenKarat creation, one simply must pause to absorb the breathtaking elegance of each piece. These rings showcase contemporary design elements while paying homage to antique handiwork.
