Jewelry is pretty, but creating it is often pretty ugly. In addition to the harsh conditions workers (including small children) endure, the environmental impacts of jewelry production are less than sparkly. Gold mining is a dirty industry: it can displace communities, contaminate drinking water, hurt workers, and destroy pristine environments. Gemstone mining often has serious environmental ramifications including: siltation and sedimentation of waterways, direct deforestation to access soil for mining, stressed water supplies and the abundant use of oil powered pumps, drills and other machinery which causes air pollution and contributes to global warming. Still dreaming of stuffing someone’s stocking with a little hinged box? Buy vintage pieces instead. Vintage and antique jewelry is easy to find and sometimes less expensive than brand new bling. Since you’ll be purchasing something made in the past, you can feel good that your money isn’t contributing to the human and environmental brutalities of the jewelry industry while still providing your loved one with a beautiful gift and maybe even a little history.