Confessions of a Stressed Out Jewelry Designer

By jaszy

Truth be told this is a ranty confession. You see, I believe in Jesus – no that is not the confession part – I believe he was a perfect man while here on Earth, I believe that since his departure there has not been a perfect man or woman who has come since. With this I can only conclude that even in our best efforts not one person can truthfully claim that he/she is completely and totally “green”. Even if you live “off the grid” you may in some way use or consume something that may not fit the criteria of being totally green.

It’s my opinion that in order for humanity to truly transcend to a truly green society we have to start with complete honesty and that’s a tough nut to crack. I also believe that if everyone worked from a basis of honesty no one would ever have to question whether or not a product or service is what it says it is. And what about being “eco-conscious”?

Eco-conscious, def. – Although my product or service isn’t fully green or eco-friendly, I really wish it was, or I’m striving to make it so, so please trust that my heart is in the right place.

Along my eco-journey in designing fashion jewelry I thought I was doing myself, my customers, and the environment a solid when I decided to forgo the use of things that I could not prove were ethically sourced – yeah, I tried to do a complete 180 without first considering what I would do with all the not-so-eco stuff I already had in stock.

makin' jewelry

Bottom line is that I just was to make jewelry, I don’t want to hurt anybody. If I knew then what I know now about gem and metal mining I probably wouldn’t have even bothered, but I did. With the help of books, magazines, seminars, and lots of patience I taught myself how to manipulate wire to make earring hooks and clasps, how to coordinate colors and come up with new designs, prided myself on making one of a kind pieces and now I feel like my hands are tied. I don’t want to be accused on “green-washing”. I have pretty much ceased and desisted from making and releasing jewelry for fear of reprisal. Just what pray-tell am I to do with it all?! Would it be so awful if I made jewelry with it?

My conclusion, yes…I’m gonna make jewelry! So if you happen to see something that I’ve created that doesn’t fully pass the green litmus test, cut me some slack because yes, my heart is in the right place. Not every creation will be completely “green” or eco-friendly, but when I can I will ensure that at least one element of every design is. Until Oprah or Martha finally decide to answer my repeated calls and agree to bankroll Jaszy’s Jewelry to design and craft made-in-the-US of A “green” jewelry, then perhaps I will have the means to fly directly to gem mines to inspect operations and and/or personally smelt and recycle metals myself. Then and only then will my “eco-conscience” be crystal clear. But in the meantime, I will donate a portion of every sale of jewelry and advertising revenue to NativeEnergy.