In an effort to keep up my research for eco-friendly steps in wedding planning, I want to share my results of my Rockland County jewelry search.

Before reaching out to any shops, I spent some time thinking of some of the most important questions I felt jewelers could answer about their skills and stores that would help me provide Morgan (my engaged friend who helped motivate my quest!) with information about environmentally conscious jewelry options. Below are the questions that I ended up sticking with, as well as my reasoning…

Do you offer any of the following items?

• custom work – May limit the carbon footprint, or corporate support that individuals are contributing to when they purchase from chain jewelers.
• recycled gold or silver (provided by customer or otherwise) – limits impact of and demand for mining of precious metals.
• designed settings for heirloom diamonds – So instead of mining for new diamonds, diamonds that are passed down family treasures (or bought from an estate sale!) have added sentimental value, in addition to benefits that limiting mining would have on the environment.
• synthetic or cultured diamonds – no mining required!
• Canadian diamonds – While still not environmentally friendly (the mines are often built in fragile ecosystems, cause disruption to natural habitats for animals, and often do not support the native cultures that are disrupted by the mining process) Canadian diamonds do offer the security in not purchasing “blood diamonds”.
• certified conflict free diamonds – Same as above, but must do extensive research to be sure that the “certified” conflict free diamonds are in fact, conflict free.
• other items that may appeal to bride and groom for other parts of their wedding planning (i.e. groomsmen gifts, bridesmaids gifts, etc.)

While I was disappointed that I didn’t hear back from more jewelers, but the ones I did hear back from were incredible. of the twenty-three Jewelers I contacted in Rockland County, the following 3 are the ones I heard back from, as well as their contact info.

Somos Designer Jewelry Gallery

www.somosjewelers.com

78 S Broadway
Nyack NY 10960
845-348-0800

One of the most traditional of the Jewelers that I looked at, and the most traditional that responded. They complete work with  recycled precious metals and ethical gems. They use conflict free diamonds, and complete custom work with antique gems and personal jewelry.

Schwalb Studios

Joel.schwalb1@gmail.com
www.schwalbstudio.com

Joel has experience in all of the above experiences. He was the first to write back, and his webpage has a fantastic gallery with some of his work.

Cameron Designs

info@rickcamerondesign.com
www.rickcamerondesign.com

This jeweler offers unique animal designs and supports many ecological and environmental causes. Check out his website for some fun and meaningful jewelry options.

As more responses come in from other Hudson Valley counties, I’ll be sure to post updates.
Do you know other Rockland jewelers that will work with any of the more sustainable jewelry design options? If so, please share!