Buy local, support artisanal brands, favour classic designs and get pieces repaired, advises UltraLuxe founder and festival director Angela Loh

Building a responsible jewellery collection that won’t hurt the planet doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, with an ever-increasing number of sustainable jewellery designers making their debut, this once-niche market is becoming much more mainstream.

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Pioneering the movement is UltraLuxe’s Angela Lo, and if you’re in Singapore from 13-23 October, you can visit the Ultraluxe Festival, a luxury event showcasing independent designers and iconic pieces from local and international designers. Now in its second year, the event is expected to attract more than 10,000 visitors to the show’s location of ​​TENT@Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza on Orchard Road, says Lo.

In an industry dominated by established brands, Lo is fostering an inclusive, collaborative ecosystem for global international brands and independent talent to shape the future of luxury. Here, she shares eight recommendations that will help you build a sustainable jewellery collection.

Embrace Your Personal Style

Building a collection of timeless pieces will enable you to develop and showcase your personal style. You’ll feel confident and comfortable in these items, which is key to sustainable fashion.

Caratell has consistently ranked among Singapore’s top ten jewellery brands for seven consecutive years

Know Your Materials

Prioritise ethical, eco-friendly, and responsibly sourced materials to make a positive environmental impact. Choose transparent luxury brands that openly share information about their material sourcing and production processes.

Invest in Timeless Pieces

Instead of trendy items, go for well-made, classic pieces that last longer, and which provide better long-term value.

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Do Repairs and Maintenance

Many luxury brands offer repair services, which will help maintain the original quality and functionality of your favourite items. This contributes to waste reduction and prevents items from ending up prematurely in landfills.

Simone Jewels, which is the first jeweller from Singapore to be showcased at Harrods, has a bespoke service that helps clients remodel their existing pieces.

Look Out for Local and Artisanal Pieces

Support local jewellery artisans and craftsmen who prioritise sustainability. Look for designers creating handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces with ethically sourced materials, preserving traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

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Consider Upcycling

Transform old or worn luxury items into something new by working with skilled artisans or designers. Upcycling reduces waste and gives your items a fresh lease on life.

Seek Out Eco-friendly Packaging

Choose brands using eco-friendly packaging materials like recycled or biodegradable options. Minimalist packaging and sustainable shipping practices further reduce environmental impact.

As a vertically integrated company, AUTORE takes pride in their commitment to preserve and regenerate the environment, support local communities and invest in training and education.

Examine Environmental Credentials

Ethical luxury brands proactively minimise their environmental impact. This includes sustainable material sourcing, responsible production processes, energy efficiency, and waste reduction strategies. By choosing such brands, you align your luxury purchases with a commitment to protecting the planet.