How to fight fast fashion with a jewellery capsule collection

Have you ever bought a piece of affordable jewellery from a high street fashion outlet, only to find that it broke or the metallic finish rubbed off after just a few wears? Cheap jewellery that is designed to cater to the new trends might provide an instant gratification fashion fix, but it’s terrible for the environment. This mass-produced jewellery isn’t built to last, meaning it soon ends up in landfills or incinerators, both of which are bad news for our planet. Plus, it’s usually made very cheaply, meaning it contributes to harmful manufacturing processes and poor conditions for workers around the globe.

So, how can you add a little sparkle to your outfits, without fuelling fast fashion? The solution lies in building a capsule collection of beautiful, timeless and high-quality jewellery that you can wear time and again. This way, you’ll be holding on to your pieces for longer, meaning nothing goes to landfill. Here, Jack Jahan from Ramsdens Jewellery shares some top tips to help you get started.

Shop mindfully

Each time you’re tempted by a new piece of jewellery, take the time to really think it through and decide whether it’s something that you actually need. Ask yourself what outfits you’ll wear your new jewellery with, and how often you’re reasonably going to be able to wear it. This will help you to make more mindful choices, and avoid impulse buying.

It’s also important to pick high-quality, lasting pieces that are made using materials that won’t tarnish, such as real gold, silver and other precious metals. It might cost more upfront, but these pieces will last much longer, so it’s a better investment in the long run. Remember, you can always buy second-hand or vintage jewellery, which is just as high quality but more affordable.

Pick timeless styles

If you try to follow every single one of the latest trends, it can be all too easy to get caught up in the cycle of fast fashion. While those neon-bright feathered earrings might seem like a must-have right now, they’ll be passé come next season, meaning they’ll likely end up in a charity shop or landfill site before long. But, timeless jewellery — like simple gold and silver chains and pendants, stud earrings, and simple gemstone or diamond rings — will always be in style. So, try to choose classic pieces, and be guided by your own personal taste while shopping, rather than passing fads.

Choose a mix of pieces to suit every occasion

You want to have a piece of jewellery to suit every occasion, so it’s important to pick versatile pieces that will complement a wide range of colours, outfits and styles. I would recommend having a few yellow-gold pieces to suit outfits with warmer colour palettes, as well as some silver-toned styles for cooler ensembles. You’ll also want to make sure you have two different styles of jewellery to suit both high and low necklines. So, you’ll need at least one pair of stud earrings and drop earrings, and one long and one short necklace.

Care for your jewellery to help it last a lifetime

When cared for properly, precious metals like gold, platinum and high-quality silver will last a lifetime, so be sure to store them carefully in a lined jewellery box. Precious metals shouldn’t tarnish when wet, so you can also clean them gently with a soft cloth and some warm water and mild dish soap when needed.

If you have any pearls in your collection, wipe these with a dry cloth to remove any residue. Pearls benefit from being worn often, as the natural oils in your skin help keep the nacre moisturised and lustrous. So be sure to flaunt them as often as possible!

If you’re trying to reduce the environmental impact of your wardrobe, then a capsule jewellery collection is the way to go. Take these tips on board and you should have a collection that is as stylish as it is eco-friendly.