As a jewelry design student, my research area is contemporary jewelry. I am concerned with the environment and waste. I want to understand the existing problems and solutions, which could be helpful for the development of my project.

Answer：

Environmental Pollution and Resource Waste in the Contemporary Jewelry Industry

(1) Material Waste and Pollution

Mining Destruction: Excessive reliance on minerals leads to ecological damage.

Chemical Pollution: Some processes generate chemical hazards that have adverse effects on the environment.

(2) Unsustainability of Consumer Culture

Excessive Packaging

The Trend of "Disposable" Jewelry: Aggravating resource waste.

Solution

(1) Material Innovation:

Utilizing electronic waste, industrial waste, biological waste, marine plastics, etc.

(2) Technological Revolution: Low-pollution technologies

Such as 3D printing, no electroplating processes

(3) Critical Narration: Redefining "Value"

Anti-luxury, enabling consumers to form emotional connections with products

Fig. 1 Yanko Design.(2022) ORI SERI bio-textile material is almost ready for a sustainable economy [Image]. Available at: https://www.yankodesign.com/2022/05/25/ori-seri-bio-textile-material-is-almost-ready-for-a-sustainable-economy/ (Accessed: [09 July 2025]).