Handmade jewelry constructed in China and other emerging-economy countries is often the product of exploited and low-paid workers, who are often subject to unpleasant and unsafe working conditions. When you purchase a piece of fine handmade jewelry sold directly by the artist or from a gallery commissioning their work, you know that the artist has set a price that is fair to them, and that you are supporting their craft.
Concerned purchasers may also be interested in evalutating the origin of the components used in a piece of jewelry. There are many components that benefit artists in other parts of the world; some examples from my own designs have included Shiana fair trade handmade fine silver from Thiland and Kazuri ceramic beads handmade in Africa.
Gemstones and stone beads are often cut in China and India, as well as other poor regions of the world. Labor conditions can be poor and pay low; unfortunately there are currently no fair trade sources for gemstone beads. Boycotting the gemstone trade entirely risks doing more harm than good at this point, as these workers do still rely on the income earned from their trade.
Those who love stones but wish to avoid purchasing stones cut in China or India might want to take a look at some of my gemstone pendant necklaces. I have gone to great pains to locate some excellent lapidary artists in the United States who cut and polish their own rough into beautiful pendants and cabochons. Some of them even mine some of their own stones. A hand-cut and polished stone pendant on a Greek leather cord or a sterling silver chain would make an excellent choice for the concerned consumer.
