Fragrance Jewels: Vegan Or Not?

Veganism is a lifestyle choice that is gaining popularity, and with it comes a growing demand for vegan products. This includes items like perfume and jewellery, which many people may not realise are not always vegan-friendly. In fact, there are several reasons why a piece of jewellery might not be considered vegan, and there are also challenges in finding organic perfumes that are free from animal ingredients. So, what are the criteria for a product to be classified as vegan, and how can consumers make informed choices when it comes to fragrance and jewellery?

Vegan jewellery avoids animal-based polishing compounds, opting for water-based alternatives

Vegan jewellery is crafted using cruelty-free materials and tools without harming animals or using animal byproducts. In the past, animal derivatives were commonly used in the creation of jewellery, from the design process to the polishing and packaging.

Polishing compounds are used in the final stages of jewellery-making to clean the piece, remove surface imperfections, and add shine. Traditionally, these compounds contain stearic acid, which is made from animal fat. To create vegan jewellery, jewellers swap out these traditional polishing compounds for water-based alternatives that are fully vegan and contain no animal fat. For example, Luxi polishing compounds are vegan and water-based, and can be used to remove fine scratches and for final polishing.

Vegan alternatives to animal-based polishing compounds include calico cotton, vegan felt, or tufted cotton brushes, which can be attached to pendant motors to buff and polish the jewellery. These vegan options ensure that the jewellery is not only free from animal-derived ingredients but also that the manufacturing process is ethical and cruelty-free.

In addition to polishing compounds, other tools and materials used in jewellery-making can be swapped out for vegan alternatives. For instance, rawhide mallets used to reshape metal can be replaced with wooden mallets with replaceable mallet heads made from synthetic materials. Beeswax, often used to lubricate saw blades, can be substituted with plant oils. Packaging can also be made vegan by using materials such as hemp and cotton instead of silk and wool.

By opting for water-based polishing compounds and other vegan alternatives, jewellery makers can create beautiful pieces that align with ethical and sustainable practices, contributing to a more conscious and environmentally-friendly industry.

Leather tools are often used in the jewellery-making process, but can be replaced with vegan alternatives

While fragrance itself may be vegan, the tools used in the jewellery-making process may not be. Leather tools are commonly used in jewellery-making, but they can be replaced with vegan alternatives.

Leather sandbags and bench skins, for example, are often used to catch metal filings when sawing. However, vegan jewellers can opt for non-animal product alternatives. Rawhide mallets, typically used to reshape gold, silver, and brass surfaces, can be swapped for wooden mallets with replaceable mallet heads made from synthetic materials.

In addition to tools, certain materials used in the jewellery-making process are also non-vegan. For instance, beeswax is often used to lubricate saw blades, and pearls, silk, and wool are incorporated into jewellery designs and packaging. To create vegan jewellery, these animal-derived materials can be replaced with plant oils, and animal-free alternatives such as hemp and cotton.

The use of leather tools and animal-based materials in jewellery-making is a relatively unknown practice to consumers. However, with growing awareness, there is a push for more transparency in the industry. This includes clear labelling and ethical statements on products, as well as the adoption of vegan-friendly production practices.

Vegan alternatives to leather tools and materials are available, and with a little research and patience, it is possible to create beautiful, ethical jewellery that is kind to both the planet and its inhabitants.

Rawhide mallets are used to reshape metals, but wooden mallets can be used instead

Rawhide mallets are an essential tool for any leatherworker, and they are also commonly used by jewellers and brass wind instrument makers. They are made from rawhide, which is a byproduct of the leather-making process. The rawhide is split from the main hide and allowed to dry, after which it is soaked in a resin or shellac and then rolled up very tight and allowed to cure and harden. This process results in a very hard and durable material that is still soft enough to be used on softer metals without causing dents or deformations.

Rawhide mallets are ideal for working with soft metals such as brass, copper, gold, and silver. They can also be used for leatherworking tasks such as tapping down stitch lines, installing hardware, and pounding on glued layers. In addition, rawhide mallets are available in different weights and sizes, with heavier mallets containing a steel or lead core to provide added power.

While rawhide mallets are excellent for shaping metals, they do require some preparation and maintenance. New rawhide mallets often have a hard shellac coating that needs to be removed, and the mallet head may need to be soaked in water and softened before use. Over time, rawhide mallets can be trimmed, filed, sanded, or rasped to extend their lifespan.

Wooden mallets, on the other hand, are commonly used in woodworking and carpentry. They are made from hardwood and provide the necessary force for chiseling, carving, and joining pieces of wood without leaving marks. Wooden mallets are also useful for leather stamping, though they may not provide the same level of durability or consistent impact as rawhide mallets.

In summary, rawhide mallets are the preferred choice for metalworking and jewellery making due to their soft yet substantial striking surface, which prevents damage to delicate metal surfaces. Wooden mallets, while less suitable for metalwork, are ideal for woodworking applications and can also be used for leather stamping if needed.

Beeswax is used to lubricate saw blades, but plant oils are a vegan alternative

It is important to lubricate saw blades to maintain the tools, ensure smooth and quick cuts, and prolong the life of the blades. While beeswax is a popular lubricant, it means that the jewellery-making process is not fully vegan. However, plant oils can be used as a vegan alternative to beeswax.

Beeswax is a natural lubricant with a low melting point, making it easy to apply. It provides a smooth, non-sticky surface that prevents wood staining and protects blades from rust and corrosion. Beeswax is also commonly used to lubricate steel and other tools. It is often used to coat cord, thread, and silks when beading to prevent fraying, and it can be used to polish and seal oxidised silver.

Plant oils, such as vegetable oil, are non-toxic alternatives to beeswax. They are readily available and can be used to lubricate saw blades, although they may not be as effective as specialised lubricants. When used on saw blades, vegetable oil can provide lubrication without buildup, making it suitable for regular and intensive use.

To lubricate a saw blade, it is important to choose the right type of lubricant and ensure that the blade is clean and free of rust or debris. The lubricant should be applied evenly along the length of the blade, and any excess should be wiped off to prevent buildup and ensure smooth and efficient cutting.

Pearls, silk, and wool are used in the design and packaging of jewellery, but can be replaced with hemp and cotton

Pearls, silk, and wool are commonly used in jewellery design and packaging, but they are not vegan-friendly. However, there are more sustainable and ethical alternatives available, such as hemp and cotton.

Pearls

Natural pearls are formed when a foreign body, such as grit or a parasite, invades a wild oyster, and the oyster encases it in a hard shell to protect itself. Cultured pearls are created by manually inserting a piece of grit into farmed oysters, forcing them to create a "pearl". This process can be stressful and harmful to the oysters.

Silk

Silk is a material that comes from animals, specifically silk worms. The worms weave silk fibres to make cocoons during their pupal stage. To access the silk threads, silk-industry workers often boil or gas the cocoons, killing the worms. This process is cruel and unethical, and silk production also has a negative environmental impact.

Wool

Wool is obtained from sheep and has a questionable track record when it comes to animal welfare. The wool industry has been criticised for its impact on the environment, and wool as a material is delicate, not durable, and susceptible to mildew and shrinking.

Alternatives

Hemp and cotton are viable alternatives to pearls, silk, and wool in jewellery design and packaging. Hemp is natural, biodegradable, and grown without pesticides. It improves soil health, is breathable, and is cheaper to produce than wool. Cotton, especially organic and sustainable cotton, is softer than wool, faster drying, and easier to clean. It improves soil quality and uses less water than traditional cotton.

Additionally, materials like Tencel, Cupro, Ramie, and ECOVERO provide the look and feel of silk without harming animals. These vegan silk alternatives are made from plant-based fibres, wood pulp cellulose, or cotton by-products, offering a more sustainable and ethical option for jewellery packaging.

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