Celebrating World Oceans Day at the UN!
What is Earth’s Most Important Asset? Our Oceans!
In a “pinch me” moment, I had the unforgettable experience of attending the United Nations for World Oceans Day with Women and Climate!
The theme, “Awaken New Depths,” featured inspiring keynotes, panel discussions, and presentations that deepened my appreciation for the oceans’ critical role in sustaining life on Earth.
The most impactful takeaway for me is a shift in perspective:
To View and Value Nature as an Asset Class
With over 70% of our planet covered by oceans, we are all connected to the oceans. Their health and what we do (or don’t do) to to restore, preserve and protect our oceans impacts us on land - even those of us who are landlocked. Beyond tourism and recreation, our oceans are invaluable assets that provide essential resources such as food, carbon storage, and support for coastal economies and livelihoods.
Insights from World Oceans Day:
Generational Wisdom: From Xiye Bastida to Sylvia Earle the theme was seeing our natural world as something we are borrowing from our children versus inheriting from our ancestors. Sylvia asked us to reimagine our approach to viewing and valuing nature as an asset class - and the worth of a living fish or tree, versus a dead fish or tree.
Scientific Insights: Johan Rockström shared compelling data about our earth systems and Naoko Ishii discussed transformative solutions and action levers for local commons to steward global commons.
Innovative Optimism: David Erasmus’ work with Aqoustics Ltd. showcases a visionary, hopeful approach to marine conservation by recording the sounds of thriving, healthy coral reefs and replaying them to dying reefs to help heal and restore biodiversity!
Here’s to catalyzing action and growing progress towards creating a more healthy planet - and more equal society.
What Does This Have To Do With Jewelry? Pearls!
Saltwater farming practices can positively impact marine environments
Pearls are a luminous testament to the health of marine environments. The saltwater mollusks that create these organic gems can only produce pearls in pristine, nutritious waters - meaning they are indicators of a healthy ecosystem.
Lagoons and shorelines with pearl oyster farms expand fish biodiversity. Fish and other organisms feed on what grows on the floating racks and the oysters themselves.
Mollusks must be cleaned to keep them healthy and parasite-free. Responsible pearl farms employ a gentle (and time-consuming) method of transporting them to shallow lagoons for fish to feed on. The industrial (fast) alternative employs pressure hoses.
The quality of the pearl is a direct reflection of the water quality, temperature, and conditions present (including stress) throughout its lifecycle.
Worthy of note: low-quality pearls can be indicative of a less-than-ideal marine ecosystem and less-than-ideal conditions for laborers who are not fairly compensated.
When the environment and people are considered, the local economy and nature can sustainably thrive.
Even mollusks that do not produce pearls can provide benefits for wildlife and humans! For example, The Billion Oyster Project is restoring habitat for hundreds of species, while protecting New York City from flooding, shoreline erosion, and reducing damage caused by large waves and storms.
Cultured Pearls Are an Organic Gemstone and a Renewable Natural Resource
The topic of sustainability and pearls is a nuanced one - especially because the “s” word and “eco” claims are loosely thrown around and often clouded by greenwashing!
As I mentioned, responsibly sourced pearls consider the well-being of both the environment and the people involved in their production.
Always inquire about the origins of your jewelry “ingredients”, including the who and how. Anyone in the responsible jewelry space will give you as much information as possible - an be honest when information is not known.
You can read more about 4 ways responsibly sourced jewelry supports UNSDGs here.
Discover the Diversity of Pearls
Explore the wonderfully wild array of colors, shapes, and sizes with “The Skinny on Pearl.”
Each piece I’ve curated tells a unique story and reflects Mother Nature’s artwork. Dive into these pearl pieces that will help you feel luminous... and turn heads!
SHOP PEARL JEWELRY
DESIGNED BY WOMEN
Manifest Your Intentions with Pearl Jewelry
Pearls are believed to bring you harmony, integrity, and focus. Ancient cultures attributed special properties to gemstones, such as prosperity, wisdom, or courage. Today, we harness the metaphysical properties of gemstones to manifest our desires.
Explore our guide on visualizing your intentions through the metaphysical properties of gemstones and jewelry.
Personalized Jewelry Shopping
I help you find memorable jewelry that tells your story, amplifies your visibility, and aligns with your values. Our personalized service includes:
rings
earrings
necklaces
bracelets
responsibly sourced gemstones
Learn more about this personalized shopping experience.
Book Your Consultation and embark on a journey to find jewelry that resonates with your unique story and style.