Machete - plant based jewellery — Ethical Style Hunter

An article we recently published on the impacts associated with mining precious metals like gold, got me curious about eco-friendly jewellery options. I came across Atlanta based Machete who launched in 2017, making their gorgeous jewellery from Italian imported cellulose acetate.

Cellulose acetate is a natural, renewable material made by extracting cellulose fibres from cotton and wood pulp to make a transparent paste. The paste can then be coloured, processed, moulded and cut into different shapes. Think of it as a plant based plastic.

Machete jewellery recently featured in Vogue

Acetate is handcrafted and fairly labour intensive. There’s a really beautiful little video of it being made here by Italian manufacturer Mazzucchelli. Because it’s manufactured, there are not the same social and environmental risks associated with the mining of precious metals. This renewable material also offers a great alternative to the sea of petroleum based accessories that are slowly filling up landfills and our oceans.

Cellulose acetate has been used in the production of glasses frames since the 1940s. The original Rayban Wayfarers are still made from acetate, and we’ve previously talked about sunnie crush brand Carla Colour. It might also already be in your wardrobe - acetate fibre is highly valued since it is low in cost and has excellent draping qualities.

For our antipodean readers, you’re in luck because Mooma has you covered for some of Machetes prettiest styles. Oh, and did I mention they're pretty affordable? Enjoy, babes.