An introduction of sorts
The ethical sourcing of materials is, and will always be, of paramount importance in all of our designs. From a sustainable source for the wood we use, to the fair trade cutting of gemstones, we try to ensure we contribute to positive cycles and do not contribute to harmful practices.
Gold
Much Gold mining causes waste, a lot of waste. It can even come to as much as 20 tonnes for a single wedding ring. Not only that, the waste is often poisonous and pollutes water systems. And that is before we get to the dangerous mining conditions for the workers.
Recycling gold can also be, surprisingly, harmful due to the chemicals and waste byproducts it produces. However, all is not lost because there is absolutely an ethical, sustainable and green option for the beautiful gold we so adore in our jewelry.
What we use - 100% Harmony Recycled Gold (branded and certified recycled from the SCS Global Systems) that uses a Green Refining System that reduces the chemical production by 80% to standard refining methods with zero, that’s right zero, discharge wastewater treatment (that’s nothing into the air, or down the drains).
This incredible product comes from the undeniably socially responsible Hoover and Strong, the greenest refinery in the United States, and we will be 100% transparent about our Gold source. Always.
Diamonds
We work very hard to ensure ethical, recycled, conflict free diamonds throughout our designs. We have a number of fantastic sources for recycled diamonds that we use as widely as possible. Even our salt and pepper and earthy brown diamonds come from recycled sources.
Where the design demands a cut that is not available from one of our recycled sources, we work with companies to ensure ethical and conflict free sources, for the peace of mind of all of us.
Color stones
While less known for their conflict zones, unfair mining practices for Rubies and Sapphires are still very common. Not only do these unethical mines treat and pay the workers very poorly, with frankly terrifying work conditions, but also contribute to unfettered waste production and unfair practices.
The vast majority of our stones come from the worlds most transparent and fair-trade gemstone source, Columbia Gem House. A phenomenal company that has been spearheading the ethics of gemstone sourcing for more than thirty years.
From Montana Sapphires mined right here in the USA to Nayla Rubies mined and cut at fair trade level 5, we do everything we can to ensure a responsible source for the material we use.
Finally, in summary
If you want to bask in the glow of gold, the glitter of diamonds and the vibrancy of colored stones, then you should. And you need not only be presented with options that include destruction and desolation. There are plenty of responsible sources out there, and the more we use them the more they grow. And eventually, I have no doubt, they will be the only ones left.
Let's all love jewelry for how it makes us feel and the connection it creates to the world around us.
Further Reading
-Smithsonian.com-
The Environmental Disaster That Is the Gold
Industry
-New York Times-
Beyond Gold's Glitter: Torn Lands and Pointed
Questions
-BBC-