Eco-ethical jewellery for me represents my commitment to the environment and social responsibility. It’s about crafting beautiful pieces of jewellery without compromising the well-being of our planet or its people.
But why?
For me, creating an eco-ethical jewellery brand was a natural extension of my personal values. Kindness and compassion are important to me, inspiring me to build a brand that not only offers stunning pieces but also upholds ethical practices.
The Journey to Becoming an Eco-Ethical Jeweller
As child I learned kindness from my parents, especially my father. Helping others, whether it was family, friends, strangers or animals it didn’t matter, kindness was a given. Being aware of others feelings and the impact I could have on them was important and a lesson I watched on an almost daily basis. My father taught me kindness and empathy. My mother taught me to do the right thing.
And as I grew up whether I was aware of it or not, those values have been part of all of my decisions. so, needless to say, becoming an eco-ethical jeweller was a transformative journey for me, driven by my personal values and a desire to try to make a positive impact on society.
So how does this apply to jewellery? Along the way, I discovered the environmental and social issues and the lack of transparency ingrained in the jewellery industry and wanted to do better. I believe that through transparency and making an effort to do the right thing, jewellery can be kinder to the environment and to people and animals. Thankfully, I am not alone and there are many other jewellers and suppliers choosing to do the same.
Why Transparency Matters
Understanding the Impact of Material Choices on the Environment and Social Issues
As I delved into the world of jewellery making, I became increasingly aware of the detrimental effects it can have on the environment and communities. Precious metals like gold and silver are often sourced through environmentally destructive mining practices, while gemstones can be linked to issues such as child labor and unfair wages and even conflict ( Russian blood diamonds). Even packaging has an impact on the environment and animals. By educating myself about these issues, I am able to make informed choices about the materials I use in my jewellery.
These types of realizations increase my desire to create jewellery that is not only beautiful but also kinder to the planet and its people.
Transparency played a crucial role in my journey towards becoming an eco-ethical jeweller. It allowed me to understand the true cost of jewellery production and motivated me to find alternative ways of creating beautiful pieces without harming people or the planet. By embracing sustainability and social responsibility, I was able to lay the foundation for my brand’s ethos. The values of kindness and compassion became central to everything I do as an eco-ethical jeweller, driving me to create meaningful connections between my jewellery, customers, and the wider world.
Protecting the Planet Through Sustainable Practices
1. Sustainable Materials: Using recycled metals, ethically sourced gemstones, and alternative materials like lab-grown diamonds helps me reduce the environmental footprint my jewellery. These materials have a lower impact on ecosystems and communities compared to traditional mining and extraction methods.
2. Reducing Waste: I’m always looking for innovative techniques to minimize waste in my production process. I make all of my jewellery in small batches to minimize waste make an effort to recycle everything in the studio from used saw blades to broken mugs.
By prioritizing sustainable materials and embracing waste-reducing practices, I can contribute to environmental conservation while still creating beautiful pieces that resonate with conscientious consumers.
Choosing the Right Suppliers for a Sustainable and Ethical Supply Chain
Selecting the right suppliers is essential for maintaining a sustainable and ethical supply chain. I prioritize collaborating with suppliers who share their values with me and adhere to strict ethical standards. They ensure that their suppliers follow responsible mining practices, provide fair wages to workers, and prioritize worker safety. Working with these suppliers means I am confident that my jewellery is produced in an environmentally friendly and socially responsible way.
This level of transparency enables my customers to make informed choices about the jewellery they purchase and ensures that they are supporting brands that align with their values.
And Finally ….
Choosing to make eco-ethical jewellery that aligns with my personal values is not only a fashion statement but I believe that by taking this values-driven approach, I can inspire positive change in a small way and hopefully inspire others to do the same. By being true to my values, I believe I can contribute to a future where kindness and compassion are at the heart of the industry.
As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Let us choose kindness-inspired and promote eco-ethical practices and contribute to a better tomorrow through our jewellery choices.
I’d love to hear what you think. Has this article inspired you to buy differently?