Ethics and Materials
In my home office/studio I use green energy, paying extra to ensure my electricity is sourced from environmentally responsible and renewable sources within Canada. Other things like;
- compostable or 100% recycled packaging
- limiting the packaging to the minimum necessary
- choosing packaging that is multiuse
I also work partially in a shared studio. This means our equipment is used by more than 20 artisans.
In the last few years there have been more ability for jewellery designers to choose ethical and environmentally responsible options. As my brand evolves I will strive to choose those options and be transparent in regards to gemstone sourcing and material origins.
Along with sourcing new gem material I also recut and upcycle old stock gems. Including lapis, onyx, moonstone and turquoise (which I also limit new sourcing to Arizona origin). I’m also forging relationships directly with artisanal miners to get the most sustainable rough material to cut.
The journey is long, but worth it. Every sustainable choice made is a step in the right direction.
More Studio Practices
Using Heirloom Materials
Using materials you have at home is the most ethical and sustainable option every time.
Before making something custom, consider repurposing what you already own. A stone handed down, a chain you don't wear anymore, there's a bunch of different ways we can incorporate old into new!
This reduces waste, saves money, and minimizes your environmental footprint. If you've got more questions about the process, reach out to me and I'm more than happy to talk about it more!
Sourcing Canadian and other Gemstones
Canadian Diamonds
I only use Canadian melee diamonds (3mm and under). As for larger sizes, round is readily available in a full selection of size and qualities. For other shapes in larger sizes are unusual but not impossible. Most recently one of my suppliers has curated a collection of rustic, salt and pepper as well as champagne Canadian diamonds.
Other Canadian stones
I’ve been collecting a number of beautiful gemstones of Canadian origin. My personal favorite is deep green nephrite jade from BC. I also have pink and black rhodonite from BC and stripy amethyst from Ontario. Also the world famous ammolite (exclusively found in one area in Alberta) and most recently I found a supplier for the elusive Canadian sourced Labradorite. Which is no longer being mined in Canada, despite getting it’s name from here.
Montana Sapphires
I strive to provide as many options in Montana sapphires as possible. I have three suppliers, one of which is both mined and cut in the US. As well as my own collection of precision cut sapphires and I have a limited selection of rough for custom cutting. They come in a variety of colours but mostly in the medium to light teal and the sizes generally between .5ct-1.5ct.
Australian Sapphires
I have a number of Australian sapphires, especially the blue/yellow dual coloured or parti sapphires. I also have a good selection of rough so I can accommodate custom shape requests.
Black, Salt and Pepper and heavily included Rose Cut Diamonds
These are considered a lower quality diamonds, by international market standards. They tend to be cut from “undesirable” material. Unfortunately because of this it is very difficult to trace origin. I have one supplier who occasionally provides Canadian origin options. I also use two companies who have their own cutting factories. This ensures that the working conditions and practices from that point on are very regulated. As options become available we will strive to raise the verifiable ethical standards of these gemstones.
Lab Grown Synthetic Gemstones
I’m happy to give my customers lab grown options, primarily diamonds and sapphires (of any colour). Some natural gemstones are cost prohibitive in certain sizes and colours but many are available man made which are just as beautiful. I have a selection of rough sapphire material in many colours. So I can provide you with precision cut and modern gem designs.
If you have something specific you want, let me know and I'm more than happy than happy to accommodate.
Packaging and Shipping
I can’t tell you how happy I am to have sustainable and compostable packaging!!!
It’s been a real struggle for me to invest each year in packaging when I know it is primarily going to be thrown out. I love the experience of opening a product that has been packed with intention, but I can't personally justify the waste. I have been searching for years to find any environmentally responsible options and now I'm getting to the point where I feel good about where I'm at.
I have been using biodegradable baggies for years, and of course I reuse them as much as possible.
The tissue paper and stickers are acid free and printed with soy inks so they dont leave behind nasty chemicals when decomposing.
The craft mailler is made from 100% recycled paper and recycled styrofoam.
Even my binding twine is biodegradable!
My jewelry pouches are made from recycled plastic bottles.
One last thing, yes I still have conventional ring boxes. I have found a company that produces compostable ring boxes so I have switched to those a few years ago.
Just writing this out makes me happy. It has been hard for me to accept the limitations of the jewelry and packaging industries. I have faith that things will continue to get even better and I'm so please that I am able to package my ethical and environmental jewelry in ethical and environmental packaging.
