CRAFTSMANSHIP
Committed to maintaining a fully ethical production chain, I take pride in crafting my products on a made-to-order basis. This approach not only minimises wasteful production but also fosters personal connections with my customers. A making process that follows the more mindful pace of life the brand supports.
Metals, gems, diamonds and pearls
Sourcing exclusively from recycled metals, vegan fabrics, and ethical gemstones, I am deeply committed to transparency in my sourcing practices, ensuring my customers can make informed choices. In my designs, I use only recycled silver and gold as a deliberate effort to combat the environmentally destructive mining industry.
When it comes to gemstones, the landscape is far more complex. As of now, no established body exists to trace gemstones from mine to market. Even for diamonds, the Kimberley Process cannot provide full assurance for every stone due to the vast number of small stones and their movement across the globe. A single gem may be mined in one location, cut and polished in another, and then sold through various suppliers before reaching the market. Considering this, I only work with lab-grown, post-consumer, hand-harvested, or family-mined stones to ensure full traceability. But what do these options mean?
Lab-Grown Stones – In nature, gemstones form over millions of years under intense pressure, but in a lab, this process is replicated within weeks. While lab-grown stones do raise environmental concerns regarding energy consumption, they offer complete transparency regarding their origins. Currently, only diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires are produced this
way.
Post-Consumer Stones – This is my favourite way to source gemstones! Post-consumer stones are gems that have been removed from vintage jewellery or auctioned from collectors and resold through trade auctions. I love this method because older stones were often hand-cut, creating unique, slightly imperfect shapes that are rarely seen today. It also provides access to a wider range of stones and colours not yet available through lab-grown alternatives. Due to my commitment to animal welfare, post consumer sourcing is the only way I acquire pearls. While these stones may show signs of their previous life, I carefully inspect each one to ensure its quality and always inform customers of any marks. This approach allows us to give gemstones a second life!
Hand-Harvested Diamonds – I collaborate with a diamond company that collects diamonds from riverbeds, where they have naturally washed down over centuries. This non-invasive method yields exceptionally strong diamonds that have survived their long journey, avoiding the environmental and ethical issues prevalent in the diamond industry.
Family-Run Mines – While I do not support large-scale mining due to its environmental impact, I recognise that, for some, mining is a vital source of income. In rare cases, I work directly with small, family-run mines that operate on a minimal scale, reducing environmental harm. These mines cut and sell their own stones in-house, ensuring a transparent and ethical supply chain.
For every project, I carefully consider and discuss with my clients which option is best suited to their needs, always prioritising ethical and sustainable practices.
Processes and suppliers
I strive to maintain the highest ethical standards throughout my production process when creating my designs. My initial step towards reducing the use of chemicals involves the integration of a biodegradable pickle made from 100% non-toxic food-grade materials. This solution is used to remove oxidisation from the metal following heat processes, a step that traditionally employs corrosive chemicals. Furthermore, any plastics that I receive when purchasing materials are always recycled to some other purpose. I grew up in a house that recycled even wrapping paper so there's always a use somewhere!
While the majority of my designs are crafted in-house, for any external processes, I have established partnerships with local suppliers within Europe to minimise the carbon footprint of the brand. Additionally, I've collaborated exclusively with suppliers who share my commitment to ethical and environmentally responsible practices. My casting supplier works solely with recycled metals, my plating supplier recycles the water used in its production processes, and my fabric supplier specialises in producing non-harmful vegan silks.
Quality
Each of my designs is crafted with individual care and attention, ensuring that love is poured into every piece. Given the handmade nature of these designs, there may be minor differences between each piece, which contribute to their unique character.
All my pieces over 8g are hallmarked by either the Dutch or London Assay Office, providing assurance about the material quality.
My 14k Vermeil plating, offered at 3 microns of thickness, exceeds industry standards, ensuring a long-lasting, high-quality finish.
