One hundred percent of our raw metal – wire, sheet, and casting grain – is recycled. As the vast majority of our work consists of raw metal that we transform by hand, this means that the vast majority of our finished jewelry, including earwires and clasps, is made from recycled gold and silver. Our chain and findings are partially recycled and we look forward to increasing the percentage of recycled content as manufacturers increase availability. We diligently recycle as much gold and silver as possible in house. This eliminates the fuel consumption that would result from shipping to a refinery and also lowers our costs, enabling us to hold down the prices we charge.
With the exception of certain of our diamond beads and rose cut stones – about which, see below – all of our diamonds are certified conflict free. They are purchased from American suppliers who can guarantee that the stones have been exported and imported following the United Nations system called the Kimberley Process, through which stones are strictly monitored from mining to importation to ensure that no conflict diamonds enter the supply chain. The Kimberley Process mandates that after a stone has been imported it cannot change hands unless it is accompanied by a warranty stating that it has been imported in compliance with U.N. resolutions through legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict. We routinely audit all of our supplier invoices to ensure that a System of Warranties statement accompanies all of our diamonds.
We have not consistently found diamond beads or rose cuts offered for sale that are certified as compliant with the Kimberley Process. While this does not mean their origins are in any way compromised, neither can we make any guarantees regarding their history at this time. It is our policy to be as forthcoming and transparent as possible about the sources of all the materials we use. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.
