Sustainability, Ethics, and Environmental Impact

I am always learning more about how to do my work in the best way possible, which includes finding sustainable options for shipping and packaging, sourcing materials transparently, and supporting non-profit conservation efforts.

On this page:

 

Carbon-neutral shipping

When possible, I use carbon-neutral shipping services. These services purchase carbon offsets in proportion to the estimated emissions produced during shipping.

Recyclable packaging

  • Padded mailers are made of plastic #4, which is recyclable as long as it is sorted out and sent to an appropriate processing centre.
  • Safety packaging is made of thick paper cardstock (recyclable) and a white styrofoam insert (recyclable in some municipalities).
  • Jewellery packaging is an unbranded slim box, reusable as a gift box, travel jewellery box, or small storage box.

Ethical sourcing

The majority of gemstones are directly from gem cutters working in the countries where the gems are mined. Most of my sapphires are purchased from independent women-owned gem sellers in Thailand. Some gemstones are sourced from Canadian gem sellers who have travelled to purchase the gemstones directly from countries such as Zambia.

In general, I avoid sourcing gemstones through commercial trade, because these gems are sold at enormous markups in Western markets while paying very little to communities at the source.

Precious metals are sourced and alloyed by my local caster.

Wildlife conservation

Each year, ten percent of jewellery proceeds will be donated to wildlife conservation projects. In 2024, I chose to give to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.