Being An Ethical Jeweller.

This month’s blog is about the materials I use to make my jewellery, one of the main aims for my business was to be as ethical as possible. For me it is non-negotiable.

To be ethical within the jewellery industry is tricky as most precious metals and gemstones are mined unethically, it can be hard to have a conscious whilst having a jewellery business.

Fortunately, the industry is changing, and there are more ethical mines where the miners are treated and paid fairly. You can now buy recycled silver and the fine silver clay that I use to make my jewellery is made from recycled silver.

If I use gemstones within my work, I buy them from a reputable company or fairtrade if I can afford them, ethically mined gemstones are more expensive.

I do quite a lot of research with the companies that I buy my materials from, and I study their sustainability statements to make sure I am happy with them.

Again, with my packaging I have considered the end use of it and have made sure that it can either be re-used or recycled.

It is extremely hard to be creative and to not make an impact on the environment and the offset is that creativity is essential for life and living. I do love that jewellery can be passed onto the next generation or it can be melted down and re-used, so from that point of view it can be very sustainable.

I hope you enjoyed finding out more about the materials I use, if you have any questions, you can contact me on hello@makarasilverjewellery.co.uk.

Bye for now!

Laura