Sustainability
From the Bench: Crafting with Conscience
May 16th, 2025
Creating bespoke jewelry is about more than aesthetics; it's about aligning with a growing desire for responsible consumption. At my bench, sustainable materials are fundamental to this philosophy. The personal nature of bespoke work demands a connection to the ethical origins of the materials themselves.
A critical aspect of this is ensuring our diamonds are conflict-free. We achieve this by exclusively sourcing diamonds certified under the Kimberley Process or those accompanied by a GIA Diamond Origin Report. The Kimberley Process offers an internationally recognized verification system, assuring clients that their diamonds have not financed conflict. Similarly, a GIA Diamond Origin Report provides traceability to the diamond's source mine. This commitment to verified sourcing is a core tenet of our practice.
The precious metals in our pieces are also selected with careful consideration for their environmental impact. Our casting house utilizes refined, or recycled, precious metals. This means our gold and silver are sourced from industries outside of traditional mining. Conventional mining can produce substantial waste – approximately 20 tons for a single ounce of gold. In contrast, refining existing industrial and scrap metals generates virtually no waste. Our supplier adheres to all environmental regulations and can provide origin certification, allowing us to craft pieces with 100% recycled gold, significantly reducing our environmental footprint.
Our Heirloom Program further embodies our commitment to sustainability. Jewelry often carries deep sentimental value passed through generations. This program allows clients to repurpose these treasured pieces. We carefully extract existing gemstones and collaborate with clients to design new jewelry that incorporates these heirlooms. This practice honors the story of the original pieces while giving new life to cherished materials, reducing the demand for newly mined resources.
Ultimately, integrating these sustainable practices into our bespoke jewelry making is about creating with integrity. We believe the beauty of a piece should be reflected in the responsibility of its creation, from origin to final cherished object. This is our commitment to transparency, ethical sourcing, and mindful craftsmanship.
