The story behind your jewellery is just as important as how stunning it looks. As more of us become conscious shoppers, it’s essential to know where your favourite pieces come from and the impact they have on the planet. Here are my tips on how you can make sure your jewellery is responsibly sourced, so you can match your personal style with your values.
What is Responsible Sourcing?
Responsible sourcing means that the materials used in your jewellery – whether it’s metals or gemstones – are gathered in a way that’s ethical and sustainable. That means fair labour practices, reducing environmental harm, and ensuring the materials are conflict-free.
How to Choose Responsibly Sourced Jewellery
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask your jeweller about where their materials come from. A trustworthy jeweller will be open and happy to share this info.
- Look for Certifications: Certifications like Fairmined, Fairtrade Gold, and the Kimberley Process can be signs of ethical practices.
- Go for Recycled Metals: Choosing jewellery made from recycled gold or silver helps reduce the need for newly mined materials.
- Consider Lab-Grown Gems: Lab-grown gemstones have the same qualities as mined ones, but they come with a much smaller environmental impact.
- Support Local: Buying locally sourced materials, like Australian sapphires, often means a shorter supply chain and better transparency.
- Do Your Research: Look for brands that are open about where they source their materials and are committed to ethical practices.
How We Approach Jewellery Making
At Kimba Pham Jewellery, we’re all about responsible sourcing. Our dedication to ethical practices includes:
- Prioritising Australian sapphires and other locally sourced gems
- Using recycled metals whenever we can
- Being fully transparent about our supply chain
- Handcrafting each piece to reduce energy use
Why It Matters
Choosing responsibly sourced jewellery isn’t just about peace of mind – it’s about making a meaningful impact. By supporting ethical practices, you’re:
- Ensuring fair wages and better working conditions
- Reducing environmental harm caused by mining
- Supporting local communities
- Giving your jewellery a beautiful story to go along with its beauty
The Future of Jewellery
As more people seek responsibly sourced jewellery, the industry is shifting. With innovations like blockchain, it’s becoming easier to trace the journey of gemstones and metals from the source to your hands.
When you choose responsibly sourced jewellery, you’re not just wearing something gorgeous – you’re wearing your values and supporting a more ethical, sustainable future for the industry.
Remember, every time you buy something, you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want to live in. Make your jewellery choices count!
This is just one of many things I am passionate about as a bespoke sustainable jeweller. If you would like to join one of my workshops to learn more, you can find them here https://kimbapham.com/collections/workshops-making-experiences
Watch our youtube video here: https://youtu.be/-_T7ymVucyM?feature=shared