By ethical silver and fine jewellery designer Arabel Lebrusan of Lebrusan Studio. Watch her TED Talk here.
You’re about to devote yourself to someone who’s beautiful inside and out – so why settle for anything less than an engagement ring that’s beautiful right through to the core, too?
When you choose from 100% recycled metal, Fairtrade Gold, Fairmined Ecological Gold and responsibly sourced gemstones, you can rest assured that the ring you’re committing to is one that you’ll both feel proud of forever. Like you, we at Lebrusan Studio believe it’s possible to enjoy the beautiful materials that Earth offers us without harming our planet. We know that by asking questions, simplifying supply chains and sharing knowledge, we can achieve this. We’re committed to sustainability and transparency of the materials that we use in our jewellery, and we’re committed to jewellery that’s beautiful through and through. With this simple how-to guide, you can be too…
What, Who and How?
Visibility and traceability are key. Without knowing a ring’s life story from start to finish, it’s impossible to make an informed decision. To be certain that the brand supplying you with your special treasure is ethical, it’s vital that the following questions are answered.
1. What materials is this piece of jewellery made from?
Is the ring made from industry standard materials that come with no provenance claims or ethical guarantees? Or is it crafted from beautiful metals like the Fairtrade Gold that supports small-scale miners in Central America, or the chemical-and conflict-free Fairmined Ecological Gold that can be sourced right back to the planes of Mongolia? If you want to know exactly what’s gone into your ring - just ask! Going to your jeweller armed with the right questions means you’ll get the right answers.
2. Who made this piece of jewellery?
Who mined the materials that went into the ring, and under what conditions? Who came after them to manufacture it? Was it somebody toiling away in the Far East under harsh and unsustainable conditions, or somebody in a lovely workshop in the heart of a caring and thriving jewellery company? The human beings behind a beautiful piece of jewellery are important and their stories should be told.
3. How were the mining and manufacturing processes respectful of Mother Earth? Has the ring’s journey been a sustainable one?
Ecological efforts include regeneration of land in the mining process, protection of waterways and correct waste management. In the end, it all boils down to whether you’re dealing with a company that are passionate about supporting a sustainable future – or a company who just don’t care.
Proof
Proof of ethical practice is essential. Trust your instincts – it’s pretty easy to suss a jeweller out. If their jewellery’s ethical, they’ll hold certifications and want to shout about it from the rooftops. At Lebrusan Studio, we’re certified Fairtrade and Fairmined, and celebrate this with special hallmarks from London’s Assay Office. It’s easy to prove traceability so if a brand isn’t flaunting theirs with pride, there are probably some questions unanswered.
The Rest is Down to You (Unless You Need a Hand)
This engagement ring marks a priceless milestone in yours and your partner’s lives so it must look nothing less than perfect through your eyes. Gemstones or diamonds? Stone size? Metal? Band width? The creative decisions are yours to make, but at Lebrusan Studio we also understand that engagement rings aren’t an everyday purchase. Don’t be overwhelmed - we’re here to help. While you’re busy pouring thought and passion into your relationship, we’re doing the same with your jewellery. Whether you’re ready to join our ethical journey whilst spoiling the love of your life or you’re simply after some inspiration for now – take a look at our collection of sustainably-sourced luxury engagement rings at lebrusanstudio.com.
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