EARTH TO HAND
OUR TRACEABLE TO MINE COLLECTION
If you’ve been following our story, you may know that we’re on a mission to create a fully traceable supply chain by 2032.
This means that, over the next ten years, we want to ensure that all of the gemstones we use do good on their journey from earth to hand.
The livelihood of over 150 million people relies on small-scale artisanal mines. By using traceable, ethically sourced gemstones, we can make sure that everyone in our supply chain benefits, from cutters to miners.
WHY WILL IT TAKE SO LONG?
Great question! We hope we can achieve this sooner, but we’re at the mercy of an industry that need to do better. Only a very small percentage of coloured gemstones are fully traceable, and even fewer mined diamonds can be pinpointed to a mine or region. The jewellery supply chain is global, with lots of cutting houses in India and Bangkok. As rough diamonds and gemstones pass from small scale miners, to agents and on to cutters, the provenance of the gemstone disappears. Making the traceability of gemstones very challenging.
WHAT STEPS ARE YOU TAKING?
We’re less than one year into our commitment, and we’re already launching a traceable collection. All of the centrestones can be traced back to ethical mines, and will be set in either 100% recycled gold or platinum, and accented with traceable lab grown diamonds.
For our existing suppliers, we’re undertaking an auditing process to ensure they meet our strict operating standards. And we’re travelling to visit and vet some of our suppliers later this year, in addition to meeting new ones, so we can have greater control over the journey of our gemstones.
THE COLLECTION
1.36ct Australian Sapphire
0.60ct Bostwana Diamond
0.90ct Australian Sapphire
0.52ct Bostwana Diamond
Our Earth To Hand collection includes an array of incredible gemstones from Australia, Tanzania, Botswana and USA. Each piece can be ‘Ready In Six Weeks’ and is made for you to your exact specification, so you can decide on the metal and size.
Each piece will be:
Designed by our in-house CAD team
Made from 100% recycled gold, or platinum (which isn’t yet recycled by our supplier - but they’re working on it)
Accented by lab grown diamonds where possible
Hand Finished in London
TRACEABLE TEALS FROM AUSTRALIA
We adore teal sapphires, and we are thrilled to be working with a small selection of high quality gemstones from Capricorn Gems, mined from the heart of Queensland.
Thanks to Australia’s national working standards, we know that each employee is paid fairly for their time, and rigorous health and safety procedures are in place. Working within what is known as the ‘gem belt’, there is a huge focus on environmental rehabilitation, and limiting their impact on the areas they mine.
BOTSWANA'S SALT & PEPPER DIAMONDS
Sarajane has been one of our trusted suppliers for some time. She sources rough salt and pepper diamonds from Jwaneng Mine in Botswana, which is jointly owned by the Government and Debeers. As a large mine, they have stringent health and safety measures, which are seen by some as the industry standard. Committed to community development with a workforce made up of mostly local people, the joint venture invests in local education and apprenticeship schemes.
Once rough diamonds are sourced, they are sent to India, the world capital of diamond cutting, to be cut by Anil and Ashish, who are incredibly skilled.
TREATS FROM TANZANIA
Working with Stuart from Ninteen48, we’ve been able to source some beautiful rubies and spinels from a community mine in Mehenge in Tanzania. Keeping the supply chain as small as possible, the gemstones were cut near Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is a relative newcomer to the mining industry, with small artisanal mines offering a lifeline and much needed income for some families.
