Sustainable
Jewellery
This is a big topic and one that doesn’t have a firm binding framework within the jewellery industry. So it’s up to us to define what it means and how we can achieve it.
Our Sustainability
For Webb + Steele, sustainable is to operate with as little impact on our planet, our communities and ourselves all whilst being economical (both resource and cost wise) yet still achieving the desired result without compromise to quality.
It’s a big task but we we are committed to the cause and we are making every effort to operate our independent business with as little negative impact as possible. We are honest in that there is more we can be doing but it’s an evolving process so we will continue to update our achievements and sustainability undertakings.
From reclaimed metals to recycled diamonds and remodelling your old jewellery pieces - we are passionate and real about minimising the carbon footprint of jewellery production.
Sustainable jewellery starts with responsible sourcing of materials…
Ethical Diamonds
Ethical diamonds is an umbrella term for diamonds that have not caused any harm to a community or the planet in their journey from mine to market.
Below are the different categories we can offer with assurance of their true (recent) origins.
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Are stones that have been mined and cut by hand many years ago and re-introduced into the supply chain.
Every diamond that re-enters the supply chain helps to reduce demand for future mining ventures.
Because antique diamonds are cut by hand each and every one is completely unique.
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These stones are modern cut stones that have been previously set in jewellery and re-introduced to the supply chain.
Every recycled (including antique) diamond helps to reduce the demand for future mining ventures.
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These are predominantly Australian and Canadian Diamonds with accompanying certificates detailing their country and mine of origin. Knowing a diamond's precise origin is ensuring its conflict-free journey of mine to market.
The certificates ensure the stones are traceable and their origins are transparent.
White diamonds are the most readily available with champagne, cognac, yellow, pink, blue and purple available in limited quantities of Australian certified stock.
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Lab grown diamonds are practically indistinguishable from natural stones so are a great conflict free option.
We are always working to find new suppliers both domestically and internationally to find the highest quality lab produced diamonds and gems that are crafted with minimal environmental impact.
Ethical Gemstones
Ethical Gemstones is an umbrella term for gemstones that have not caused any harm to a community or the planet in their journey from mine to market.
Below are the different categories we can offer with assurance of their true origins with a large focus on the small Australian mining operations.
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One of our great passions is working with Australian sapphires that have been sourced in small scale mining operations and cut by independent, local gem cutters.
Small scale mining operations have lower environmental impacts than large and in some regions of Australia sapphires are alluvial and simply picked up off the ground after heavy rain.
Sapphire is the hardest naturally occurring gemstone after diamond so is perfect for everyday pieces. Australia is famous for its rich blues and greens but it can also be found in yellows, pinks and more.
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Over the years we have built working relationships with gem suppliers both locally and internationally.
We only work with suppliers who responsibly source their rough gems and carefully monitor both mining and cutting conditions.
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Like lab grown diamonds, moissanite and other gems are practically indistinguishable from natural stones so are a great conflict free option.
We are always working to find new suppliers both domestically and internationally to find the highest quality lab produced gems that are crafted with minimal environmental impact.
Recycled Metals
Making just one ring from new metal can result in up to five tons of environmental waste. We've made it our mission to work with suppliers who are equally committed to reducing their environmental impact.
The recycled metals we use are reclaimed from a combination of existing jewellery, silverware, coins and precious metal scrap.
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By using only recycled metals we are decreasing the demand for new mining ventures.
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The recycled metals we use are reclaimed from a combination of existing jewellery, silverware, coins and precious metal scrap.
Along with our commitments and together with our suppliers we strive to ensure that no virgin metal is used in our hand fabricating alloys.
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Our metal suppliers are members of the Responsible Jeweller Council (RJC) have been strictly vetted to meet our social and environmental ideals. They are equally committed to transforming the industry.
Snapshot of Our Sustainable Practices
Ethical Diamonds + Gemstones
The Kimberley process is not enough, we go further to offer diamonds and gemstones with more provenance or with a story to tell. From recycled to laboratory grown, we’ve plenty to offer that goes that extra mile.
Responsible Precious Metals
Along with exclusively offering recycled precious metals our suppliers are all equipped with high tech water & air filtration to minimise their environmental and social impacts.
Remodelling + Restorations
The most economical and friendly way to make jewellery! If you’ve got one ring to refurbish or a chest full and want to have them combined, we can walk you through all your options for a brand new family heirloom!
Opt-In Rhodium
Rhodium mining and extraction techniques have a detrimental effect on the environment. We have made the conscious decision not to plate any of our White Gold jewellery.
Sustainable Packaging
From the responsible forested scheme that our timber boxes are produced from to using only recycled and recyclable packaging and tape. All ink on our cards and boxes is bio-degradable too.
Small Business Footprint
We don’t mass produce jewellery and we certainly don’t over stock. We make to order or in small batches using only what we need.
Our sustainability is always evolving…
By following the above protocols we can ensure your unique jewellery is as sustainable as it can be for a small business.
Our sustainability efforts are always evolving as we strive to improve and we will add more as we can.
