Sustainability + Ethics
Sustainability is definitely the buzzword of our time, but is a cause near and dear to my heart.
I was born and raised in a breathtaking but very remote region of Western Australia (on Banjima country under the beautiful Jarndunmunha) and currently call regional North Queensland home (Gimuy).
The land was my best friend growing up, so it's important to me that my business respects it.
As a small Australian business, I am passionate about supporting other Aussies and producing my work in our beautiful country with pride.
I would like to break down some of my processes and materials for transparency.
Labour:
✩ To be honest, the biggest social impact you make by choosing SoaC is the fact that I'm getting paid a living wage to produce your jewellery in a first world country.
Packaging:
✩ My mailer boxes are 100% recyclable FSC certified e-flute cardboard - made in Australia!
✩ I use recycled paper shred to pack my boxes, which is biodegradable and compostable.
Tools and Studio:
✩ I am a HUGE believer in not needing top-of-the-line tools - most of my tools are from second hand shops or hand me downs from my mum who also makes jewellery.
✩ My kiln uses less energy than a handheld hairdryer!
✩ To be honest, the biggest social impact you make by choosing SoaC is the fact that I'm getting paid a living wage to produce your jewellery in a first world country.
Packaging:
✩ My mailer boxes are 100% recyclable FSC certified e-flute cardboard - made in Australia!
✩ I use recycled paper shred to pack my boxes, which is biodegradable and compostable.
Tools and Studio:
✩ I am a HUGE believer in not needing top-of-the-line tools - most of my tools are from second hand shops or hand me downs from my mum who also makes jewellery.
✩ My kiln uses less energy than a handheld hairdryer!
Materials:
✩ The silver clay I use is made from 100% recycled silver scraps. Mainly offcuts from the photography and x-ray industries.
✩ My work is cast, meaning only the specific amount of metal needed is used. All production scraps are saved and refined/recycled.
Gemstones:
✩ I source some gemstones from retailers in India, which I batch test before use.
✩ I source my lab grown gemstones from an Australian Jeweller's supply store. Lab-grown stones are chemically identical to mined gemstones, but without the devastating environmental and social cost.
✩ I source my pearls both online from an Aussie seller, and handpick some at local markets.
✩ I source my opals from local Australian vendors and markets - check out Smart Opals and Precious Time Opals!
✩ The silver clay I use is made from 100% recycled silver scraps. Mainly offcuts from the photography and x-ray industries.
✩ My work is cast, meaning only the specific amount of metal needed is used. All production scraps are saved and refined/recycled.
Gemstones:
✩ I source some gemstones from retailers in India, which I batch test before use.
✩ I source my lab grown gemstones from an Australian Jeweller's supply store. Lab-grown stones are chemically identical to mined gemstones, but without the devastating environmental and social cost.
✩ I source my pearls both online from an Aussie seller, and handpick some at local markets.
✩ I source my opals from local Australian vendors and markets - check out Smart Opals and Precious Time Opals!
