At Svolasbalo Jewelry, we believe that beautiful adornments should never come at the cost of environmental degradation or human suffering. Our commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices is not just a business decision—it's a core value that guides every aspect of our operations.
Understanding the Challenges
The jewelry industry has faced significant ethical challenges throughout its history. Mining for precious metals and gemstones has been associated with environmental destruction, human rights abuses, funding of conflicts, and poor working conditions. These issues persist in many parts of the world today.
As consumers become increasingly aware of these problems, there has been a growing demand for transparency and ethical practices. At Svolasbalo, we recognize our responsibility to address these concerns and contribute to positive change within our industry.
Our Approach to Sustainable Sourcing
Our sustainability journey involves careful attention to every component of our jewelry, from the metals to the gemstones to our packaging and workshop practices.
Recycled and Responsibly Sourced Metals
Whenever possible, we use recycled precious metals in our jewelry. By repurposing existing gold, silver, and platinum, we reduce the demand for newly mined materials, thereby minimizing the environmental impact associated with mining operations.
When recycled materials are not an option for specific designs, we source new metals exclusively from suppliers who can demonstrate responsible mining practices. This means operations that minimize environmental disruption, ensure worker safety, provide fair compensation, and benefit local communities.
We are proud members of the Responsible Jewellery Council, which sets standards for responsible business practices across the jewelry supply chain.
Ethical Gemstone Procurement
Gemstone mining presents particular challenges in terms of ethical sourcing. Many precious and semi-precious stones come from regions with limited regulation or oversight, making it difficult to ensure they were obtained through ethical means.
Our approach includes:
- Working with suppliers who provide detailed information about the origin of their stones
- Prioritizing sources that adhere to fair labor practices and environmental responsibility
- Utilizing gemstones from mines that contribute positively to local communities
- Offering lab-grown alternatives for clients who prefer them
For diamonds specifically, we adhere strictly to the Kimberley Process and go beyond it by requiring additional assurances about labor conditions and environmental impact.
Traceability and Transparency
We believe that traceability is essential to meaningful ethical sourcing. As such, we maintain detailed records of our supply chain and are continually working to improve our ability to trace each component back to its source.
We are committed to transparency with our customers, readily sharing information about the origins of the materials in their pieces and the steps we take to ensure ethical sourcing.
Beyond Materials: Our Workshop Practices
Sustainability extends beyond material sourcing to encompass how we operate our business day to day.
Environmental Responsibility
In our London workshop, we implement practices to minimize our environmental footprint:
- Using non-toxic, biodegradable solutions for cleaning metals whenever possible
- Implementing water recycling systems to reduce consumption
- Properly disposing of or recycling waste materials
- Using energy-efficient equipment and renewable energy sources
- Minimizing packaging and using recyclable or biodegradable materials
Ethical Labor Practices
We are committed to fair and ethical employment practices within our own operations. This means:
- Providing fair compensation and benefits to all employees
- Ensuring safe and healthy working conditions
- Supporting ongoing education and skill development
- Fostering an inclusive, respectful work environment
"True luxury isn't just about exquisite design and craftsmanship—it's about knowing that what you wear has been created with respect for both people and planet. We believe that ethical considerations and beautiful jewelry should go hand in hand."
— Elizabeth Hayes, Founder
Our Ongoing Commitment
We recognize that sustainability is a journey, not a destination. The challenges facing the jewelry industry are complex and evolving, requiring constant vigilance and improvement. Our approach to ethical sourcing and sustainability is therefore one of continuous learning and development.
Current initiatives include:
- Working toward 100% traceable gemstones in all our pieces
- Collaborating with industry partners to improve sustainability standards
- Supporting community development in mining regions
- Researching innovative, eco-friendly materials and techniques
- Regular auditing of our supply chain and practices
The Role of Our Customers
Our customers play a crucial role in our sustainability journey. By choosing ethically sourced jewelry, you vote with your purchasing power for a more responsible industry. We encourage our clients to ask questions about the origins of their pieces, to care for them properly to ensure longevity, and to consider the lifecycle of their jewelry.
For those who already own jewelry of uncertain provenance, we offer redesign services that allow precious materials to be repurposed into new pieces with a clear ethical profile moving forward.
Looking to the Future
The jewelry industry has the potential to be a positive force, creating beautiful objects that celebrate important moments while respecting human dignity and environmental health. At Svolasbalo, we are committed to being part of that positive transformation.
We invite you to join us in this journey toward a more sustainable and ethical approach to luxury. When you choose a Svolasbalo piece, you're not just selecting a beautiful object—you're supporting a vision of jewelry creation that honors both artistry and responsibility.
