« Sustainable Jewellery »
Every decision in my work begins with a question: Where does this material come from—and what does it leave behind?
I work exclusively with Fairtrade gold and ethically sourced gemstones. Materials chosen not only for their beauty, but for what they make possible: jewellery created with respect—for people, for the environment, and for the craft itself.
For me, sustainability isn’t a trend—it’s a foundation. It shapes my designs, my processes, and my values. I’m continually refining my practice, always seeking ways to deepen the connection between beauty and responsibility.
« Ethical Store and Studio »
Sustainability is woven into my daily studio practice.
I work with Fairtrade gold, recycled silver, and responsibly sourced gemstones. Every scrap of metal is saved for refining, and each piece is hand-fabricated—avoiding the energy-intensive waste of conventional casting.
My studio runs on 100% renewable energy via Naturstrom, and I use power-saving technologies wherever possible. Just as importantly, I regularly reflect on my processes, always looking for ways to reduce waste and refine my approach.
This is an ongoing commitment. I don’t claim perfection—but I do promise to stay curious, honest, and always striving to do better.
« What the Symbols Mean »
100% Hand-Fabricated
Every piece is designed and made by hand in my Leipzig studio—formed from raw precious metal. Fabrication is a slow, skillful process of shaping wire, sheet, and rod into something singular. Unlike casting, which produces identical copies, hand-fabricated jewellery carries the subtle marks of its making—each piece with its own quiet character.
Ethically Mined Gold
Since 2020, the gold I use is certified Fairtrade—sourced through Fairever, a Leipzig-based company dedicated to high-quality, ethically produced precious metals. Their gold comes from the Fairtrade-certified MACDESA mine in Peru.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Fairtrade gold.
Responsibly Sourced Gemstones
I strive to source all gemstones as ethically as possible—working only with trusted suppliers who share my commitment to transparency and fair practices.
CLICK HERE to learn more about my responsibly sourced gemstones.
Ethical Silver
All the silver I use is either recycled or responsibly sourced—chosen with care to ensure quality and integrity. Since ethically mined silver is rarely available, recycled silver remains the most sustainable option. I work only with trusted suppliers who share my values.
CLICK HERE to learn more about ethical silver.
Sustainable Packaging
Packaging is a major environmental concern—especially in the jewellery industry, where mixed plastics are common. To reduce waste, my jewellery boxes are made from 100% recycled paper and are fully recyclable. They remain elegant and secure, simply with less impact once they’ve fulfilled their purpose.
« FAQ »
Q: Do ethically sourced metals and gemstones cost more than conventionally mined ones?
A: In short, yes. Materials like silver, gold, and gemstones from more sustainable sources do cost more—but the difference is often smaller than expected.
The raw material cost is just one part of the overall price. When a piece is hand-crafted by an independent jeweller, much of the value lies in the labour: the time, skill, and care it takes to create something truly unique. Focusing only on the price of gold or a diamond overlooks the artistry behind the piece.
Q: Is Fairtrade gold the same quality as conventionally mined gold?
A: Absolutely. The quality is identical—the only difference is that Fairtrade gold comes from artisanal and small-scale mining organizations that meet strict ethical and environmental standards.
Q: Where do the ethical materials you work with come from?
A: I source my materials from a few trusted suppliers:
Fairtrade Gold
My gold comes from Fairever, a Leipzig-based company dedicated to high-quality, ethically produced metals. Their Fairtrade-certified gold is mined by the MACDESA cooperative in Peru.
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Fairever: www.fairever.gold
Ethical Silver
Silver is a precious metal, but unlike gold, it’s rarely mined on its own—usually appearing as a by-product of other mining operations. This makes it difficult to trace and certify under Fairtrade standards. That’s why I work primarily with 100% recycled sterling silver and, increasingly, with fairly sourced silver from trusted suppliers. Both options support a more sustainable and transparent jewellery practice.
Ethically Sourced Gemstones & Diamonds
Gemstones are mined across the globe, each with its own unique origin. I source mine through a select few companies that specialize in high-quality, ethically sourced stones. These suppliers are deeply committed to transparency and consistently deliver stunning gems from mines that uphold strong ethical standards.
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Fair Trade Gemstones: www.fairtrade-gemstone.com/
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Lab-Grown Diamonds by Nevermind: www.nevermined-diamonds.com/
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Gemstones Brazil: www.gemstonesbrazil.com/
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Miadana Edelsteine: www.miadana.de/
The Reality of Gold Mining
Around 90% of gold is mined by artisanal and small-scale miners—making regulation extremely difficult. Many work in unsafe, exploitative conditions to support their families, often without oversight or protection.
Child labour is still common in small-scale mining communities, where poverty forces many children into dangerous work.
Gold mining itself is hazardous. Toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide are widely used, especially in small-scale operations where safety equipment is rare. Mercury exposure can cause birth defects and severe damage to the nervous, digestive, and immune systems—and can be fatal.
Shockingly, 60% of the gold used globally each year is newly mined—much of it under these harmful conditions.
« A Personal Note »
Why I Believe Transparency Matters
It might not seem important to everyone, but I believe it’s essential to know a little about the person behind a business—especially when that business makes claims about sustainability. Being “green” is trendy, and many companies use polished campaigns to appeal to emotions and boost sales. Sadly, some of these claims are misleading or insincere.
This kind of marketing frustrates me—and others who are genuinely working toward more sustainable practices. As mentioned above, I value transparency. So I’d like to share a few personal insights to show that my commitment to ethical and responsible practices isn’t just for show. I truly believe in making a positive impact.
Here are a few things I do in my personal life that reflect that belief:
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I’ve been vegetarian for over 12 years and adopted a fully plant-based diet in January 2020. I buy organic food and proudly support my local organic supermarket.
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Whenever possible, I choose regional and seasonal produce. That said, I do treat myself to organic tomatoes in the middle of winter—I’m only human, a human who loves tomatoes
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I avoid packaging wherever I can. A bulk store recently opened nearby, and it’s helped me drastically reduce the amount of packaging I recycle.
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I don’t own a car. I’m fortunate to live in a city where I can get around by foot, bike, or public transport.
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I buy very little clothing, and when I do, it’s organic or second-hand. I believe clothes should be chosen with longevity in mind—just like the jewellery I create.
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Some may think it’s not enough, but just like in my business, I’m always looking for new ways to improve and reduce my impact.
That’s a little about me. If you’d like to learn more about my journey into jewellery-making, visit my ABOUT page.
Thank you for taking the time to find out more about my dedication to crafting ethical jewellery!
Image © FairTrade Deutschland
Q: What makes Fairtrade Gold better than conventionally mined gold?
A: Conventional gold mining often involves hazardous practices and serious environmental harm. Fairtrade-certified gold, by contrast, is governed by strict standards that protect both people and planet:
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Fairtrade enforces rigorous rules around health and safety, chemical use, women’s rights, child labour, and environmental protection.
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Certified mines receive a guaranteed minimum price for their gold, plus additional funding to support their communities and improve working conditions.
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Regular audits ensure that Fairtrade standards are upheld.