Metals and stones used

925 Sterling Silver - all recycled

in the UK - 92.5% pure silver, with 7.5% copper added to give it strength and more durability than fine silver (99.9% pure)....  

soft in colour, fairly hardwearing, will dent and mark over time and will tarnish if left unworn for long periods of time, can react with certain chemicals or substances but usually easy to clean. 

 

Gold - (9K/14K/18K/22K) - all recycled

varying purities of pure gold, yellow, white and red (rose) available - (9K being the hardest and most durable working up the purities and getting softer and usually more intense & buttery in colour.

can be worn daily and needs minimal cleaning.

 

Bronze - (not currently certified recycled)

this is an alloy of copper and tin - typically 88%/12% respectively

hardwearing and robust, a soft gold colour and patinates from a light brown cast to full on black/brown or a green verdigris hue, if given the right treatment. 

if worn daily its more likely to stay shiny and polished from the oils in your skin - so play with it!

 

Gemstones

All my gemstones are chosen and bought individually from cutters or dealers who have ethically sourced them, so I know they are conflict free and the miners are paid a living wage, as are the cutters who bring out the beauty of the rough material - this keeps the circular economy moving and helps to maintain safe working environments for all concerned.

Some stones are favoured for rings, especially ones that are worn everyday - corundum (sapphires and rubies) tend to be the most hardwearing alongside diamonds and these come in all colours of the rainbow -  a really good option.

Other stones like opal and pearls need are considered more delicate and may be better suited to necklaces and earrings instead - that's not to say they can't be used in rings but the settings need more consideration to protect them.  

There are many stones to chose from so it is best to get in touch if you need more advice - your choices are endless.

Diamonds are still an issue in my opinion - I do buy conflict free diamonds, but I would love to use more inherited or heirloom, old cut stones as I feel this is best practice, recycling at its finest! I personally think that old mine cut or European cut stones have far more character, as they are never quite uniform and have that beautiful variation which fine cut modern stones don't have.

- lab grown diamonds are an option, but as yet, I'm unconvinced about the energy involved to produce them - there is a lot of conflicting evidence - even though the product is equal to a mined diamond in quality and composition.

- I also favour heavily included diamonds (also known as salt & pepper) as these can be absolutely stunning stones and are often much more affordable than their very clear siblings - you can get a stunning stone for a fraction of the price and create a beautiful piece of jewellery, that is truly unique.