Sustainability in Jewellery: An Honest Approach
Sustainability is a word that appears everywhere in the jewellery industry. It’s often presented as a simply as something that can be easily claimed or achieved. In reality, it’s far more complex.
Jewellery relies on materials that come from the earth. There’s no denying the creation of jewellery requires mining, refining and manufacturing which all require significant resources and energy and leave an impact on the environments (both physical and social) they came from. Because of this, I believe it’s important to speak honestly about sustainability rather than present it as something perfect or absolute.
For my studio, sustainability is not a single claim. It’s a series of thoughtful decisions made throughout the design and production process to reduce impact wherever possible. It’s also something that continues to evolve as I learn more and discover better ways of doing things.
Our Approach
Recycling Precious Metals and Materials
Precious metals such as gold and silver can be recycled and refined repeatedly without losing their quality. Whenever possible, metal offcuts and workshop scrap are collected and sent to refiners so they can re-enter the supply chain. This helps minimise waste and ensures valuable materials are used responsibly.
Recycling extends beyond metals in the studio. Packaging materials, cardboard deliveries, and other everyday items are recycled wherever possible to reduce unnecessary waste.
Working with Reputable Australian Suppliers
Sourcing materials responsibly is another important part of my approach. It is an ongoing area of research for me and something I am continuously striving to improve in.
I work with established Australian suppliers who have strong reputations within the jewellery industry. These businesses maintain long-standing relationships with refiners, gemstone dealers and cutters, helping ensure materials come from transparent and ethical supply chains.
Supporting Australian suppliers also helps maintain strong industry standards and accountability
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Choosing Australian Gemstones Where Possible
Stones sourced locally can provide greater transparency about where and how they were mined and cut. Australia maintains strong labour and environmental standards, which can provide reassurance about the conditions behind their production.
This is an area I’m continuing to learn more about. Many gemstones I work with still come from overseas in order to access the full spectrum of colours and varieties I love designing with. As my knowledge grows, I’m exploring ways to incorporate more responsibly sourced stones wherever possible.
Reusing Family Gemstones
One of the most sustainable choices in jewellery is reusing materials that already exist.
Many clients bring stones that have been passed down through their families. These heirloom gemstones can be redesigned into new pieces, allowing them to be worn and enjoyed again while preserving their history and emotional significance. Reusing gemstones not only reduces the need for newly mined materials, it also keeps family stories alive through jewellery.
Made-to-Order Jewellery
Most pieces created in the studio are made to order.
This approach means jewellery is produced only when it has a home waiting for it. It reduces unnecessary production, prevents excess inventory and allows each piece to be created with care and intention rather than mass production.
Sustainable Jewellery Packaging
At Ashleigh Moore Jewellery, packaging is an area that continues to evolve.
Where possible, recyclable postage boxes and protective shipping materials are used. Packaging is sourced from small Australian suppliers and ordered in small batches so that the studio only purchases what is needed.
Jewellery boxes themselves are more complex. With jewellery being, by nature, previous and delicate, our boxes require protective internal elements that are not always fully recyclable. Rather than disposable packaging, these boxes are designed to be kept and reused as a safe home for the jewellery, protecting each piece when it’s not being worn.
Sustainability Is an Ongoing Process
There is no single solution that makes jewellery completely sustainable. What matters most is transparency, thoughtful sourcing and a commitment to continually improving practices over time. This is a reflection of where our workshop currently stands in that discussion but I’m sure, as the business continues to grow and develop, I’ll find myself back here readdressing our areas of improvement.
My goal with Ashleigh Moore Jewellery is to have a business that is transparent and genuine in our discussions around the jewellery industry and our impact in it. It’s also to create jewellery that lasts. These are pieces that are designed to be worn and treasured, and eventually passed down. When jewellery carries meaning and longevity, it becomes something far more valuable than a temporary purchase.
And in many ways, that lasting connection may be one of the most sustainable qualities jewellery can have.
Ashleigh xx