SUSTAINABILITY
Who makes your jewellery?
Erica Jewellery is designed and handmade by me in my workshop in Berkshire, UK. I’m committed to creating beautiful and meaningful jewellery made with the highest quality materials.
I make my pieces by hand using the lost wax casting technique. I have the help of a small casting company in Birmingham’s jewellery quarter- all pieces are cast with recycled silver and gold.
My precious metal comes from a reputable UK based supplier. They are a certified member of the Responsible Jewellery Council.
Gemstones
Gemstones are sourced from a UK based gemstone supplier who have visited their stone cutting facilities and are confident the people who work there are treated well and fairly. My diamond supplier adheres to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. Select pieces are made with traceable gemstones, with the stones fully traceable to the mines. Traceable gemstones are available for commissioned work on request.
I’ve also started making pieces with lab grown diamonds. My supplier uses the Chemical Vapour Deposition process (CVD) to create their diamonds. This involves putting a flat slither of a diamond (the “seed”) into a vaccum chamber, adding carbon-rich gases at temperatures of around 800-900C. Under these conditions the gases begin to form atomic structures to the seed, eventually forming a diamond.
Packaging and waste
Your jewellery order will be sent to you in eco-friendly packaging. The outer packaging and paper tape is recyclable, and tissue paper and branding stickers are biodegradeable. I ensure waste materials are reused and recycled wherever possible.
For higher value orders over £1000 your jewellery is presented in a wooden box made from a solid block of timber. These are handmade with wood from sustaninably managed forests.
I still have a way to go on my sustainability journey, but will continue to commit to making efforts to improve. For questions, please contact Erica at info@ericajewellery.com.
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