What does 'Ethical' mean anyway?

Defining "Ethical"
"Ethical" refers to actions that align with accepted principles of right and wrong governing the conduct of a profession.

Our Ethical Commitment

While many jewellery companies have ethical and/or sustainable policy these days, there seems to be a lot of green and white washing. The jewellery industry in particular has a long history of extremely unethical behaviour, from slave and indentured mining practices to child labour, to resource hoarding. The wealth that is generated by the jewellery industry stays in the hands of the few.

For most of my life I have been a committed community activist. I love a good protest and recycle in my sleep, but it's a journey that never ends, and I am constantly learning new ways of being a good human and an ally as our world grows more fragmented. I don't claim to have all the answers, I am not yet 100%  plastic free, but I am striving, learning, changing and growing, and here are some of the ways I am doing this. (I love hearing new ways to do good business, please get in touch if you have new ideas or ways of working!)

Community Engagement and Learning

Before founding this company, I worked closely with the Welsh peninsula of Pen Llŷn on an ecomuseum project, learning about embedding sustainable practices into daily work lives. This experience has shaped my commitment to sustainability and community-driven initiatives.

Sustainable Development Goals

I completed an advocacy program in the Sustainable Development Goals with Development Perspectives,, an NGO provider of global citizenship education. One principle we uphold is working together to ensure the well-being of current and future generations.

Four Pillars of Sustainability:

Economy:

I founded this company as a way of trying to make a living from something I love, crafting. While my prices may seem high to some, my pricing strategy is carefully planned so I can tick the boxes I want to tick such as - have a living wage, something may craft people don't have, a mortgageable job, a job that pays me all year round, unlike most jobs in rural Ireland that only pay for the duration of the tourism season. I source my materials from local and/or ethical suppliers, and promote their skills as well as my own, lifting all boats with the tide.

Environment:

I moved to Corca Dhuibhne, the Dingle Peninsula, in the southwest of Ireland many years ago, as a transient seasonal craft worker. I tried several times to stay away but fell in love with the dramatic landscape of the wild Kerry Atlantic. An outdoors enthusiast, I am a passionate advocate for caring for our environment, wildlife, skies, seas, land, and everything in between. I make intentional choices that prioritize quality over quantity, reducing waste, and embracing practices that have a positive impact on the world around me. My workshop uses wind and solar power. I don't have an electric car (yet!), but locally, I use my electric bike. When I need to travel further, I go by public transport if I can.

Materials:

• Silver: I use metal clay which is 100% recycled from e-waste, electronic and medical electrical equipment. It is a zero waste material, even dust from sanding is collected and reused. All my jewellery is hallmarked by the Dublin Assay Office for quality control.
• Gold: I use the Korean technique of Keum-boo for bonding thin gold foil onto fine silver. The gold I use is reclaimed waste from signwriters and guilders.
• Findings: chains, earrings, and other findings are all 100% recycled silver from ethical suppliers in Italy and Spain. 
• Gemstones: When using gemstones they are either recycled, ethical sourced or lab grown, and will say so in the product information.
• Packaging is another difficult area, there is currently no velvety foam pads available that are plastic free and 100% recyclable. Therefore I have made the decision to go without, and while cardboard inserts may not feel as luxurious, I hope my customers understand. All my packaging is 100% recycled and recyclable using a minimum amount of print.
• Marketing materials Most of our printing is done inhouse using handmade or sustainably sourced ink, traditional techniques such as lino printing, embossing. Other materials are sourced from local and/or ethical suppliers, particularly those that embrace craft heritage, such as letterpress, screen-printing, and other hands-on craft methods.

Social:

I am passionate about the slow movement, taking the time to enjoy, engage, connect, focusing on meaningful relationships, and prioritizing activities that align with my personal values. But while running a small craft business can feel reclusive, I'm a proud member of many networks and organisations that help promote local, craftsmanship, cultural and ethical practices. 

Cultural:

Culture is who we are, and what shapes our identity. Cultural heritage – both tangible and intangible – and creativity are resources that need to be protected and carefully managed. A passionate follower of the arts and music lover, and maybe a little obsessed with folk heritage, it forms the basis of my work, and my greatest influence.

Language:

Corca Dhuibhne is a Gaeltacht area, one of the few places in Ireland where Irish is spoken as a first language. While my attempts at learning Irish have been abysmal to date, I embrace this aspect of Irish heritage, promote the use of Irish where possible. 

Always Learning and Growing

This is a working document, there is always room to improve, and it will be updated regularly so you know that we are doing what we say we are. We will also write blog posts about our work, so keep checking back with us. Have some ideas about how we can improve, or feedback? Get in touch, I'd love to hear from you. You can do this through our contact page here.