Sustainability

When I launched Susannah Brookes Sustainable Jewellery Design, I was keen to ensure that I made environmentally and ethically sound choices in all parts of my business – not just in the materials I use to craft the pieces, but also in the methods I use and in my broader decisions about what I do.

Ethical considerations

I have committed to using 100% recycled silver rather than silver that is newly mined.  This means there is a significant reduction, for example, in the carbon emissions and water usage associated with the metal I am using.  I source stones which have traceable supply chains and are fairly traded. My more recent addition of gold plated pieces makes use of fair mined gold; this is a certification that guarantees that the gold comes from responsible small-scall mining operations. You can read more about fair mined gold on the blog here.

Waste-less

It’s important that your jewellery is well protected as it travels to you, and this part of the process has probably been the most challenging to ensure properly eco-friendly choices are made. I use recycled and recyclable postal boxes with plastic and acid-free tape and recyclable tissue. I also use hemp to swaddle the jewellery. Hemp is one of the most sustainable materials on earth – and it is biodegradable – so you could even put it in the compost bin! My ribbons are either bamboo (another very sustainable material) or made from recycled plastic bottles.

Community contribution

As well as using environmentally-kind materials, I am also trying to address some wider sustainable development goals in my business. For me this means being ethically responsible about things like water usage, single-use plastic and energy consumption. It also means making decisions that champion other small businesses, contribute to the local community, and support charitable enterprise.  

From 2025, 10% of the future profits from my business to a local and sustainable charity, which I am currently exploring. Let me know if you have a great recommendation!

Consious consumerism

My jewellery is designed and made with the future in mind. As I craft each individual piece I know that it will be cherished for years to come. Much of my work become heirloom pieces, bought to be passed down from generation to generation.