Our Commitment to Sustainability
Creating beautiful jewelry with respect for people and planet
Our Approach
At Artisan, sustainability isn't just a buzzword—it's woven into every aspect of our business. We believe that beautiful jewelry shouldn't come at the expense of our planet or the people who help create it.
Our commitment to sustainability is an ongoing journey. We're constantly evaluating our practices, seeking out more responsible materials, and finding ways to reduce our environmental footprint while maximizing our positive social impact.
We believe in transparency and accountability. That's why we're sharing our sustainability initiatives with you—and why we welcome your feedback as we continue to improve.
Responsible Materials
Recycled Metals
We use 100% recycled gold and silver in our jewelry, reducing the need for environmentally damaging mining practices while maintaining the highest quality standards.
Our recycled metals come from post-consumer sources like old jewelry and industrial scrap, which are refined back to their pure form.
Ethical Gemstones
We carefully source our gemstones from suppliers who adhere to responsible mining practices and fair labor standards.
For colored gemstones, we prioritize stones that are traceable to their source and mined with minimal environmental impact. When possible, we use lab-grown alternatives that offer the same beauty without the mining footprint.
Sustainable Packaging
Our packaging is made from FSC-certified recycled paper and cardboard, printed with soy-based inks, and designed to be either recyclable or biodegradable.
We've eliminated plastic from our packaging and shipping materials, using innovative alternatives like compostable mailers and plant-based cushioning.
Certifications
We're proud to be certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), which holds us to rigorous standards for responsible business practices.
Our diamonds are certified by the Kimberley Process, ensuring they are conflict-free, and we're working toward full traceability for all our materials.
Sustainable Production
Our commitment to sustainability extends to how we make our jewelry:
- Energy Efficiency: Our studio is powered by 100% renewable energy, and we've invested in energy-efficient equipment and lighting.
- Water Conservation: We use closed-loop water systems in our production processes to minimize water usage and prevent pollution.
- Waste Reduction: We collect and recycle metal dust and scraps, ensuring nothing is wasted. Even our polishing compounds are environmentally friendly.
- Chemical Management: We've eliminated toxic chemicals from our processes, using safer alternatives for cleaning and finishing our jewelry.
- Handcrafted Approach: By prioritizing handcrafting over mass production, we reduce energy consumption and create pieces that are made to last.
Our Sustainability Goals
While we're proud of our progress, we recognize that sustainability is a journey of continuous improvement. Here are the goals we're working toward:
Carbon Neutrality
Achieve carbon neutrality for our operations through a combination of emissions reductions and high-quality carbon offsets.
Full Material Traceability
Implement full traceability for all our materials, from mine or recycling source to finished piece.
Zero Waste
Achieve zero waste to landfill across all our operations, including our studio, offices, and retail locations.
Circular Business Model
Implement a comprehensive take-back and recycling program for all Artisan jewelry, closing the loop on our products.
Transparency Report
We believe in being transparent about our sustainability journey—both our achievements and the challenges we face.
2022 Highlights
- Achieved 100% recycled metals in all our jewelry
- Reduced carbon emissions by 35% compared to 2020 baseline
- Eliminated single-use plastics from our packaging and shipping
- Launched our artisan apprenticeship program with 5 participants
- Donated $50,000 to environmental and social causes
Challenges & Next Steps
While we made significant progress in 2022, we still face challenges in:
- Tracing the origin of all colored gemstones
- Reducing the environmental impact of shipping
- Scaling our sustainable practices as we grow
In 2023, we're focusing on these areas while continuing to build on our achievements.
2021 Highlights
- Switched to 80% recycled metals in our production
- Installed solar panels on our studio roof, providing 60% of our energy needs
- Redesigned packaging to reduce material use by 40%
- Implemented a comprehensive waste recycling program
- Donated $35,000 to environmental and social causes
Challenges & Next Steps
In 2021, our main challenges were:
- Supply chain disruptions due to the pandemic
- Finding sustainable alternatives for all packaging components
- Balancing growth with our sustainability commitments
For 2022, we set goals to address these challenges while expanding our positive impact.
2020 Highlights
- Conducted our first comprehensive sustainability audit
- Established baseline measurements for energy use, waste, and emissions
- Began transitioning to recycled metals
- Developed our five-year sustainability roadmap
- Donated $25,000 to COVID-19 relief and environmental causes
Challenges & Next Steps
In our first year of formal sustainability reporting, we identified several areas for improvement:
- Limited visibility into our supply chain
- High energy consumption in our production processes
- Packaging that relied heavily on non-recyclable materials
These findings informed our sustainability strategy for the coming years.
Join Us on Our Sustainability Journey
Sustainability is a collaborative effort, and we invite you to be part of our journey:
Recycle Your Jewelry
Send us your old Artisan pieces for recycling, and receive credit toward your next purchase.
Learn MoreChoose Sustainable Options
Look for our "Eco Collection" pieces, which feature our most sustainable materials and processes.
Shop Eco CollectionShare Your Feedback
We welcome your suggestions on how we can improve our sustainability practices.
Contact Us"We don't inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. At Artisan, we're committed to ensuring that the beauty we create today doesn't compromise the world of tomorrow."