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What is sustainability?

 

sus·tain·a·bil·i·ty – definition:

noun

 

• meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. United Nations, 1987

 

What is sustainability?

 

sus·tain·a·bil·i·ty – definition:

noun

 

  • • meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. United Nations, 1987
  •  

What is sustainability?

 

sus·tain·a·bil·i·ty – definition:

noun

 

• meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. United Nations, 1987

 

Sustainable jewelry

 

How do

we create more

sustainable

jewelry?

 

As a fine jewelry brand, we look at sustainability as an ongoing, holistic process that includes the materials we use, the suppliers we work with, and the values and culture we strive to build with our teams and the communities we operate within. When one hears the term ethical jewelry, we believe these are the core building blocks.

 

We have practiced these values since launching our fine jewelry over 15 years ago. We view sustainability as a journey of continuous improvement by always asking ourselves…

 

How can we be better tomorrow than today?

Sustainable jewelry

How do we create more sustainable jewelry?

As a fine jewelry brand, we look at sustainability as an ongoing, holistic process that includes the materials we use, the suppliers we work with, and the values and culture we strive to build with our teams and the communities we operate within. When one hears the term ethical jewelry, we believe these are the core building blocks.

 

We have practiced these values since launching our fine jewelry over 15 years ago. We view sustainability as a journey of continuous improvement by always asking ourselves…

 

How can we be better tomorrow than today?

More sustainable jewelry

 

How do we

create more

sustainable

jewelry?

 

As a fine jewelry brand, we look at sustainability as an ongoing, holistic process that includes the materials we use, the suppliers we work with, and the values and culture we strive to build with our teams and the communities we operate within. When one hears the term ethical jewelry, we believe these are the core building blocks.

 

We have practiced these values since launching our fine jewelry over 15 years ago. We view sustainability as a journey of continuous improvement by always asking ourselves…

 

How can we be better tomorrow than today?

Certified B Corporation

In 2020, we became a Certified B Corporation®, a certification that represents this same broader approach to sustainable business practices and is the foundation of our ongoing initiative to build an ethically sourced jewelry brand.

 

Certified B Corporations® are “businesses that meet the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability”. They are “companies committed to using business … to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy”. The certification process is conducted by B Labs® through an assessment process that focuses on five broad areas: governance, workers, customers, environment, and community.

 

We are a

Certified B

Corporation®

We are a Certified B Corporation®

 

In 2020, we became a Certified B Corporation®, a certification that represents this same broader approach to sustainable business practices and is the foundation of our ongoing initiative to build an ethically sourced jewelry brand.

 

Certified B Corporations® are “businesses that meet the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability”. They are “companies committed to using business … to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy”. The certification process is conducted by B Labs® through an assessment process that focuses on five broad areas: governance, workers, customers, environment, and community.

In 2020, we became a Certified B Corporation®, a certification that represents this same broader approach to sustainable business practices and is the foundation of our ongoing initiative to build an ethically sourced jewelry brand.

 

Certified B Corporations® are “businesses that meet the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability”. They are “companies committed to using business … to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy”. The certification process is conducted by B Labs® through an assessment process that focuses on five broad areas: governance, workers, customers, environment, and community.

 

We are a

Certified B

Corporation®


THE PILLARS

of our sustainable jewelry initiative

 

 

PRECIOUS METALS

 

ETHICALLY SOURCED DIAMONDS

 

SUPPLY CHAIN

 

RESPONSIBLE PACKAGING

 

CARBON FOOTPRINT INTIATIVES

 

JEWELRY BUILT FOR A LIFETIME

 

THE PILLARS

of our sustainable jewelry initiative

 

PRECIOUS METALS

 

ETHICALLY SOURCED DIAMONDS

 

SUPPLY CHAIN

 

RESPONSIBLE PACKAGING

 

CARBON FOOTPRINT INTIATIVES

 

JEWELRY BUILT FOR A LIFETIME

 

Precious metals

 

PRECIOUS METALS

Recycled Gold & Silver

 

Why recycled gold and silver?

 

Over the past few years, we have steadily increased our usage of recycled gold and silver. These recycled metals come from post - consumer or other usages, allowing the metals to be refined back to their pure state so they can re-enter the supply chain as part of a circular product life cycle. Using recycled metals helps to lessen the impact on our natural resources by curtailing mining operations. Our first recycled metal agendas focused on more sustainable gold jewelry. Silver jewelry agendas were added in late 2020.

 

PRECIOUS METALS

Recycled Gold & Silver

 

 

Why recycled gold and silver?

 

Our Recycled Metal Usage by Year End:

 

GOLD

30%+                    2020                    20%

65%                       2021                  50%+

80%+                     2022                     85%

SILVER

 

We have full traceability with our metal suppliers. Over 90% of the precious metals sourced for our jewelry casting and formation come from companies certified by the Responsible Jewelry Council.

 

Precious Metals

 

PRECIOUS METALS

Recycled Gold & Silver

 

Why recycled gold and silver?

 

Over the past few years, we have steadily increased our usage of recycled gold and silver. These recycled metals come from post - consumer or other usages, allowing the metals to be refined back to their pure state so they can re-enter the supply chain as part of a circular product life cycle. Using recycled metals helps to lessen the impact on our natural resources by curtailing mining operations. Our first recycled metal agendas focused on more sustainable gold jewelry. Silver jewelry agendas were added in late 2020.

 

 

PRECIOUS METALS

Recycled Gold & Silver

 

 

Why recycled gold and silver?

 

Over the past few years, we have steadily increased our usage of recycled gold and silver. These recycled metals come from post - consumer or other usages, allowing the metals to be refined back to their pure state so they can re-enter the supply chain as part of a circular product life cycle. Using recycled metals helps to lessen the impact on our natural resources by curtailing mining operations. Our first recycled metal agendas focused on more sustainable gold jewelry. Silver jewelry agendas were added in late 2020.

 

Our Recycled Metal Usage by Year End:

 

GOLD

30%+

65%

80%+

2020

2021

2022

20%

50%+

85%

SILVER

 

We have full traceability with our metal suppliers. Over 90% of the precious metals sourced for our jewelry casting and formation come from companies certified by the Responsible Jewelry Council.

 

 

Our Recycled Metal Usage by Year End:

 

 

GOLD

30%+

65%

80%+

2020

2021

2022

20%

50%+

85%

SILVER

 

 

We have full traceability with our metal suppliers. Over 90% of the precious metals sourced for our jewelry casting and formation come from companies certified by the Responsible Jewelry Council.

 

ETHICALLY SOURCED DIAMONDS

Recycled Gold & Silver

 

Since our beginnings we have carefully sourced our diamonds from only a select group of trusted suppliers. Almost 100% of our

production diamonds are smaller melee sizes and all are sourced

under the Kimberly Process Certification.

While smaller diamonds stone sizes have traditionally been harder to track, we do have greater traceability on our supply. Close to 100% of our diamonds are cut in facilities certified by the Responsible Jewelry Council (RJC).

We also have ongoing initiatives around Vintage Diamonds – stones that are approximately 50+ years old - and more recent recycled diamonds that come from previously owned jewelry pieces. The vintage diamonds are used in special edition styles while the recycled and repurposed diamonds are used in our sustainable rings, bracelets, necklaces, and more featured in our Diamonds Reborn Collection.

Over the past few years, we have steadily increased our usage of recycled gold and silver. These recycled metals come from post - consumer or other usages, allowing the metals to be refined back to their pure state so they can re-enter the supply chain as part of a circular product life cycle. Using recycled metals helps to lessen the impact on our natural resources by curtailing mining operations. Our first recycled metal agendas focused on more sustainable gold jewelry. Silver jewelry agendas were added in late 2020.

 

 

Our Recycled Metal Usage by Year End:

 

 

GOLD  

30%+

65%

80%+

2020

2021

2022

20%

50%+

85%

 

  SILVER

 

We have full traceability with our metal suppliers. Over 90% of the precious metals sourced for our jewelry casting and formation come from companies certified by the Responsible Jewelry Council.

 

Ethically Sourced Diamonds

 

ETHICALLY SOURCED NATURAL DIAMONDS

 

 

Since our beginnings we have carefully sourced our natural

diamonds from only a select group of trusted suppliers.

Almost 100% of our production diamonds are smaller melee

sizes and all are sourced under the Kimberly Process Certification.

 

While smaller diamonds stone sizes have traditionally been harder to track, we do have greater traceability on our supply. Close to 100% of our diamonds are cut in facilities certified by the Responsible Jewelry Council (RJC).

 

We also have ongoing initiatives around Vintage Diamonds – stones that are approximately 50+ years old - and more recent recycled diamonds that come from previously owned jewelry pieces. The vintage diamonds are used in special edition styles while the recycled and repurposed diamonds are used in our sustainable rings, bracelets, necklaces, and more featured in our Diamonds Reborn Collection.

 

ETHICALLY SOURCED NATURAL DIAMONDS

 

 

 

 

Since our beginnings we have carefully sourced our natural diamonds from only a select group of trusted suppliers. Almost 100% of our production diamonds are smaller melee sizes and all are sourced under the Kimberly Process Certification.

 

While smaller diamonds stone sizes have traditionally been harder to track, we do have greater traceability on our supply. Close to 100% of our diamonds are cut in facilities certified by the Responsible Jewelry Council (RJC).

 

We also have ongoing initiatives around Vintage Diamonds – stones that are approximately 50+ years old - and more recent recycled diamonds that come from previously owned jewelry pieces. The vintage diamonds are used in special edition styles while the recycled and repurposed diamonds are used in our sustainable rings, bracelets, necklaces, and more featured in our Diamonds Reborn Collection.

Ethically Sourced Diamonds

 

ETHICALLY SOURCED DIAMONDS

Recycled Gold & Silver

 

Since our beginnings we have carefully sourced our

diamonds from only a select group of trusted suppliers.

Almost 100% of our production diamonds are smaller melee

sizes and all are sourcedunder the Kimberly Process Certification.

 

While smaller diamonds stone sizes have traditionally been harder to track, we do have greater traceability on our supply. Close to 100% of our diamonds are cut in facilities certified by the Responsible Jewelry Council (RJC).

 

We also have ongoing initiatives around Vintage Diamonds – stones that are approximately 50+ years old - and more recent recycled diamonds that come from previously owned jewelry pieces. The vintage diamonds are used in special edition styles while the recycled and repurposed diamonds are used in our sustainable rings, bracelets, necklaces, and more featured in our Diamonds Reborn Collection.

ETHICALLY SOURCED

NATURAL DIAMONDS

 

 

Since our beginnings we have carefully sourced our natural diamonds from only a select group of trusted suppliers. Almost 100% of our production diamonds are smaller melee sizes and all are sourced under the Kimberly Process Certification.

 

While smaller diamonds stone sizes have traditionally been harder to track, we do have greater traceability on our supply. Close to 100% of our diamonds are cut in facilities certified by the Responsible Jewelry Council (RJC).

 

We also have ongoing initiatives around Vintage Diamonds – stones that are approximately 50+ years old - and more recent recycled diamonds that come from previously owned jewelry pieces. The vintage diamonds are used in special edition styles while the recycled and repurposed diamonds are used in our sustainable rings, bracelets, necklaces, and more featured in our Diamonds Reborn Collection.

SUPPLY CHAIN

 

The communities in which we operate are important to us.

 

We have selected our factory partners with great care and do regular reviews of their practices, standards and interactions with their communities. It is important to us that they share and uphold our mutually important values.

 

Many of our factories have certifications from global organizations that create clear sets of standards and best practices for jewelry manufacturing and the workplace. The Responsible Jewelry Council (RJC) is a pre-eminent organization certifying factories within the fine jewelry space. In 2020 approximately 70% of all MRK production came from factories with these certifications. In 2022 over 90% of our production will come from these RJC Certified factories.


SUPPLY CHAIN

 

The communities in which we operate are important to us.

 

We have selected our factory partners with great care and do regular reviews of their practices, standards and interactions with their communities. It is important to us that they share and uphold our mutually important values.

 

Many of our factories have certifications from global organizations that create clear sets of standards and best practices for jewelry manufacturing and the workplace. The Responsible Jewelry Council (RJC) is a pre-eminent organization certifying factories within the fine jewelry space. In 2020 approximately 70% of all MRK production came from factories with these certifications. In 2022 over 90% of our production will come from these RJC Certified factories.

SUPPLY CHAIN

 

The communities in which we operate are important to us.

 

We have selected our factory partners with great care and do regular reviews of their practices, standards and interactions with their communities. It is important to us that they share and uphold our mutually important values.

 

Many of our factories have certifications from global organizations that create clear sets of standards and best practices for jewelry manufacturing and the workplace. The Responsible Jewelry Council (RJC) is a pre-eminent organization certifying factories within the fine jewelry space. In 2020 approximately 70% of all MRK production came from factories with these certifications. In 2022 over 90% of our production will come from these RJC Certified factories.

 

RESPONSIBLE PACKAGING

 

 

RESPONSIBLE

PACKAGING

 

We use shipping boxes made of 70% recycled cardboard and select the smallest shipping box possible for our products, while still providing our luxury brand experience.

 

Our tissue paper is 100% SFI certified and our marketing materials, including our paper

jewelry boxes, are 100% FSC certified (SFI and FSC are sustainable forestry programs).

 

All our UPS Ground shipping is part of UPS’s carbon offset program. For every ton of CO2 our shipments produce in transportation, an equivalent amount of CO2 is saved by a verified emission reduction project somewhere else in the world.

 

In 2022, we offset our operational carbon footprint at our corporate office and retail stores through our new partnership with carbonfund.org, who conducts various energy efficiency, forestry and renewable energy projects throughout the world. Additionally, in an effort to make all of our shipping carbon neutral, we will be offsetting our customer and supplier shipping with carbonfund.org.


Since 2020 we have reduced our company travel by over 50%. Our company plan is to maintain these reduced travel hours. Given that the travel sector accounts for 8% of global carbon emissions, we have made reduced travel a part of our ongoing sustainability initiatives.


In 2022, we will make another significant 30% change to the cubic size of the packaging that represents over 60% of our annual shipments. This will be the second re-engineering within three years of package size to reduce space usage during shipment and in turn reduce the energy usage required per package.

 

We have a variety of ongoing programs in place to allow us to reduce our carbon footprint.

 

 

 

 

CARBON FOOTPRINT INITIATIVE

 

CARBON FOOTPRINT INITIATIVE      

We have a variety of ongoing programs in place to allow us to reduce our carbon footprint.

 

All our UPS Ground shipping is part of UPS’s carbon offset program. For every ton of CO2 our shipments produce in transportation, an equivalent amount of CO2 is saved by a verified emission reduction project somewhere else in the world.

 

In 2022, we offset our operational carbon footprint at our corporate office and retail stores through our new partnership with carbonfund.org, who conducts various energy efficiency, forestry and renewable energy projects throughout the world. Additionally, in an effort to make all of our shipping carbon neutral, we will be offsetting our customer and supplier shipping with carbonfund.org.


Since 2020 we have reduced our company travel by over 50%. Our company plan is to maintain these reduced travel hours. Given that the travel sector accounts for 8% of global carbon emissions, we have made reduced travel a part of our ongoing sustainability initiatives.


In 2022, we will make another significant 30% change to the cubic size of the packaging that represents over 60% of our annual shipments. This will be the second re-engineering within three years of package size to reduce space usage during shipment and in turn reduce the energy usage required per package.

 

All our UPS Ground shipping is part of UPS’s carbon offset program. For every ton of CO2 our shipments produce in transportation, an equivalent amount of CO2 is saved by a verified emission reduction project somewhere else in the world.

 

In 2022, we offset our operational carbon footprint at our corporate office and retail stores through our new partnership with carbonfund.org, who conducts various energy efficiency, forestry and renewable energy projects throughout the world. Additionally, in an effort to make all of our shipping carbon neutral, we will be offsetting our customer and supplier shipping with carbonfund.org.


Since 2020 we have reduced our company travel by over 50%. Our company plan is to maintain these reduced travel hours. Given that the travel sector accounts for 8% of global carbon emissions, we have made reduced travel a part of our ongoing sustainability initiatives.


In 2022, we will make another significant 30% change to the cubic size of the packaging that represents over 60% of our annual shipments. This will be the second re-engineering within three years of package size to reduce space usage during shipment and in turn reduce the energy usage required per package.

We have a variety of ongoing programs in place to allow us to reduce our carbon footprint.

 

 

CARBON FOOTPRINT INITIATIVE

Jewelry for generations

 

We want our fine

jewelry designs to

be in families for

generations.

 

We want our fine

jewelry designs to

be in families for

generations.

Jewelry for generations

 

We want our fine jewelry designs to be in families for generations.

 

 

 

JEWELRY BUILT FOR A LIFETIME

More and more, we are all understanding the environmental cost of products with short life cycles. Finding new life for obsolescent product is a global problem, as more and more product has ended in landfills.

 

Every piece we make is designed and built for a lifetime. We want our fine jewelry designs to be in families for generations, so we use only the finest materials and workmanship. There is no more eco-friendly jewelry than pieces that are engineered with that in mind.

 

These principles are a foundation of our brand and one more major step towards a more sustainable jewelry future.

JEWELRY BUILT FOR A LIFETIME

 

More and more, we are all understanding the environmental cost of products with short life cycles. Finding new life for obsolescent product is a global problem, as more and more product has ended in landfills.

 

Every piece we make is designed and built for a lifetime. We want our fine jewelry designs to be in families for generations, so we use only the finest materials and workmanship. There is no more eco-friendly jewelry than pieces that are engineered with that in mind.

 

These principles are a foundation of our brand and one more major step towards a more sustainable jewelry future.