As a jewelry maker and owner of Black Stone Alchemy, I am committed to creating authentic pieces with ethically sourced materials. This includes not only the gemstones that I use, but also the metals that make up the finished pieces. I work with local lapidaries and suppliers who are knowledgeable about the sources of their stones and the practices used to mine and process them. In addition, I make an effort to use recycled metals whenever possible, and I also purchase metals from reputable sources such as Rio Grande.
In addition to using locally sourced and ethically produced materials, I also make an effort to reduce waste in my packaging and shipping process. I use recycled paper for packaging and biodegradable packing peanuts to keep your items safe during shipping.
If you're interested in supporting my commitment to sustainability, you can also donate any unwanted gemstones, jewelry, or packaging materials to me. Just send me an email at blackstonealchemy@gmail.com and I'll be happy to put your donations to good use.
I hope you will join me in my mission to consider the ethical and environmental impacts of our choices in the jewelry industry. By supporting sustainable and ethical practices, we can work towards a sustainable future for everyone. If you're interested in connecting with a network of ethical metalsmiths, be sure to check out Ethical Metalsmiths.