That key word “TRANSPARENCY”

Transparency (tr ns-pâr n-s ) - the quality of being clear and transparent.

     An object which is see-through.

We often hear about the need for transparency in all walks of life. Businesses who state that they are transparent are implying that they are open in all their practices and accountable for all they produce.

So how does this fit within jewellery? Practices used in the production and manufacture of jewellery are amongst some of the most harmful and dirty in any industry. The sourcing of materials is probably the worst with mining causing mass destruction, pollution and illness. Further down the production track, jewellery techniques such as plating and pickling materials are also damaging.

Ethical jewellery is still an up and coming sector of the industry but transparency is integral to its successful development. And trust makes up a large part of this. Until there is sector-wide standardization and certification of practices jewelers must select their materials and manufacturers mainly on their word.

Luckily for us, things are starting to change. Attempted certification, like the Kimberley Process, does exist but are not totally trusted….yet. Very soon the Birmingham Assay Office will be producing and using a Fair Trade Gold Hallmark, finally a trustworthy symbol.

There are, of course, many companies who are happy to discuss and provide as much proof as they can about their claims and it has to be down to the individual to look in to and decide on each individual case whether or not to trust or reject these claims prior to working with them.

So how can you be transparent? We at Opulent Ethics think that the biggest part of being transparent is to be realistic. By knowing your own limits and ensuring that you practice what you say you cannot be accused of being anything but honest.

Opulent Ethics has felt guilty in the past for not being able to achieve their utopian dream of producing 100% ethical, green products throughout but we are proud to be able to say that we do as much as we can with what is currently available and we make a point of monitoring and adapting to on-going changes.

We currently use 100% recycled silver and recycled, UK endemic or fair trade stones and nothing else. We are looking forward to expanding to work with fair trade gold in the near future but for the time being we will continue to ensure we work within our limits. We also ensure that we continue to be as ethical as we can in other parts of our business; using recycled paper and packaging, printing less and keeping our carbon footprint as small as possible.

So transparency is and will continue to be key. That’s all for now….