Sustainability
Good practise
True sustainability is total transparency. Knowing that no route is perfect but committing to continuous improvements.
At May Hofman Jewellery, sustainability is at the core of our practices. We utilize 85% recycled silver and exclusively work with 100% Fairmined gold vermeil and solid gold, sourced from recycled or Fairmined gold. By maintaining a minimal stock in-house, we prioritize custom-made orders, reducing waste and aligning with the principles of the slow fashion movement. We're proud to collaborate with Just One Tree, contributing to the reforestation of vulnerable ecosystems. Additionally, we prioritize UK-based suppliers and utilize recycled paper with eco-friendly ink for all our packaging, encouraging you to reuse or recycle it for a greener future.
At May Hofman Jewellery, ethical business practices and the use of quality, ethically sourced materials are central to our mission. Here's a list of the materials we use, showcasing how we're leading the charge in sustainability:
- Gold Vermeil: We exclusively use 100% Fairmined gold vermeil on all our gold necklaces, rings, and golden elements. While vermeil offers a luxurious layer of gold, it's important to note that over time, the gold may naturally fade. However, we offer re-plating services for a small fee to restore its original luster. Alternatively, if you adore the golden hue but prefer a more permanent solution, we can craft designs in bronze or solid Fairmined gold upon request.
- Eco Fairmined Gold: This premium option is available upon request for any designs or bespoke commissions, ensuring your jewelry is not only stunning but also sustainably sourced.
- Recycled Silver: We're proud to say that 85% of the silver we use is certified recycled silver, known as 'Eco' Silver. While much of the silver in the industry may be recycled without acknowledgment, we're transparent about our commitment to using recycled or Fairmined gold in commissions where Fairmined silver is an option.
- Bronze: Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, not only offers an affordable alternative for your gold-colored jewelry but also boasts health benefits associated with copper. With proper care, bronze jewelry can last a lifetime, making it a sustainable choice for conscious consumers.
- Blackened Silver: For those seeking contrast, we offer blackened silver, achieved through a surface treatment process. While this finish may wear over time, revealing the silver beneath, a simple polish or re-oxidization process can restore its original shine.with a silver polishing cloth you can bring it back to a lovely shine or get it re-oxidized for free.
In summary, we're dedicated to offering exquisite jewelry crafted with integrity and sustainability in mind. Join us in making a difference, one timeless piece at a time.
What is Fairmined? What are we doing to be more sustainable? Discover more...
WHAT IS FAIRMINED ?
The artisanal and small-scale mining sector employs approximately 42 million people and more than 150 million people worldwide depend on this activity to make a living. Companies that choose 100% recycled gold are disengaging from urgent needs in their supply chain. Fairmined Eco Gold is one step closer to responsibly sourced and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gold mining. It is produced without the use of mercury and cyanide, reducing the harmful impact on local ecosystems and communities. By choosing Fairmined Eco Gold, you are supporting small-scale miners who adhere to strict environmental and social standards.
Fairmined is an assurance label that certifies gold from empowered responsible artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) organizations. The Fairmined initiative was created by the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) and represents an important development opportunity for artisanal and small-scale miners all around the world.
Through the Fairmined standard, they promote responsible mining, helping miners to improve their practices and generate change in their communities, and facilitate access to fair markets. Fairmined transforms mining into an active force for good, contributing to an institutional, social and environmentally sustainable development.
In reaction to this we believe it is important to work in both Fairmined and recycled metals. Buying from us means you are not only supporting an independent UK business to grow, but voting to improve trade standards and the lives of miner families across the world.
For more information visit the Fairmined website
OUR PROMISE
To create timeless ethical jewellery that infuses intricate yet bold, minimal designs. Demistrating thoughtful business and high quality items that are respectful to the planet and people.
- Committed to using recycled silver and gold when possible
- Reusing gemstones and ethically-sourcing those that are new.
- Using Fairmined gold which supports ethical mining
- Eco printing on recycled paper for all of our packaging
- Using high quality reusable boxes and bags made from recycled paper and cotton
- Planting one tree for every sale to actively bring down our carbon footprint
- All deliveries are carbon neutral by Shopify planet
- Committed to working with UK suppliers & being a fair wage employer.
- Recycling everything we encounter in our practice
- Using renewable energy suppliers in our workshop
- Using a made-to-order system that reduces unnecessary waste
- Remain thoughtful and respectful in every aspect of our business.
- Working along side clients that hold the same values and are drawn to our unique style.