When I started my jewelry business back in 2004, sustainability wasn’t just a buzzword—it was a personal mission. I had already spent years working in the jewelry industry, starting in 1997 at a local fine jewelry store. Even then, I was hearing whispers about “dirty gold” and unethical practices in the mining industry. The treatment of workers, the damage to the environment—it didn’t sit right with me.

I knew that if I was going to put my name on something, it had to align with my values. And one of those core values has always been responsibility—to the earth, to people, and to the generations who will wear and cherish the jewelry I create.

Back then, it wasn’t easy to find ethical sources. I remember discovering Hoover & Strong and being so impressed with their commitment to clean refining practices, including one of the first certified clean water refining processes for gold. I used their products exclusively for a long time. Thankfully, since then, more companies have started to prioritize sustainable and ethical sourcing, and I seek those out every chance I get.

To this day, every design decision I make is influenced by my desire to tread lightly. That means using recycled metals, choosing American-mined gems when I can, and educating my clients so they can make the choices that feel right for them.

It Starts With the Stones

For me, sustainability is as much about ethics as it is about aesthetics. Yes, I want every gem I work with to be beautiful, but I also want to feel good about where it came from. That’s why I’ve always loved working with American-mined stones—especially Oregon Sunstone and Arizona Amethyst. There’s something deeply satisfying about knowing the full story of a gemstone. I can trace its journey, from the ground it came out of to the hands that will wear it.

I also understand that affordability matters. My goal has always been to create pieces that are not only meaningful but also accessible. American stones help me strike that balance between quality and value, which is especially important during times of economic uncertainty. Supporting American miners and gem suppliers helps keep my designs grounded, both financially and ethically.

A Gemologist’s Perspective

Being a Graduate Gemologist from GIA has shaped the way I look at stones and sourcing. I don’t just see color or clarity—I think about how the gem was formed, how it was mined, and what that means for the person who wears it. That training has also given me a deep appreciation for lab-grown gems, which are playing a bigger role in the industry today.

Lab-grown sapphires and diamonds offer a great alternative for clients who want something beautiful, durable, and more budget-friendly. They’re chemically identical to natural stones, but they don’t involve mining, which can be a major environmental disruptor. That said, they do require a lot of energy to produce, so they’re not a perfect solution either. But I believe in transparency. I always share the pros and cons with my clients so they can decide what aligns with their values.

Behind the Scenes of a Sustainable Studio

Sustainability isn’t just about the materials—it’s about the entire process. That’s why I don’t use plated metals in any of my work. Plating involves chemicals that are harmful to the environment, and it doesn’t align with my values. I stick to solid gold and sterling silver because I know they’ll stand the test of time without compromising on ethics.

In my studio, we practice the three R’s—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—every day. From minimizing waste in production to reusing packaging and refining old gold into new pieces, I’m always looking for ways to be more mindful. It’s a continuous process, and I’m learning all the time. But it’s something I take pride in.

Balancing Act

Running a small business means wearing a lot of hats—designer, gemologist, customer service, marketer, bookkeeper—you name it. But even in the busiest seasons, I never lose sight of my values. Whether it’s choosing which vendors to work with, deciding how to package my pieces, or guiding a client through the custom design process, I try to lead with sustainability in mind. It’s not always the easiest route, but it’s the one that feels right.

For Fellow Designers Just Starting Out

If you’re a jewelry designer trying to build a more conscious business, my biggest piece of advice is to do your homework. Look into your suppliers. Read about where your materials are coming from. There are so many great resources now—organizations that support small-scale miners, women-owned operations, and ethically sourced gems.

Trade shows can also be incredibly educational. You get the chance to talk to vendors face-to-face, ask questions, and see new innovations in sustainable practices. Don’t be afraid to ask hard questions. You’re the steward of your designs, and you have the power to make a difference.

Looking Ahead

I truly believe that jewelry can be both beautiful and responsible. When someone wears one of my pieces, I want them to feel that connection—not just to the design, but to the story behind it. Jewelry is deeply personal, and it carries more meaning when it reflects not only the person wearing it but also the values we hold dear.

Sustainability isn’t a trend. It’s a mindset, a commitment, and a promise to do better every day. I’m proud of how far we’ve come in the jewelry industry—and even more excited about where we’re headed.

If you ever want to talk about creating a meaningful, ethically made piece of jewelry—or if you’re curious about lab-grown gems, American stones, or recycled gold—I’d love to connect. After all, every piece starts with a conversation. And every conversation is a chance to create something truly special.