Right from the start, I have held MALT Jewellery to high ethical standards. Under my principle of "Clean design, clean conscience", I am proud to say my jewellery is produced ethically, using materials that don't exploit people or animals, and that my business is founded on inclusivity and eco-consciousness. Please see below to read about MALT Jewellery's ethical policy in detail.
The jewellery industry is like many others in today’s globalised world of commerce, with components and raw materials being made or sourced in regions with inadequate labour practices. I want to ensure the jewellery I make doesn't involve any form of human exploitation, so you can buy jewellery you love with a completely clean conscience.
I'm also passionate about being as inclusive as possible. Please know that MALT is a safe and supportive space for queer, neurodivergent and disabled people.
I use 100% recycled silver and gold, and I support and advocate for Fairtrade gold. Avoiding mining any more gold or silver ensures I'm not supporting unsafe, unfairly paid or exploitative mining operations.
Unfortunately, precious metal mining can also involve child labour, particularly dangerous or unfair conditions for female workers, and health and safety risks.
Much like precious metals, gemstone mining is fraught with substandard and unethical labour practices and the mined stones may be sold to finance fighting in conflict areas. All gemstones I use come from countries with adequate labour and environmental regulations, such as the UK, EU countries and Australia, or are fully traceable and certified ethical through various independent projects such as Moyo Gems, which supports women miners in East Africa, ensuring their work is both safe and fairly paid.
I source the components I use in my work, such as chains and clasps (also 100% recycled silver and gold), as well as tools and other materials, only from countries with high labour standards, with a strong preference for local makers and companies wherever possible. As part of this, I get many of my display materials from other independent makers, as I strongly believe in shopping small and local.
In addition, I have signed the JA Handmade & Well Paid pledge to ensure that I am fairly remunerated for my work while also charging a fair price to my customers. Even UK-based independent makers often don’t pay themselves a living or sustainable wage and the Handmade & Well Paid campaign is helping to raise awareness in this area.
I believe anyone should be able to wear jewellery they love. I am a proud member of the LQBTQIA+ community and this is reflected in both my work and the language I use within my business. My jewellery is genderless by design and I actively encourage people of any gender to enjoy it.
I am also neurodivergent (autistic and ADHD), and my work is an exploration of what it’s like to live a neurodiverse life. I hope my jewellery will bring a sense of calm to everyone, but especially my fellow neurodivergent siblings.
Accessibility is also important to me, for example I use lobster clasps for most of my necklaces, a slightly larger clasp that is easier to use for those with reduced dexterity or vision. I also use only Argentium ear posts and backs to ensure my earrings are suitable for people with sensitive skin, with an option to choose 18ct gold ear posts and backs for added peace of mind for people with metal allergies.
Please know that MALT is a safe and supportive space for queer, neurodivergent and disabled people. If you have a suggestion or special request, I'm here to listen! Contact me here.
Many traditional metalsmithing practices still involve the use of animal-derived products today, from leather mallets and bench skins (an apron suspended under a jeweller’s bench to catch metal filings) to felt brushes and animal fat-based polishing compounds.
Thankfully, we now have cruelty-free alternatives and I have been careful to source tools made from non-animal materials and vegetable-oil based polishing compounds, to ensure no MALT Jewellery pieces are created using animal products. Similarly, I am passionate about sourcing other vegan materials for my packaging and stationery.
I’m a staunch supporter of animal rights, enjoy a plant-based diet and proudly shop vegan, cruelty-free in my personal life. Ensuring my art and my business follow those same principles and providing information on vegan jewellery are two of the ways I contribute to us all being able to move away from a dependency on animal products in the future.
It's a privilege to be able to have my own business, and I wish every business worked hard to be as eco-conscious as possible. We only have one Earth and I want MALT to have as small a negative impact on the natural world as possible, so my jewellery can have an even bigger positive impact on the people that live in it.
In addition to inadequate labour standards, precious metal and gem mining practices can also cause significant environmental damage, from the use and improper disposal of toxic chemicals to the disruption or even destruction of local area, including wildlife habitats. By using only recycled gold and silver and ethically sourced gemstones, I can ensure that my jewellery has the lowest possible environmental impact.
The vast majority of the paper I use for my stationery and packaging is recycled, with a small portion being virgin but responsibly sourced.
In my studio, I am careful to ensure proper and safe disposal of any hazardous waste materials (such as the copper residue left in my pickle solution), use eco-friendly cleaning products and make sure to use electricity and water responsibly.
As MALT grows, I can’t wait to make my practice even more eco-conscious and support vital environmental projects.
If you have any questions or suggestions about any of the topics mentioned here, please contact me – I'd love to hear from you!
