Sustainability Statement

Many brands market their products as 'hand-made' or use terms like 'Designed in [location]' or 'Hand-finished.' These phrases can be misleading, as many outsource manufacturing to low-cost regions. This raises questions about the authenticity and transparency of their claims, misleading consumers into believing they are purchasing items with a level of artisanal quality or local production that isn't entirely accurate.  The lack of transparency also extends to their employment and environmental policies, leaving consumers unaware of the true ethical and ecological impact of their purchases.

I take great pride  in saying everything I sell is lovingly designed and made by me, right here in my Hong Kong studio. I believe in true transparency, not just about my craftsmanship but also about the ethical and environmental impact of what I create. When you choose my products, you can be confident that you're getting genuine artisanal quality, crafted with care and integrity.

What I Make

I hand-craft everything myself.  This means I am able to have full control over design, materials and workshop practices. I make careful and considered choices to create well-made, luxurious pieces that are also sustainable and kind to the Planet.  By combining my years of knowledge in the jewellery and textiles industries, along with using the best materials, I design and make classic pieces to be cherished for years and stand the test of time.  You can enjoy anything I make knowing it will reflect a commitment to making a more sustainable choice.

Materials Used

  • I use recycled sterling silver reclaimed from post-consumer goods. Silver can be smelted and reused an infinite amount of times.  Most mass produced silver jewellery is made from newly mined metals.
  • I also use guaranteed sterling silver sourced from official bullions dealers in the UK, where there are strict laws on precious metals used in jewellery. A large amount of silver jewellery sold online, although stamped .925, isn’t true sterling silver.  It is often made up of other silver coloured metals or a base metal that is silver plated.  These alloys can contain harmful toxic metals such as nickel, cadmium or lead, as well as being mis-sold as silver.
  • Being a FGA qualified gemmologist I understand and only use ethically sourced gemstones. Mining gems is a dangerous profession, with some mines also using child labour.  I want to ensure the gems I use are from mines that pay a fair wage, use safe mining techniques and no child labour.
  • With K-Squared I give a new lease of life for Kimonos & Obis that are considered to be unwearable. I source pieces that are not in mint condition, therefore not taking a re-wearable items away from being used again from its original use.
  • I source the complimentary fabrics from end rolls and deadstock left over from the big manufactures that would otherwise go to landfill. I aim to choose natural fabrics such as silk or cotton, not only for their sustainability but also because they are a higher quality than synthetics.  I may occasionally use high quality synthetic fabrics to give them a new life.
  • I choose to make the cushion inserts because I don’t want to buy the synthetic filled (even if recycled) or Feather & Down. Due to the type of use, synthetic cushion fillers can’t be recycled, therefore it ends the circle of re-use.  The feathers inside the down ones are mostly sourced from cruelly plucking live birds.  Cruelty free Feather & Down pillows are available but needing a low MOQ means I have to import from the UK or USA at high cost and high emissions.  Therefore I use Kapok sourced locally and Tencel fabric (also a natural fibre).
  • I use Tencel or cotton thread for sewing instead of polyester (which most mass producers use to cut costs). Polyester is cheaper, easier to buy and quicker to sew with, but it doesn’t match the fibre and quality of the fabrics I use.
  • I have chosen to use YKK recycled polyester zips. They can be removed and recycled again at end of life.  Cotton tape zips have metal teeth meaning they are harder to recycle.  YKK make excellent quality zips, I use this brand instead of cheaper non-brand as they are made to last.
  • I look to buy materials and tools from local companies before ordering overseas. This is to not only reduce shipping emissions but to also support other local independent businesses.
  • If I do have to source items from abroad I will wait to make a larger order, rather than buying small and often. I also look for companies that I can order all the items I need and they will ideally share similar ethics and eco values. 
  • As you can tell by now I never choose the cheap option. I don’t put profit before my values or the Planet.

 

Packing & Delivery

  • Jewellery pieces will arrive in a beautiful presentation box. The box is crafted from recycled FSC card and paper with a non-foam insert to hold the jewellery.  The box also includes an anti-tarnish tab to help your treasured piece stay bright when not being worn.
  • Cushions and other Textiles are carefully wrapped in FSC, acid free tissue paper.
  • I may incorporate bubble wrap in some parcels, choosing to save and reclaim packing supplies from received deliveries. I believe it is far more sustainable to reuse these materials rather than purchasing new ones. This practice not only helps in reducing waste but also supports environmental conservation.

 

Studio & Workshop Practices

  • Energy & Water Consumption
  • I use traditional hand-crafting techniques whether sewing or silversmithing. I don’t use high energy industrial machinery, reducing my energy consumption.
  • I am conscious to only turn on lights and sockets when needed. 
  • I have a water filter fitted to the external water pipes. I do not buy bottled water. 
  • If I need to wash or rinse anything I use a bowl filled with water rather than under a running tap.
  • Office Supplies
  • I use environmentally friendly chemicals such as my jewellers pickle.
  • I use recycled FSC certified paper and card for printing, which I try to keep to a minimum.
  • I use eco-friendly and cruelty free detergents and cleaning products.
  • I use cloth rags and towels for drying and cleaning. Not paper towels.
  • I take home cooked meals to the workshop instead of take-aways or ready meals. I’m also a lifelong vegetarian.
  • General Practices
  • I am lucky enough to be able to walk to most places. If not I use public transport.
  • I recycle workshop waste as much as possible. In Hong Kong this means walking with it 20 mins into town. It isn’t collected from my doorstep.