SUSTAINABILITY & ETHICS

PROMISE

I am committed to reducing my impact on the planet and protecting its resources for the future. I am continuously challenging the use of materials in my work and packaging to ensure I can uphold the highest sustainably credentials possible.

Sustainable and ethical jewellery is:

• Using materials that can be traced back to source and have been obtained in an ethical way
• Uses recycled materials, minimises waste in production and recycles any leftovers
• Using materials that don't exploit child labour and provide a fair wage
• Produced in a way that doesn't negatively impact the environment

PRECIOUS METALS

Mining for precious metals can have devastating consequences on the environment from large scale excavation, pollution of the earth and water sources and a negative impact on the communities who live in its vicinity.

All Aimi Cairns Jewellery is made with 100% recycled silver and gold. My metal supplier is certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council in the UK.

GEMSTONES

Mining for stones can also have a devastating impact on the environment and wildlife. As there is no governing body to oversee the global supply of gemstones it is difficult to ensure the ethical background of all stones; but not impossible. 

My goal is to exclusively use fully traceable Scottish gemstones across my collections. I have begun to use gemstones from Scotland in my designs. I am able to source these stones from small independent collectors and lapadrists so I can guarantee that they have been procured ethically and are fully traceable. 

View my Scottish Collection now

PRODUCTION

I am a one-woman team and hand make every piece of jewellery using recycled metal in small batches from start to finish in my home studio. There is little waste to my production but every off-cut and even the silver dust from my bench is gathered and refined back into use. 

Where chemicals are required I use environmentally friendly options wherever possible. Such as water based rather than silica based polishing compounds, dish detergent for cleaning rather than the hazardous alternative and food grade pickle for cleaning fire oxides. 

PACKAGING

My packaging has been designed to be 100% recyclable.

I use cardboard mailing boxes sealed with paper tape made of unbleached paper with a solvent-free adhesive. 

All of the outer packaging is completely paper based and 100% recyclable.

My jewellery boxes are made from FSC certified recycled card and I use paper pouches for small items.

All business cards and printed items are printed on recycled card and are 100% recyclable.