Our Stones
Our diamonds and precious stones are responsibly sourced from vendors with whom we’ve worked with for over ten years. They are either Canadian, reclaimed, or follow the Kimberley process (the fight against conflict diamonds). We also seek ethical gemstones of other varieties, focusing on domestic sources whenever possible to ensure US labor and environmental regulations are met.
Our Production
Our Green Certified studio practices include a zero-waste policy, using only post consumer packaging materials, carbon offsetting our shipments, and reusing and recycling everything we possibly can. In fact, our studio was just recognized as a Water Smart business by the East Bay Municipal Utility District. We design using traditional metalsmithing techniques that avoid the excessive waste associated with other forms of production, and we are constantly finding new ways to improve.
Our Green Certification
Fresh from our re-certification as a Green Business of Alameda County, we're excited to share our processes. We invite all to join us in reducing our collective environmental impact. Melissa always says, “it’s in cumulative change that we will make a difference, not alone”.
Fresh from our re-certification as a Green Business of Alameda County, we're excited to share our processes. We invite all to join us in reducing our collective environmental impact. Melissa always says, “it’s in cumulative change that we will make a difference, not alone”.
Our Commitments Since Day One
Using 100% recycled metals in our jewelry production
Hand making each piece in the United States
Reducing, reusing, and recycling everything possible. We always prefer to fix something than replace it!
Encouraging our team to commute via public transportation, biking, or walking
Carbon offsetting every box we ship
Using only responsible fabrics in our jewelry pouches which are sewn here in the US
Using recycled, post consumer content bags and packaging in our retail stores and when shipping our ecommerce orders
Our Newest Updates
• Installing low flow aerators on studio sinks and a new drip irrigation system to reduce our water waste
• Reducing single use plastics in the studio, eventually they will be banned completely
• Upgrading to more recycled packaging, with a focus on higher percentages of post-consumer content
• Replacing our cleaning supplies with green seal alternatives to reduce market demand for environmentally damaging chemicals
• Phasing out fluorescent bulbs in favor of LED lights, both indoors and outdoors
• Switching over our electricity to 100% renewable energy through East Bay Community Energy. Look into your provider to see if they partner with a local clean energy source and you may be eligible to do the same!
• Measuring our carbon footprint and setting reduction goals
• Forming a Green Team to discuss new technologies, plan ahead for future purchases/upgrades, and carefully reviewing our current practices for opportunities to improve.
• Adding the option for customers to offset their purchase with climate credits at checkout
"Best known for pushing perceptions of “precious”, Melissa Joy Manning started her brand in 1997, long before sustainability and ethically-sourced were the buzzwords they are now."
