Ethical Jewellery
Sustainable and ethical jewelry means transparent and responsible sourcing practices and use of sustainable materials. Elleca jewellery tries to have minimal impact on the environment, our pieces are made from 80% recycled silver. Our policy is strictly fair trade, where by our craftsmen and women get to decide their own wages.
Picking the right jewellery has the power to transform the look and feel of your entire outfit. How often do we stop to think about how our jewellery was made? – Where did the materials come from? Whose hands has it touched? What environment was it made in? Whose lives has it affected? How long is the jewellery going to last.
We’ve all been disappointed at how quickly our poorly made costume jewellery pieces tarnish or turn our fingers green. Unfortunately, the fast fashion industry has brought about a culture of repeatedly buying poorly-made ‘trendy’ jewellery that is thrown out after a few wears, wasting resources and exposing ourselves and the producers to toxic materials along the way.
CHOOSE THE MOST SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS POSSIBLE
Silver can easily be melted and reformed into a new piece of jewelry. It doesn’t lose it's qualities when melted down and reused—which is great from both an environmental and financial standpoint. Here at Elleca we buy old silver pieces from antique stores in Kenya to reuse the silver for our pieces. Recycled silver jewelry is better for the environment because it doesn’t require mining. It doesn’t require the use of cyanide solvents to separate it. It isn’t associated with damaging the environment or polluting nearby waters. It also gives a second life to that antique brooch or damaged necklace so they’re not fated to just add to growing solid waste streams. It allows us to see precious metals as exactly that: precious. It gives silver the chance to shine again and teaches us that we shouldn’t be so cavalier in our treatment of these materials.
Ethically-Sourced Gems
We love our planet 🌍 and the people in it. ♥️ It's important for us at Elleca to know the origins of our gemstones. The story behind a gemstone is just as important as the color and size. Knowing that the stone was sustainably and ethically mined in a way that added value to the lives of the people involved without damaging the environment, is what makes it special. As it’s sometimes hard to find recycled gems, ethically-sourced gems are the second best option. Our Aquamarine gemstones are mined by an all women mine in zimbabwe https://www.zimbaqua.com/ It is important for us at Elleca to make sure there are fair trade prices for our gemstones. We prefer to buy our gemstones directly from known miners and mines in order to cut out the middlemen that would usually put the miner at a disadvantage, but forcing them to take very low market prices.
Craftsmanship
At Elleca, we pride ourselves on not just crafting exquisite jewelry but also on how we redefine the essence of collaboration and empowerment within our artisan community in Kenya. Our core philosophy transcends the conventional boundaries of business, weaving a tapestry of mutual respect, dignity, and shared success with every piece we create. Central to our ethos is a groundbreaking approach to artisan compensation – one where our artisans, the heartbeat of Elleca, have the autonomy to set their own wages. This model is not just about fair wages; it's about acknowledging the invaluable craftsmanship, dedication, and passion our artisans pour into each creation. By empowering them to decide their remuneration, we ensure that their work is not only a reflection of their unparalleled talent but also a testament to their worth and contribution to our collective success. Our artisans are more than creators; they are visionaries and partners in our journey. This empowerment enables them to thrive, not just survive, allowing them to reinvest in their communities, uplift their families, and inspire future generations to pursue their creative passions. It's a ripple effect of positive change, sparked by every necklace, bracelet, and ring they meticulously craft. Elleca's commitment goes beyond jewelry. We're dedicated to creating a sustainable ecosystem where creativity flourishes, talents are nurtured, and everyone involved is recognized for their individuality and contributions. It's a celebration of craftsmanship, community, and the transformative power of respecting and valuing each person's work and well-being. Join us in this journey of beauty, empowerment, and change. Every Elleca piece you choose is a step towards a brighter, more equitable future for our artisans and their communities. Together, we're not just adorning lives with beauty; we're weaving a new narrative of empowerment and prosperity for all.