Ethical

Environmentally responsible design

Our jewellery is made from vintage and antique beads and parts combined with common materials such as glass, brass alloys, wood, plus rubber and plant based plastics, and some semi precious stones and gems. We try to ensure that every component is of the highest quality and durability. Long lasting products are key in reducing consumption and so preventing the depletion of natural resources.

seraglia designs in a modular way, with chains or links holding components together, making repairs and eventual reuse much easier. Wherever possible we use wired links in place of glue or thread. In addition, many of our pieces can be worn in multiple ways.

We have recently completed a sustainability audit carried out by London Remade, and are using their report and guidelines to ensure that our operations are sustainable both now and as our operations expand in the future.

Ethical sourcing

When sourcing our new beads and metal components wherever possible we buy those that do not harm the environment and are produced under good working conditions, and most cases, these are from Europe.

We also source other elements carefully, in many cases using reclaimed or salvaged parts, and this season are beginning to use beads and carvings made from renewable, rainforest friendly resources like vegetable ivory and vulcanised waste or reclaimed rubber.

All the coral we use in our designs is from old broken necklaces, and it is used sparingly, as red and black coral are fast becoming endangered species. Unless a client has proven antique pieces, we will not use elephant ivory, though we have used 10,000 year old Siberian mammoth ivory for some of our painted pendants. We do not use fur.

At present is near impossible to source fair trade or certified semi precious gemstones, however we do check that our suppliers have personally inspected production facilities and found them safe and well run. We are currently working with other designers to create some kind of certification for the future.

seraglia is a member of the Eco Design Network and a founder member of weallreuse.com

Our values

seraglia is now:

* promoting reuse and environmental responsibility – and practicing it.
* ensuring that every component is of the highest quality and durability
* creating a reliable and cost effective UK manufacturing base and encouraging and training craft workers
* following ethical business best practice and ensuring we monitor our projects effectively
* committed to ensuring good working conditions and respect for the environment
* passing these values though our entire supply chain