Jewellery Designer & Goldsmith

Studio practices

Welcome to my Studio Practices page, where ethics and sustainability meet exceptional craftsmanship. In my studio, I prioritise responsible sourcing, using Fairmined metals and gemstones to create bespoke jewellery that aligns with my commitment to the environment and fair trade. Every piece is handcrafted with care, ensuring not only beauty but also a story of integrity and respect for the planet and its people.

I focus on reducing waste, recycling materials, and supporting sustainable practices at every stage of the jewellery-making process. Whether you’re commissioning a new piece or repurposing your own gold or gemstones, your jewellery will reflect your values as much as your style.

Explore my practices to learn more about how I create jewellery with a conscience. Let’s work together to craft a unique piece that embodies both sustainability and artistry.

Contact me to find out more information about my practices

My Business Cards

These are my business cards, from Moo.com. They had an option to print business cards on 100 percent recycled cotton T-shirts. When I received the box of business cards, it sayed: “I used to be a T-shirt… But they changed it to 100% tree-free and 100% recyclable material. My business cards are now made from cotton linters; these are short fibres removed from the cottonseed during processing and are a major source of cellulose for both chemical and food uses… or in my case, for fabricating my business cards.

My website is my online calling card. This is also carbon-neutral hosted by Kualo. They make sure their data centres don’t waste energy. With their collaboration with Ecologi, every website hosted with them contributes to tree-planting and benefits from investments in Gold Standard certified initiatives that offset carbon emissions.

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emballage durable

Packaging

I’m actively working on improving my sustainable packaging, especially when it comes to finding the right alternatives for foam inserts. I’m continually refining my packaging as I haven’t yet found a solution that fully meets my eco-friendly and quality standards.

At first, I repurposed beautiful cream pots from “Self,” a vegan cosmetics brand I discovered through the WOMED Awards. I replaced the “Self” labels with my own and filled the pots with organic cotton.

Now, I’ve switched to FSC-certified fine cardboard boxes, which better align with my sustainability goals. I’m always researching and experimenting with new packaging options that balance presentation, protection, and environmental responsibility, ensuring that my packaging practices reflect my commitment to sustainability.

Studio Practices

I prioritise sustainable studio practices, and one key change I’ve made is switching from nitric acid to citric acid in my jewellery-making process. About a year after relocating my workshop to Brussels, I chose citric acid as a safer and more eco-friendly alternative. Did you know that citric acid is used in hard-boiled sweets and as a descaler for kitchens and bathrooms?

To neutralise the acid, I mix it with bicarbonate of soda, a method I continue to use. Once neutralised, I filter the solution through an old-fashioned coffee filter. The water passes through, while dirt and metal particles stay behind in the filter. I dispose of the filter in my metal recycling bin.

My magnetic polisher also uses water and citric acid, further supporting my commitment to environmentally conscious studio practices. Additionally, I’ve used ecological washing-up liquid in my ultrasonic cleaner since 2001, ensuring that every aspect of my work contributes to sustainability.

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IMG: courtesy of cooksongold.com

I use water-based polishing pastes, making my process more environmentally friendly.

I work with Luxi pastes, which are not yet widely available through all suppliers. These pastes are easy to clean off precious metal surfaces because they dissolve in water.

An added benefit is that I avoid inhaling the harmful grease commonly found in other polishing compounds, creating a healthier work environment. Luxi pastes help me achieve a high-quality finish while prioritising sustainability and safety.

One of my key studio practices is my precious metals recycling bin. I collect everything in it—from emery paper and worn-down polishing mops to cracked crucibles. Even polishing dust and floor sweepings find their way into the bin.

Once the bin reaches 100 litres, I send it to the refinery. There, the precious metals are extracted, refined, and returned to the jewellery industry for reuse. This process ensures that no valuable material goes to waste.

Recuperate, recycle, refine, and reuse—that’s my commitment to sustainable jewellery-making.

studio practices

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Saskia Shutt Fairmined license