Sustainability

Shirlee Grund Jewelry is handcrafted in Seattle with recycled precious metals, ethically sourced stones, and low-impact, earth friendly studio practices. I am dedicated to beautiful craftsmanship, sustainable production processes, and marriage equality.

RECYCLED PRECIOUS METALS

I purchase recycled precious metals from SCS Certified refiners that follow high standards for recycled metals and green processing. These suppliers take in old or unwanted jewelry and silverware, scarp from jewelry studios, silver from photo processing, and precious metals from electronic devices, and refine these materials into forms that jewelers can use again, such as sheet metal and wire. Recycling metals helps reduce the demand for new mining operations. 

DIAMONDS

Faceted and Melee:

I use recycled diamonds whenever available. Recycled diamonds are purchased from Hoover & Strong and have been reclaimed from old jewelry, cleaned, verified, and graded. These are the most environmentally friendly diamonds available as they avoid both the social and environmental issues typically found in the mining and exporting of precious gems. 

All diamonds are purchased from reputable US diamond dealers and are certified conflict free through the Kimberley process via their source. I can provide GIA certified and/or Canadian diamonds upon request.

Raw and Rose Cut Diamonds:

I'm usually unable to source recycled raw or rose cut diamonds since they have only recently become popular. I purchase only from reputable dealers who can provide Kimberly process certification or better. 

GEMSTONES

Shirlee Grund Jewelry uses a variety of precious and semi precious gems in our jewelry. I make every effort to offer ethically sourced gemstones that are traced from mine to market. Not all gemstones can be accurately traced to their source, however, and I'm always working to establish new, responsible sources for gemstones. I do have fair trade sources for some stones including sapphires. If you have a questions about a certain stone, please ask. Moissanite or Chatham lab grown stones can be substituted in many designs; contact me for options and pricing.