Since our inception, The Rock Hound has been committed to the responsible sourcing of precious metals and gemstones. We strive, in all areas of our business, to use the most sustainable methods of sourcing and think carefully over the choices we make, down to the tea we drink in our workshop.
The Fairmined Gold we use in our collections comes from artisanal and small-scale mines (ASM). Fairmined is an initiative whose label certifies gold of responsible origin, empowered responsible artisanal and small-scale mining organisations. It guarantees that it is a traceable gold, extracted with the best mining practices aimed at preserving the environment, and supports the development of artisanal and small-scale mining communities who meet world leading standards for responsible practices..
We have also previously been proud to use Fairtrade Certified Gold in our pieces. The Fairtrade Standard for Gold means the gold has been responsibly mined and that the miners have received a Fairtrade Minimum Price and Premium, giving communities in these developing countries the opportunity for better living and working conditions.
Recycled silver is increasingly popular with jewellers, but it’s not always easy to find out where your silver comes from. AgAIN silver is guaranteed to have been recycled from medical X-rays in the UK.
Our signature flash of colour is a form of plating utilising coloured ceramic. After a thin layer is delicately adhered to the piece it is then cured, giving a vibrant solid layer of colour. The metal underneath lends a tone to the colour with the silver creating pop-art colours and the gold lending a richer tone with the red, yellow or white providing an undertone carried through in the finished colour.
The Rock Hound are a mission-based ethical gemmologist jeweller committed to the responsible sourcing of metals and gemstones. The Rock Hound Supplier Code of Conduct is designed to uphold these values and foster transparent supply chains.
Sourcing gemstones that have been responsibly mined is central to The Rock Hound. This may involve us going out to the mine ourselves or reaching out to one of our trusted suppliers. A transparent supply chain is key so it's imperative that we start on the right track.
Take a look at our SOURCING page to read more about the areas we source from and view photos from our field trips.
Image courtesy of SLC
We also have an exotic leather range of packaging. To create this material, we work with an Icelandic tannery who are the leading manufacturers in leather from fishskin. The fish leather we use is environmentally friendly in two different ways: it is a bi-product of the fishing industry in Lake Victoria, Tanzania, utilising raw materials that would not otherwise be used; and the production process makes use of renewable hydro and geothermal energy.
We are committed to increasing our social impact. To this end we donate 2% of sales towards creating change for people & planet.
For the last 3 years we’ve donated to Community Interest Company Crystal Clear. Crystal Clear™ was founded in 2019 by She's Lost Control’s Founder and sustainability advocate, Jill Urwin. The primary social objective is to reinvest profits back into the community, specifically to support and empower Artisanal Small Scale Miners, for whom mining is often a route out of poverty.
1% for the Planet is a global organization that exists to ensure our planet and future generations thrive. They inspire businesses to support environmental partners through membership and everyday actions. They make environmental giving easy and effective through partnership advising, impact storytelling and third-party certification.
'Currently, only 3% of total philanthropy goes to the environment and, only 5% of that comes from businesses. The planet needs bigger support than this, and our growing network of business members are doing vital work to increase giving and support on-the-ground action. We're excited to welcome The Rock Hound to our global movement,' says Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet.
