Sustainability

Our Sustainability Practices

For pearl oysters to thrive, they need nutrient-rich waters, high-quality shelter, and a thriving ecosystem. The production of high-quality cultured pearls depends on it. Every pearl we sell tells a story of responsibility, sustainability, and respect for our planet's precious resources.

Our Commitments

Protection of the Biosphere

We are committed to only working with farmers and suppliers who safeguard the habitats in which they operate, who strive to conserve or in some instances restore biodiversity, ecosystem structure, and ecosystem services. In the event that our relationships abroad endanger the local environment, we will promptly and responsibly adjust them.

Sustainable Use of Natural Resources

We will only partner with suppliers and farmers that responsibly use natural resources. Through efficient use and careful planning, we will make sustainable use of renewable natural resources and conserve non-renewable natural resources.

Production Transparency

It is our commitment to be transparent in the way we produce pearl jewellery, claim provenance, and in the marketing of our products. In addition, our pearl farm partners only practice responsible harvesting methods, ensuring that only a small percentage of the mollusk population is harvested at a time and that the remaining mollusks are left to grow and reproduce.

Socially and Culturally Responsible Partners

It's important for pearl farmers to comply with local regulations and international standards for pearl farming, such as the Cultured Pearl standard of the Cultured Pearl Association of Japan, which sets guidelines for the sustainable production of pearls. Only farmers and suppliers who operate responsibly with the local community and adhere to international sustainability standards will be partnered with us.

Our Journey

From our founding to our future goals, here is how we are making a positive impact on our planet and communities:

• 1998 — Pearl Gallery founded with quality and ethics at heart.
• 2020 — Formalised sustainability commitments and practices.
• 2021 — Achieved direct partnerships with ethical pearl farms.
• 2022 — Transitioned to 100% recycled precious metals.
• 2023 — Launched a comprehensive ocean conservation programme.
• 2024 — Expanded sustainable packaging to all products.
• 2025 goal — Carbon neutral across our entire supply chain.

Quality Materials

Investing in quality materials will make your jewellery last for years to come. We are committed to using materials that are less harmful to our planet and our communities. Our jewellery is made from 100% recycled gold and silver, as well as conflict-free diamonds that are certified through the Kimberley Process.

Conflict-Free Diamonds

Each diamond we use in our products is assessed for its cut, clarity, colour, and carat weight. The Kimberley Process and the World Diamond Council's System of Warranties are applied when sourcing them.

Ethical Gemstones

We source ethical gemstones that are removed from the ground and otherwise processed using eco-friendly techniques. Generally, the goal is to have as little impact on the environment as possible. Crystals that are ethically mined are not extracted from strip mines. We choose to work with producers who use more environmentally conscious methods.

Genuine Cultured Pearls

There are many places in the world where cultured pearls can be found, including Japan, Australia, Indonesia, China, among many others. Cultured pearls are real pearls grown inside real oysters. The pearls we use are sourced from partners abroad who operate sustainably and responsibly.

Fairtrade Gold & Recycled Silver

When you buy Fairtrade Gold, you know the small-scale and artisanal miners receive a fair price, giving them financial security. Additionally, they receive extra funds to invest in education, clean water, and healthcare for their families and communities.

Our Process

From design to delivery, every step is carefully crafted with sustainability in mind.

1. Design

Sketchbooks are the foundation of our in-house designs, starting with simple outlines and progressing to full-colour drawings. We often work closely with customers who are looking for something specific and bespoke based on their ideas and requirements.

2. Pearl Selection

It is important for us to know our pearl farmers by name, and only source pearls from those who meet our ethical standards. Through the long-standing relationships we have developed, we are able to source the highest quality pearls for lower prices, passing the savings on to our customers. The pearls we import are sorted by size and grade and then matched together for use in the jewellery which we produce.

3. Manufacture

In order to create our jewellery, we work with workshops and family-run goldsmiths in the UK and across the globe. These goldsmiths craft components which we then assemble with our own pearls into the finished products that we sell.

Shop With Purpose

Every purchase supports our mission to create beautiful jewellery while protecting our oceans and the communities who depend on them. Questions about our sourcing or sustainability programme? Drop us a line at [email protected].