Sustainability

Recycled Silver & Gold

We use recycled metals processed by refiners that are dedicated to taking responsibility for adopting the best sustainable practices as soon as they become available. It is made by expert metalsmiths that simply melt down existing silver or gold to give a result that looks and feels exactly the same as new metal just without the same environmental impact. Using recycled silver reduces CO2 emissions by two thirds compared to mined silver. It helps to slow the consumption of natural resources, reduces water usage, and reduces the environmental impact of mining such as erosion and ground water contamination with high levels of mercury and cyanide.

Fairtrade Gold

All non-recycled or reclaimed gold used in our work is certified Fairtrade. Fairtrade Certified Gold is a globally recognised certification system for gold that ensures small-scale and artisan miners from whom the gold is bought are paid fairly for their work.

Conflict-free Diamonds

We work with conflict-free diamonds coming only from companies that adhere to the Kimberley Process, preventing the distribution of conflict diamonds in both rough and polished cut stones.

Canadian Diamonds

With a reputation as one of the most ethically and environmentally conscious choices for diamonds, we offer diamonds that are certified from Canadian mines. The mining and production of all Canadian diamonds is subject to standards set by the Canadian Code of Conduct and the Government of the Northwest Territories. This strict code is designed to protect the Arctic environment, mine workers, and local employees. They are sought after across the world not just for their conflict-free origins, but for their fewer internal irregularities allowing a better flow of light through the stones.

Glassware

Our glass pieces begin with material that would otherwise be considered waste: broken bottles and discarded window glass. The glass is collected, sorted and melted down before being annealed and transformed by hand, using a combination of solar power and reclaimed engine oil as fuel.

Each piece is individually hand-blown and twisted into shape. It is an extremely physical and time-sensitive process; depending on the scale of the piece, the maker may have only seconds to manipulate the glass before it begins to cool and solidify. This immediacy means that no two pieces are ever completely identical, with subtle variations becoming part of the character of the finished object.

Design Process

The Completedworks design process is built around challenging consumerism and over-consumption by creating classically designed pieces that remain relevant even when the world changes. We consciously avoid trends that feel momentary or transient in favour of an aesthetic which is more poetic, graceful and long-lasting.

The Cost of Mining

In order to extract enough gold to produce one wedding band, 20 tons of waste is created. For perspective, that means that for every five wedding bands made we are responsible for an amount of mining waste equivalent to the weight of one blue whale.

But the true cost of mining was also highlighted to us by a book of photographs by Sebastião Salgado. The book included images he took at the Serra Pelada gold mine in north-west Brazil in 1986 - shocking images, almost pre-industrial in their visceral depiction of the miners - they caused us to think differently about our responsibilities as a business.

Packaging

All our cardboard boxes are made from recycled paper which reduces greenhouse gas emissions that can contribute to climate change, and uses 70% less energy, 80% less water and produces 39% less solid waste than paper made from virgin fibres.

We use pouches made from a mix of cotton and ramie - a strong natural fibre derived from nettles (Boehmeria nivea). They can be reused, recycled or composed.

One Tree Planted

One Tree Planted is a non-profit organisation on a global mission to reforest our planet and provide education and awareness on the importance of trees in our ecosystem. They want to make it easier for everyone to contribute to the environment by planting trees, restoring forests and making a positive social impact around the world. 

For every order placed, we donate £1 to One Tree Planted — helping create a more sustainable future, one tree at a time. It's our way of giving back to the planet with every piece you choose.