ETHICAL PRACTICES
MATERIAL PROVENANCE & SUPPLY CHAIN
DIRTY METAL MAKES BAD ARTIFACTS. You cannot build a permanent object out of unethical materials. The jewellery industry is notorious for opaque supply chains, conflict financing, and “mystery metal.” I do not participate in that economy.
Every gram of metal that enters the Urban Sterling studio is fully traceable, chemically pure, and sourced according to the strictest standards in the Southern Hemisphere.
THE METAL (100% Australian Sourced)
My casting partner, Palloys, and their metal supplier, ABC Refinery, constitute the only supply chain in Australia willing to be subject to yearly investigations by the Conflict Metals Group.
The Source: All metal is traceable to Australian mines. No conflict zones. No unregulated imports.
The Chemistry: ABC Refinery employs “Green Gold” technology, specifically Acid-less Separation (ALS). This is a unique refining process that uses heat and pressure rather than hazardous chemicals to purify the gold and silver. It is the largest zero-emission refinery in the world.
The Material: I use Argentium Silver. It is not only physically superior to Sterling (brighter, harder, tarnish-resistant), but it is produced from 100% recycled silver.
The Certifications: We don’t just “say” it’s ethical. The supply chain is audited by:
- LBMA (London Bullion Market Association)
- OECD (Conflict Gold Policies)
- RJC (Responsible Jewellery Council)
- World Gold Council
LABOUR
Manufacturing: The mould is created in Newcastle. The casting happens in Sydney. The finishing happens at my bench.
Support: Marketing, printing, and content production are all kept within the Australian economy.
The Exception: The only component not made in Australia are the ring and chain boxes. I use premium, FSC-certified buckram boxes from Denmark. Why? Because I could not find an Australian manufacturer who met the quality standard I require for these pieces.
LOGISTICS
Getting the artifact to you shouldn’t cost the earth. I utilize Australia Post’s Carbon Neutral delivery network for all domestic and international shipments.
The Offset: Through the Qantas Future Planet program, the carbon footprint of every truck, plane, and train used to deliver your ring is calculated and offset via verified environmental projects.
The Result: Since 2020, this network has offset the equivalent of removing 117,000 cars from the road.
