Sustainability

Sustainability in jewellery isn’t just about doing less
harm - it’s about doing more good.

The word sustainability is everywhere, but in jewellery it carries a particular weight. Jewellery is not something fleeting—it is designed to last, to outlive us, to be carried across generations. A sustainable piece of jewellery holds its value not only in material, but in memory and meaning.

For me, sustainability begins at the bench. It’s about respect: for the silver and gold I work with, for the environment they come from, and for the people who will one day wear these pieces close to their skin. Every ring or necklace I make at 23 Little Minster Street is shaped with this responsibility in mind.

At Joanne Bowles Jewellery, we think about sustainability
in three ways:

Material – Wherever possible, I work with recycled metals. When sourcing new materials, I choose suppliers who value traceability and ethics, because the story of a jewel should be as clear and honest as its shine.

Making – Jewellery-making is inherently slow. Each piece is formed, measured, and refined by hand. This mindful process creates less waste, avoids excess, and produces quality that far outlives seasonal trends.

Longevity – True sustainability lies in pieces that don’t need replacing. A simple silver band or textured pendant can be worn every day for decades. And when a clasp breaks or a chain tangles, I believe in repairing, not discarding, keeping the story going.

Beyond my studio, this approach reflects a broader cultural shift. Globally, we are moving from a culture of consumption to one of care and continuity. Luxury is no longer defined by novelty or abundance, but by provenance, responsibility, and the ability to endure. Jewellery, with its deep emotional significance, is at the heart of this movement: small objects that carry vast meaning.

Sustainability in jewellery isn’t just about doing less harm - it’s about doing more good. It’s about creating objects that last longer than we do, reminding us of who we are, where we’ve been, and the values we choose to carry forward.