Cutting-edge jeweller luxe.zen launches mine-to-market raw gemstone jewellery collection in partnership with Moyo Gems, PACT International & the Tanzanian Women Miner’s Association. This is a groundbreaking move for luxe.zen on its mission to handcraft kinder jewellery.
Raw purple Moyo Gems sapphire gemstone ring by luxe.zen. Gem mined by Godrich. Photos – courtesy of luxe.zen ©
Most jewellers who make ethical claims simply set stones in recycled gold, without addressing the social and environmental costs of the metal’s origins. Further, brands that market “ethically sourced” gemstones without disclosing their origins offer consumers questionable confidence that their jewellery is ethical. When jewellers assure their materials, they are typically fine jewellery or luxury pieces. Therefore, much of the affordably-priced costume jewellery sold today fuels environmental destruction, poor wages, unsafe working conditions, and conflicts like the war in Ukraine (Archuleta).
luxe.zen aims to change that. The cutting-edge jeweller is already a Fairmined gold & silver licensed brand. With this partnership, luxe.zen can trace all materials from the mine to the consumer. “When the answers to our questions about our material’s origins were unsatisfactory, we knew we had to do better. Our Moyo Gems pieces represent industry-leading transparency at an affordable price. We name the miner and give back 3% of profits to support others like her,” Sarah Healey – founder.
Raw red Moyo Gems garnet gemstone ring by luxe.zen. Garnet mined by Msaferi.
This boundary-pushing partnership also helps increase artisanal miners’ income. luxe.zen uses primarily rough and imperfect stones, which most jewellers reject. This partnership means that miners now have a market for those stones. Furthermore, luxe.zen’s partners provide safer venues to sell, transparent pricing, and immediate payment. Training is provided on mining safety and environmental sustainability, and how to assess the value of their finds. Salma Kundi, TAWOMA’s Secretary General, sees a bright future for these miners, as partners like luxe.zen expands the market for their gemstones while ensuring they have the support and training to get their stones to market safely. “We are bringing expanded opportunities to Tanzanian Moyo program miners through this new effort,” says Norbert Massay of PACT International. “These opportunities strengthen women-led households, communities, and our national partner TAWOMA.”
In addition to their commitment to ethical sourcing luxe.zen focuses on minimizing its environmental footprint. Their bestselling mosaic collection features upcycled gemstone shards and broken stones that most jewellery studios would discard. “It never made sense to me that imperfect stones are wasted. These stones still have so much beauty and character. Women are looking for pieces that are unique,” Sarah Healey – founder.
