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THE MATERIALS I USE

  • 100% Recycled Silver and Gold or Fairmined Gold: Precious metal mining takes a huge toll on the planet and is often accomplished through modern slavery. I source my buillion from CooksonGold and Betts Metal Supplies. There is a lack of transparency in the recycled precious metal industry - it could be newly mined ore that was processed and stamped into shapes and then the scrap is recycled - but this still supports virgin mining. I am advocating for more traceability and transparency and opt to use AgAIN casting grain whenver possible as it is silver reclaimed from UK medical x-rays.
  • NO products from Israel
  • Why Sea Glass? Gemstones also have a murky supply chain and unfortunately, even the gemstones that theoretically have more traceability, like diamonds, are often subject to loopholes in the system that mean consumers could still be purhasing without knowing the true origins. This is an area I am actively trying to learn more about but until I can buy with certainty, I only use reclaimed gemstones. Sea Glass, on the other hand, I can collect from local beaches and pick up bits of trash while I am at it. Its value comes from its possible stories - maybe lost from a pirate ship or a tragic shipwreck of years past. It is treasure that market shares and stock prices can never diminish.
  • Broken Dishes: For some people, it is a travesty that I intentionally destroy ceramic plates. I do often choose plates that have chips or scratches but the reality is, I usually find these plates stacked high in charity shops. Rather than let them go to landfill, I like to repurpose them. I am still considering what to do with the leftover ceramic shards. Perhaps tumbling them to make path or garden bed filler?

MY PACKAGING

My goal is to never burden my customers with packaging that is difficult or confusing to responsibly recycle/compost. (See all the packaging in detail here)

To that extent, I choose materials that can either be recycled through council bins or composted at home.

I do not use the foam, fibre fill, or velvet inserts typically found in jewellery boxes. Even when plastics are made from plant-based materials, they often mimic plastic's characteristics to not biodegrade. (After all, plastic is made from oil which is technically plant-based). I will not pass on packaging to my customers that does not clearly biodegrade into organic matter or that can't be easily recycled.

I also try to provide clear instructions on my packaging of the recycling/composting options available which can also be found below:

Reuse as much as possible but when you are ready to dispose:

RECYCLE with paper or COMPOST:

Shipping Box incl. tape, labels, & wrap
Glassine Bag
Jewellery Card (Remove brass brad)
This Card
Business Card (Remove string)
Jewellery Box (Remove any waddding)

COMPOST at home or via council:

Tissue Paper
Bookmark Ribbon (Jute)
Wadding (All natural fibres)
Wax Seal (100% natural, no plastic)

RECYCLE with metal:

Brass Brad on jewellery card

ENERGY USE

I work from a home-studio which I renovated in 2024 with my own two glorified baby-hands. I picked the best insulation I could afford and now I can heat the entire space in winter with a very small electric blow heater. Equally, the space stays cool in the summer and I built a new wall with reclaimed French doors in it to create a cross-breeze for even more effective cooling.

The electric I use is generated from 100% renewable sources. I would love to invest in solar panels in the future, but right now it is not financially feasible.

For now, I make sure that nothing is left on charge and outlets are turned off to prevent small draws of energy to keep on display lights on machinery.

SECONDHAND, FIRST

From tools to display items, I always try to find what I need secondhand. This is a way of life for me, both personally and professionally. So much already exists on the planet and if we are patient enough, we will likely find what we need without buying new.

SUPPORTING OTHER SMALL BUSINESSES

When secondhand isn't an option, I try to buy from local, small businesses and prioritise those that are also making their best effort to be sustainable and ethical. What this looks like in practice:

  • Checking if the local hardware store- Jackie Brown's - has what I need before gooing to B&Q.
  • Using timber from Ballynahinch Building Supplies for my studio renovation
  • Using Jewellery Casting Scotland as they use AgAin silver bullion and are just genuinely lovely people
  • Using Zap Creatives for my badge pins and stickers as they offer eco-friendlier options, manufacture in house, and are committed to a work-life balance for their staff.
  • Using Print.Work for my business stationery because their paper stock, inks used, and packaging are all intentionally as sustainable as possible.
  • Buying from Klee Paper in Dublin for things like recycled tissue paper, recycled printer paper, home- compostable cellulose sleeves, and other packaging.

I agonise over creating packaging that feels special without compromising on functionality or sustainability. It will probably be a little different than what you're used to seeing...but I hope you feel the love and intention that goes into it just for you.

x Dee

See All the Packaging in Detail

I highly value transparency when it comes to charitable contributions, so please know that is why I share the causes I support and the amounts I have donated through Quirky but Fierce.

In August of 2025, I committed to a 10% donation of all profits to charities both local and global. I donate throughout the financial year but at the end of the year, I will calculate my profits (gross income - expenses) and calculate 10% of that. If I have not already met my 10% giving goal, I will then donate more.

While my small business may only be able to donate small amounts, I know that through community and mutual support, we can change the world for the better.

  • WATERMELON SISTERS

    This is an amazing Palestinian-led organisation providing food, water, and support to to the people of Palestine.



    Amount Donated: £150

  • GRÁ FOR PALESTINE

    This was a beautiful market held in July where local small businesses gathered in Downpatrick to raise funds for two Palestinian families. I donated all purchases on the day between two families:


    Yara Al-Sabaa & Family: £175
    Rahaf Alkfarna & Family: £175


  • HOMETREE.IE

    The Mission: Our work is to establish and conserve permanent native woodland in Ireland, encouraging land regeneration and biodiversity through afforestation, restoration and education.


    Donation TBD

  • SHOW SOME LOVE

    Run by the dynamic duo Becky and Connor, this independent charity supports marginalised communities in Belfast and beyond. From care packs of hygiene products to a free clothing store to their activism for the LGBTQIA+ community, the environment, and social justice - they do it all with pizazz.



    Amount Donated: £250

  • THE HYGIENE BANK MOIRA

    The Mission: Bring communities, businesses and thought leaders together to tackle hygiene poverty by giving access to products and being a voice for change. This wonderful charity supports other charities, like Show Some Love, with donations of hygiene products, as well.


    Amount Donated: £250