Through all aspects of my business I follow the principles of the ‘Slow Fashion Movement’ which represents all things eco, ethical and green. Slow Fashion is a reaction to the mass produced, fast fashion industry where retailers selling the latest fashion trends at low prices promoting consumerism and over-buying which has an impact on the environment and workers.
I want to create thoughtful and sustainable pieces of jewellery that are worn, cherished and passed on, that last a lifetime and are not replaced or thrown away with seasonal trends. I support local resources within my community such as photographers, metal and packaging suppliers who in turn follow ethical codes of practice. Proudly 100% of my suppliers are UK based.
My aim is to have a simple business with minimal impact on the environment and support my local industries. I have always wanted to do a job that I love, earn enough to support my family and give a little back.
But just like my t-shirt says........ I'm 'Still Learning'
Mikaela x
If you are interested to read more about how the materials and suppliers I use follow ethical principles then please see below:
Packaging
Every piece of jewellery comes in a fabric drawstring pouch which is 50% linen and 50% cotton from a Welsh, UK based company called Packaging World, who are 'Committed to sustainable packaging'.
The pouch is placed in a luxury box made using eco-friendly methods and is fully recyclable. These are from Tiny Box Company, another UK based company who 'pride ourselves on being a sustainable, minimal waste company, helping our future'.
The printers I use for my care cards, stickers and hallmark cards are FSC certified ( The FSC certification is considered the "gold standard" designation for wood harvested from forests that are responsibly managed, socially beneficial, environmentally conscious, and economically viable.)
My postal boxes are cardboard and I use a paper sticker to seal them so everything is100% plastic free and able to be recycled.
Gold
My platers use 2.5 microns ( 5 microns on rings) of 24ct ethical gold to plate my silver, which can be classed as Gold Vermeil.
The gold supplied to my platers comes with an ethical statement.
Silver
My silver components are made using the ancient method of lost wax casting by a casting house based in Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter. Fifty percent of their silver is recycled on site and the fresh grain that they buy from their bullion dealer comes with an Ethical statement.
I also recycle all of my offcuts of silver to be melted down and re-used.
Charity Work
I regularly support national and local charities, to raise funds for the vital work they are doing, through various means such as fundraising raffles and donating portions of my sales. Charities that Mikaela Lyons Jewellery has supported include: Kings Heath Action for Refugees, Calais Food Collective, Every Month campaign, Black Lives Matter, SB OverSeas, Afghan Aid, Ecologi, Action For Children, Choose Love, Give Your Best, The British Red Cross, Disasters Emergency Committee, The Trussell Trust Food Bank, specifically in B30, The Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country, Lets Feed Brum and Acacia Family Support.
Financial Impact of Charity Work:
2019-2020
During my business's financial year 2019-2020, I donated 1% of my annual profit to charity organisations.
2020-2021
During my business's financial year 2020-2021, I donated 2.5% of my annual profit to charity organisations.
2021-2022
During my business's financial year 2021-2022, I donated 6% of my annual profit to charity organisations.
2022-2023
During my business's financial year 2022-2023 I became a member of 1% For The Planet and instead of donating my profit I committed to donating 1% of my annual turnover which equates to more than profit. I choose two local charities to split my donation between. The Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country They work to 'Conserve biodiversity, improve the environment and raise awareness of wildlife issues' and Lets Feed Brum They are 'A leading homeless charity in Birmingham, on a mission to be part of the solution to end homelessness for good.'
1% for the Planet
I am a proud member of 1% for the planet. This is an organisation that connects businesses with environmental organisations. By being a member I pledge to donate 1% of my annual turnover (regardless of profit) to environmental organisations. It is my duty as a business owner to care for our planet and give back more than I take. Learn more here.
Climate Positive Workforce
Since September 2020 my business has been a member of Ecologi, an organisation who I pay monthly to plant enough trees to offset the carbon footprint of my workforce. Additionally a tree is planted for every piece sold through my website.
As of October 2023 ML Jewellery has planted over 2702 trees. You can view ML Jewellery Ecologi profile here.
