Ethics & Sustainability
We are committed to local manufacturing, using recycled precious metals in all of our production, and maintaining a low carbon footprint through considered decisions that prioritises people and planet. Our diamonds, pearls and gemstones are ethically sourced from our trusted suppliers.
Welcome to Elle Duende's Sustainability and Ethics page. We believe that luxury and sustainability should go hand in hand, and we're committed to creating jewellery that's not only beautiful but also ethical and environmentally responsible. Here are some of the ways we're working towards a more sustainable and ethical future:
SOURCING RECYCLED MATERIALS
We carefully source our materials from trusted suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. Recycled metals carry a lower carbon emissions footprint than mined metals; our collections are cast in 100% recycled gold and silver. We source metals and gemstones from certified members of the Responsible Jewellery Council, the world’s leading standards setting organisation for the jewellery and watch industry.
LOCAL PRODUCTION
Elle Duende is committed to working with local British manufacturers. Our jewellery is handmade by skilled artisans who work in a safe and supportive environment. We value their expertise and ensure that they are paid a fair wage for their work. We are highly invested in protecting and supporting the heritage and skill in the UK’s historic jewellery manufacturing quarter in order to ensure the longevity of the craft.
Our jewellery is created utilising the latest technology in design and 3D printing. Each piece is cast, stone set and polished by local craftspeople, before making its way back to our studio to be packaged and shipped by our team.
Creating our jewellery in the UK supports us in our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint.
PACKAGING
Exquisite jewellery deserves nothing less than an equally stunning box, and that's precisely why our boxes are meticulously designed and manufactured in Italy. Infused with the world-renowned quality and creativity that Italy is known for, our boxes are a true expression of excellence made to last a lifetime. Drawing from our sustainable design ethos, we drew inspiration from the vibrant red and pink colour clash of 1970s fashion to create our iconic red and pink jewellery boxes. Each box is crafted to withstand the test of time, providing a safe haven for your precious heirlooms.
We're committed to transparency and welcome any questions you may have about our sustainability and ethics practices. Feel free to contact us at enquiries@elleduende.com with any inquiries.
Thank you for joining us on our journey towards a more sustainable and ethical future.
Charelle Smith trained at the British Academy of Jewellery, and in 2017 was awarded the Gold Award at the Assay Office's Make Your Mark Awards - including a placement within the design team at House of Garrard, the London jeweller founded in 1735 and Crown Jewellers to the British monarchy for over a century.
Inside that density of tradition, rule, and royal design language, something clarified. Not a desire to escape it - a recognition that you can only depart from what you have completely understood.
She went on to see every stage of production working in a workshop environment in Hertfordshire: mounting, casting, finishing, stone setting. The discipline accumulated. So did the instinct to use it differently.
Elle Duende is the practice that followed.
All pieces are produced through specialist workshops in Hatton Garden - London's jewellery quarter, where the techniques have been refined across centuries of making.
Materials are chosen with the same deliberateness as form. 18K recycled gold. Diamonds sourced from partners audited by the Responsible Jewellery Council. Sterling silver for selected works.
What something is made from is part of what it means.