Sustainability in Jewellery

More Questions Than Answers – and Why That’s a Good Thing

This week, I had the privilege of attending a truly inspiring conference on the state of sustainability in the jewellery industry. I interestingly found myself leaving with more questions than answers. But read why I think that is a very good thing.

Hosted by Fair Luxury and The Goldsmith's centre in London, the event brought together thought leaders and respected experts from across the industry. We heard powerful talks and participated in meaningful discussions on how ethical jewellery making has progressed over the last decade, and how the industry, from independents to larger brands, is now leading the charge toward a more sustainable future.

The message was clear. Progress is being made, but the journey continues. Sustainability isn’t a checklist, it’s a mindset and a continuum. And the more we reflect, question, and challenge our practices, the more we move towards lasting, positive change.

It was an honour to be in a room filled with pioneers and experts discussing ethically mined gemstones, women in mining, mercury free gold mining, assessing and reducing carbon emissions and how we push forward with ensuring our businesses are as sustainable both environmentally and socially responsible.

One of the most impactful conversations for me centred around the language of sustainability and the very real risk of greenwashing. As a business owner who uses the term “sustainable” in my branding, it was a thought provoking and at times uncomfortable conversation. And that’s exactly why it mattered.

It pushed me to step back and reflect. At Lulu & Boo, we use only recycled silver and gold, and all of our jewellery is handmade in the UK either by myself or a small team of skilled craftspeople. This means relatively speaking, we have a small carbon footprint and support the UK economy and minimise impact on the environment. But is recycled metal always the best option? What more could we be doing?

I work exclusively with solid precious metals, never plating, to ensure longevity and reduce waste. My designs are timeless, not trend-led, which encourages slow fashion and lifelong wear. These are all conscious choices but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room to grow, improve, and learn.

And that was my key takeaway. Sustainability is not a fixed point. It’s a journey. One that requires constant reassessment, openness to change, and the humility to admit when we don’t have all the answers.

I left the conference feeling energised, thoughtful, and more committed than ever to ensuring Lulu & Boo continues to strive for traceability, transparency, and responsibility. I will continue asking hard questions, exploring alternatives, and being honest about the challenges. I've added a new sustainability policy and I will of course keep you posted via newsletters, socials and blogs with any changes I decide to make and why. Lots to think about and do but I am committed to striving to be the best we can.

Because doing better starts with being willing to question what you think you already know.