Image courtesy of Tim Ingle and David Rhode/Ingle & Rhode
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Today, we're going to meet David Rhode and Tim Ingle from London. They recently started up an ethical jewelry business called Ingle & Rhode, which uses ethically sourced precious metals and gemstones. They can tell their clients exactly where and how each piece of jewelery was created. How did Tim and David become Change Makers?Our names are: Tim Ingle and David Rhode
We live in: Epping (Tim) and London (David)
We work at: Ingle & Rhode, The Ethical Jeweller
We used to work in: Management Consultancy (Tim) and TV Production (David)
The reason we changed our professions is: David: Last year I decided to take the plunge and propose to my girlfriend with an ethical ring. It took a lot of time and research to find one that had been sourced and manufactured in a socially and environmentally responsible way. I got talking to my friend Tim, and we realised a lot of other people must want ethical engagement rings and have the same problems finding them. That's how Ingle and Rhode, The Ethical Jeweller was born.
With our business we are aiming to: show that buying ethical products doesn't mean compromising on quality.
The most important eco aspect of our work is: using gold that is produced without using cyanide or mercury.
We are excited by what we are doing now because: the conventional jewellery industry is a dirty business, and we are hoping to be a force for change.
The most challenging part of our work is: making sure we remain commercially competitive while applying ethical considerations to all aspects of our business.
The most rewarding part of our work is: knowing that what we're doing has a positive social and environmental impact.
The results we really want to see are: Happy clients, happy gold miners.
We work with: EcoAndina Foundation, Fair Trade in Gems and Jewellery, and Nenoir.
I was first made aware of environmental issues: Tim: As a child, in geography lessons.
One thing we do everyday is: David: Talk to clients who really care about the provenance of the jewellery they wear. Particularly couples who are getting married or engaged, and want the rings that represent their relationships to be free from any association with what is often a very exploitative and polluting industry.
One thing we do every week is: David: Talk to our suppliers about the ethically mined and cut diamonds that have just become available. It is important to find the right stone for each client, as everyone is looking for something different when it comes to size, cut, clarity and colour.
We wish we could: make more people aware of the widespread environmental and human exploitation within the conventional jewellery industry.
We think everyone can: become more responsible consumers, so the demand for ethical practice makes businesses and industries change for the better.
Change Makers is series of interviews with people famous and obscure, who answer questions about how they are creating a more sustainable world through their work and personal lives. Meet more Change Makers here.
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