Sustainability Position Paper

Sustainability:
The ability to provide for the needs of the world's current population without damaging the ability of future generations to provide for themselves. When a process is sustainable, it can be carried out over and over without negative environmental effects or impossibly high costs to anyone involved.

(definition taken from http://www.sustainabletable.org/intro/dictionary/#s)

Dejahmi strives to create beautiful jewelry that is competitive in the fashion/luxury market but is also sustainable at every level of production by using fair-trade and recycled components and incorporating well-paid, safe labor conditions. Dejahmi’s current market includes boutiques and galleries that sell small batch, handmade items to customers who want pieces that are unique or artist made. We also sell to individuals who look for products that decrease negative impact on ecology and economy by using sustainable labor and materials in their production. Dejahmi jewelry is not just “eco-neutral”, but “eco-positive.” By using materials from Sustainable projects all over the world, and developing a well-paid US labor force with people who do not fit into the traditional job market (such as single mothers and the disabled), we are contributing to the rebuilding of a stable, more personal, economic environment.

Reflecting the best the world has to offer, our jewelry’s beauty comes not just from its luxe materials, but also from the relationships that bring it together into finished pieces of wearable art. These human connections are mirrored in the handmade wire links that connect every component. The beads, metals, pearls, and filigree are produced by hand all over the world* by artists who work in safe environments, are paid a living wage, and participate in the healthy growth of their communities. Much of the luxury product industry is destructive to the lives of those who produce it. Our goal is that every life that comes in contact with Dejahmi will be bettered, leaving the world a better place than we found it, just like our Mommas taught us.

Dejahmi jewelry incorporates Fair-Trade (FT) Precious Metals, FT Freshwater Pearls, FT Recycled Bottle Glass, FT Gemstones, and various other Recycled components (Vintage Glass Beads, Recycled Wire, Vintage Chain, etc…). We also include Swarovski Crystal because it is manufactured and not mined, therefore it does not have the same negative ecological impact that the mainstream gemstone trade does. Our research shows that Swarovski has very good labor, humanitarian, and environmental records. When we want to use a fun color or shape that isn’t available to us in Fair-Trade gems, we use Swarovski.

Beth Respess, the Owner and Designer of Dejahmi, grew up in a very socially and politically aware household. She was torn that she was so drawn to design instead of more traditionally “service-oriented” work, until she connected how horrible conditions were in the production side of the garment and accessories industry. A friend once said to Beth that she didn’t know there were sweatshop issues with jewelry. Beth replied, “If you can make something, you can exploit someone else to make it.” By developing a company that offers high quality jewelry with sustainable practices, Beth can express and explore her love of design while still feeling like she is “giving back” to society.

*Materials from Social and Economic Development Projects in China, Indonesia, India, Ghana, Thailand, and the USA. Fair-Trade and/or Recycled pedigree is available on request.