Sustainability Jewellery

For all of our beads & crystals we ensure to source from suppliers that share our ethics and production values, keeping the chain of sustainability going and as clean as possible. We source from small businesses and local providers which means we can choose our materials in a more personalised way. By doing this we are able to ask questions regarding the age, legitimacy and history of our crystals and beads.

Pearls are grown inside mollusks from the ocean’s ecosystem, making them an organic, natural bead. Many pearl farmers strive for sustainability, and numerous studies show that pearl farming can actually improve water quality. Pearl farming, when done right, can create new ecosystems for oysters to grow and we are proud to use freshwater pearls in our pieces. Our Freshwater pearls are sourced from a reliable, family-run business in the Far East.

Gold-filled metal is made by an extremely resistant ‘base’ metal being sandwiched between layers of solid gold. Our gold-filled fittings compromise over 50% solid gold, making them more affordable but just as durable and long lasting as pure gold. Our gold-filled metal is commonly used with Brass, which is highly sustainable and can be recycled many times over. Where available, we buy ‘offcuts’ of 14k gold-filled metal to reduce wastage. 

The lifespan of gold-filled jewellery is based on many factors but well-maintained and cared for gold-filled pieces can last a lifetime and is unlikely to tarnish. This metal is a more economical alternative to pure gold and more sustainable than gold plated. 

We are proud to say that our sterling silver fittings are manufactured using 100% recycled silver. This means that instead of mining new silver, it is extracted from unwanted scraps and melted into new products which hold the exact same quality and purity as the pre-used silver. The metal itself is durable and reusable which makes it a great sustainable option for jewellery making.

We also provide rubber screw-on earring backs. We chose these instead of sterling silver so you can use them for other earrings you own, promoting re-use.

All of our packaging is made in the UK by businesses who all strive for ethical and sustainable living. The black mailers we use are made with over 50% recycled materials whilst our natural cotton bags are made from part recycled fabric. Our box fillers are reusable, recyclable, and plastic free, and our thank you cards are made from recycled paper. Even the stamps for our drawstring bags are selected with sustainability in mind, made from a local business and made with eco friendly materials.

We are proud to say that all of our packaging products can be further recycled.

Kitty Cullen jewellery is suitable for cleaning but only occasionally. It is natural that jewellery worn frequently against skin can cause a build up of dirt from daily wear, which can happen between individual beads and pearls where the wire is exposed.

To clean our delicate items we suggest you use either a gentle/untreated cloth, soft toothbrush (avoid scrubbing) or cotton bud with mild soapy water. Gold-filled metal is water resistant therefore rinsing and polishing with a dry soft cloth will not damage your piece.

As a small, sustainable brand we take pride in our pieces and want you to feel comfortable purchasing our designs. We now pleased to offer a 1 year guarantee on all jewellery products provided the item is shipped to us. This guarantee includes any damages, adjustments or cleaning services to your purchase. To organise a Return or repair service, please use the form on the Contact Us page.

*Please note, due to sustainable sourcing, certain materials may not be available at time of repair/return, in which case we will do our best to find a similar/equally beautiful alternative.