
Sustainability
Good practise
True sustainability is total transparency. Knowing that no route is perfect but committing to continuous improvements.
We currently work with 85% recycled silver and 100% Fairmined gold vermeil and solid gold. By keeping a small amount of stock in house, the majority of our products are custom made to order. This helps us to reduce waste and stay true to the slow fashion revolution.
We proudly partnered with Just One Tree who are regrowing rainforests in some of the earth’s most vulnerable ecosystems. By planting trees and using mostly UK-based suppliers, we are actively bringing down our carbon footprint. All of our packaging is made from recycled paper with eco friendly ink, which we encourage you to reuse or recycle again.
Here at May Hofman Jewellery we believe in ethical business, sourcing quality and ethically sourced materials are important to us.
Gold Vermeil -100% Fairmined gold vermeil is used on all gold necklaces, rings golden elements, studs & hoops. Vermeil means it is a good quality layer of gold, this is a surface treatment so over time the gold will fade. However silver is underneath, re-plating is available for a small fee. If you don't want this option but love a golden colour to your jewellery I can make all designs in bronze or solid gold on request.
Recycled - 85% of the silver we use is 'Eco' Silver which certified recycled silver however so much of the silver used in the industry is recycled without being stated. We only use recycled gold or Fairmined gold on commissions with Fairmined silver as an option.
Bronze- Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin. Copper has health benefits that help to alleviate some deficiencies which I think is so cool. Plus if cared for properly, this metal is the perfect affordable alternative option for your gold coloured jewellery.
Blackened Silver -for that added contrast we use a process that darkens the silver, this is a surface treatment that can come off some surfaces over time. However there is silver below, with a silver polishing cloth you can bring it back to a lovely shine or get it re-oxidised for free.
What is Fairmined? What are we doing to be more sustainable? Discover more...
WHAT IS FAIRMINED ?
The artisanal and small-scale mining sector employs approximately 42 million people and more than 150 million people worldwide depend on this activity to make a living. Companies that choose 100% recycled gold are disengaging from urgent needs in their supply chain.
Fairmined is an assurance label that certifies gold from empowered responsible artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) organizations. The Fairmined initiative was created by the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) and represents an important development opportunity for artisanal and small-scale miners all around the world.
Through the Fairmined standard, they promote responsible mining, helping miners to improve their practices and generate change in their communities, and facilitate access to fair markets. Fairmined transforms mining into an active force for good, contributing to an institutional, social and environmentally sustainable development.
In reaction to this we believe it is important to work in both Fairmined and recycled metals. Buying from us means you are not only supporting an independent UK business to grow, but voting to improve trade standards and the lives of miner families across the world.
For more information visit the Fairmined website

OUR PROMISE
To create timeless ethical jewellery that infuses intricate yet bold, minimal designs. Demistrating thoughtful business and high quality items that are respectful to the planet and people.
- Committed to using recycled silver and gold when possible
- Reusing gemstones and ethically-sourcing those that are new.
- Using Fairmined gold which supports ethical mining
- Eco printing on recycled paper for all of our packaging
- Using high quality reusable boxes and bags made from recycled paper and cotton
- Planting one tree for every sale to actively bring down our carbon footprint
- All deliveries are carbon neutral by Shopify planet
- Committed to working with UK suppliers & being a fair wage employer.
- Recycling everything we encounter in our practice
- Using renewable energy suppliers in our workshop
- Using a made-to-order system that reduces unnecessary waste
- Remain thoughtful and respectful in every aspect of our business.
- Working along side clients that hold the same values and are drawn to our unique style.