Un-guilty pleasures.

We have strong feelings when it comes to sourcing responsibly sourced gold, silver and gemstones for jewellery, and we don't really understand why the use of ethical materials isn't more widespread throughout the industry.

The jewellery market (and luxury market in general) should, in theory, have a higher 'consumer demand' success rate than other areas - if the consumer demands ethical materials, they should be able to be arranged. Right? So why have we only been able to find one fine jewellery retailer in London that manages to be fully ethical in all its practices AND designs totally high-end, wearable and unique collections?

Well after meeting the amazing Arabel Lebrusan, owner of Leblas jewellery, at a seminar on Ethical Gold in the Jewellery Industry earlier this year (yeah we're such geeks) we're now able to give a little bit more information on the subject other than the basic "err, don't buy conflict diamonds" standard soundbite.


Leblas supports sustainable, ethical practices through all areas of their business - using traceable materials, recycled gold and silver, and getting each piece made by skilled artisans in Spain. So no eight year old kids in sweat shops, then.



But - and here's the surprise - the jewellery is REALLY GOOD. Not the usual 'fair trade' fayre - this collection is surprising, intelligent and beautiful. Graphic lines and subtle design twists in high quality 100% recycled 18k gold and sterling silver.


Our top picks include the acclaimed 'Sequin' collection (ring at top, diamond ring, and mens cufflinks pictured) and the cute 'Duet' diamond ring (above and below) - a unique alternative to the standard engagement ring market that usually leave us rolling our eyes and miming a dry-wretch.


This is finally what the market has been crying out for - a guilty pleasure that you no longer need to feel guilty about - a reasonably priced, ethically sourced, non mass-produced, intelligently designed luxury. Perfect.

To read a slightly more informed explaination of sustainable practices, and to peruse the collections, go to www.leblas.com.

All images copyright Leblas 2009