Signet Rings
Signet rings have long been a symbolic piece of jewellery, and their iconic designs can be traced as far back as 3500BC.
Traditionally signet rings were only worn by those in power (royalty, noblemen, religious officials), and they were often engraved with a family crest of coat of arms. Each ring was typically made of gold - featuring precious gemstones - and had a unique marking that was traceable back to the owner. As the face of the ring was usually engraved with an identifying symbol, they were used to seal letters and important documents. Wax was melted onto an artefact and the top of the ring was then impressed into the wax, leaving a clear and permanent mark.
Similar to a signature today, signet rings would provide the wearers with a way of leaving their mark and a way to assure authenticity. Many families had a signet ring that was handed down from generation to generation, making them one of the most recognised heirloom styles.
More often now, signet rings hold a more subtle connection to the individual. Engraved or not, these classic rings have proven to be a timeless piece of jewellery which can still be passed down through families.
Over the years, we have had the pleasure of making a number of signet rings in the KIND studio. From traditional family crests to modern star-set gemstones, these rings are all treasured by their wearers - and their solid materials will ensure they can be worn for decades.
We recently made a signet ring for a lovely customer Emma Dai, which was made from 100% recycled 9ct gold. The ring was a gift to her brother, and is symbolic of their Chinese heritage.
You recently designed a family crest to celebrate your Chinese heritage and we were lucky enough to bring this design to life for you. Can you tell us a little about what inspired you to do this and how wearing your design makes you feel?
"We live in a Western-centric world and my brother and I, the first in our family to grow up outside of China, lived in a predominantly white community where we felt detached from our heritage. While my friends have been able to trace back their ancestry over decades, even centuries, mine is largely undocumented. We can’t change the past but we have the opportunity now to recognise and celebrate our cultural identity. By creating our first heirlooms with a crest that is completely our own, we have started our lineage anew; it was important to me that it represented our family as well as our stories and values."
If you are considering commissioning your own signet ring, please get in touch! Additionally if you have inherited any jewellery that you would like to use to create the signet, then we can also use existing gold/silver and gemstones that has been passed down to you. Click here to get in touch!
Vintage Diamonds
A few weeks ago we shared a blog about the Diamonds that we source at KIND. We uncovered what it meant to be a conflict free diamond, and what else we do within the business to ensure our supply chain is ethical and transparent.
Today we want to continue the Diamond chat, and shed some light on an ethical alternative — Post Consumer/Vintage Diamonds.
It is so great to see that the number of shoppers seeking a more ethical or sustainable choice for their diamond ring is on the rise. Many conscientious couples are considering alternative ways to source their gemstones, with a recent surge in vintage (post consumer) diamonds.
In addition to being a more environmentally friendly option (as the gemstones are already in circulation), vintage diamonds are also filled with decades of personality! With all these positives in mind, it’s hard to believe that vintage diamonds can also be a more economical alternative to a modern cut gem of the same quality.
We love working with Post Consumer diamonds in the KIND studio for a number of reasons. As diamonds were traditionally cut by hand, many older gems have unique characteristics that aren’t often found in modern stones. These styles give vintage diamonds a unique aesthetic, making them stand out from the crowd (for all the right reasons, of course!). We can now source post consumer diamonds in an array of different shapes and sizes, so if you are looking to source a vintage gemstone, please get in touch with us! We are here to help you find any cut, colour, carat and shine!
At KIND Collection, we support the slow fashion movement, and in 2019 we introduced our first range of Vintage KIND. Our customers can now browse our curated selection of vintage jewellery online, knowing these pieces are an economical and ethical alternative, whilst all having a story to tell! So far our collection has been made up by an assortment of 9 carefully curated Vintage Rings and 1 Diamond Cluster Necklace. Each piece has been sourced within the UK, and are brought back to the KIND studio, where they are polished and fixed up, so they are ready to go to their new homes.
Another way that we promote the use of pre-loved diamonds (and other gemstones and precious materials), is through our Recycle + Rework services. Recycling the diamonds and stones from your antique jewellery and family heirlooms is a great way to design your own one-of-a-kind piece. These diamonds and gemstones may have been in your family for years, but that doesn’t mean the style and setting must stay the same. Our Recycle + Rework services allows you to create the design of your dreams, using existing gemstones that may not otherwise be worn. Vintage diamonds and gemstones often feature beautiful cuts that can’t always be found today, and best of all - no new mining took place for the creation of the piece.
Whether you are looking for an engagement ring, a modern heirlooms - or a piece of jewellery for another special occasion, please feel free to get in contact with us. We are always more than happy to help you find the perfect stone for the any occasion.
Birthstone: Diamond
Diamonds: A symbol of everlasting love, the celebratory stone of a 60th anniversary, and the April birthstone.
For centuries, diamonds were thought to provide the wearer with unbreakable relationships and increased inner strength. They are admired for their beauty and adored for their durability. Whilst they are loved by million, diamonds have seen the best and worst of mankind. Although they have been celebrated and desired, they have also been illegally traded and have been the centre of slavery rings and perpetrators of civil wars.
In recent years, ethical concerns over diamond mining practices have forced industry leaders to implement better supply chain tracking. In 2003, the United Nations implemented the Kimberley Process, which aims to follow diamonds from mine to market, ensuring that conflict diamond don’t enter the global trade market.
As diamonds are frequently sought after for wedding and engagement rings, they are a popular gemstone in the KIND studio. We work very closely with our suppliers to ensure that every stone that we include in our jewellery has been ethically sourced and is conflict free. Our diamonds at KIND have been sourced from Fair Trade Gemstones, a Fairmined supplier who heroes their female workers within their supply chain. This week we chatted to Kathy from Fair Trade Gemstones about conflict free diamonds, and what they truly mean.
We have sourced Diamonds from you at Fair Trade Gemstones since we started working on Bespoke projects in 2017. Can you tell us a little about how you got into the industry and why it is important to you that your offering of diamonds is KIND to people and planet?
I came to the industry some twenty years ago. I spent my life, growing up on mine sites, my father was a mining engineer and hence we travelled the world. In later life, one of the mines he owned and operated was the Chimwadzulu ruby and sapphire mine in Malawi. This led to us developing a marketing operation through Columbia Gem House of the USA. It was early days for the UK ethical coloured gemstone movement and we felt the time was right to bring the product to the UK. It has snowballed since with many more ethical disruptors following in our footsteps. With regards to diamonds, this was a natural development, along with coloured stones my clients required traceable diamonds. The only diamonds I could find that would fit this requirement were Canadian. It has been a long process and I’m continuing my due diligence with more countries as we speak.
Offering conflict free diamonds under the Kimberley process is the ground level of responsible sourcing but what other elements play a role in making a stone ethical and are there any projects that you think are worth supporting to facilitate change in the industry?
The diamond and gemstone industry has changed greatly over the last few years. It has been enlightening to see dealers recognising the benefits of a sustainable and transparent supply chain. The trade can draw from: The World Diamond Council’s New System of Warranties, The Responsible Jewellery Council’s Code of Practice and CIBJO’S ‘Guide to Responsible Practices in Diamonds, Coloured Stones and Pearls’. The key to all these is that they follow in part in the footsteps of the OECD’S ‘Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains.
In addition to Fair Trade Gemstones, we have recently started sourcing our precious gems from Ocean Diamonds. Their diamonds are all accompanied by a Certificate of Provenance, which specifies the origin and the coastal area where the gem has been harvested. Their diamonds are retrieved in a responsible manner along the coast of South Africa - and we are proud to work with them at KIND Collection. You can read a snippet from our recent interview with them, below:
Can you tell us a little about Ocean Diamonds, Where they come from and how they are collected?
Ocean Diamonds are natural, alluvial diamonds that have travelled from land to sea over millions of years. They have experienced an incredible journey, only the strongest survive the power of the waves to eventually settle on the seabed. These diamonds are retrieved by professional, local divers in South Africa and Namibia. They have expert knowledge of where to search for the diamonds in shallow waters and they use small boats the size of inshore fishing boats with a couple of divers on board. Nature is very much in control of our operations as the boats can only work on a few days each month when the weather is calm enough. After prospecting, they dive in and position a small hose to transport the diamond bearing gravel from the seabed onto the boat. This diamondiferous gravel is sorted on board the boat using a sieve system and anything too large or small is returned to the ocean whilst the rest is taken back with them to the harbour side and sorted there.
How important is a transparent supply chain to you and how do you ensure your Ocean Diamonds are collected, cut and traded fairly?
The transparency of our supply chain is extremely important to us. The provenance of our diamonds and the community that work towards upholding the integrity of the origin are at the heart of our brand. We certify the provenance of our diamonds and provide details of the Country of Origin and Coastal Location of where each one is discovered. We work directly with the divers and ensure that they are paid fairly. Currently we have a small fleet of boats working with us and as demand increases we will look to grow sustainably by adding to this fleet.
Not only do we discover the diamonds in South Africa, we also have them cut by local professionals and GIA certified here too. It is important to us that we are contributing to the economy of the place where the diamonds are naturally found. We trace our diamonds from the rough to receiving the finished product, and when they are certified they are laser inscribed with our brand mark. We have a very short supply chain with no other middle men, we purchase direct so there is no chance of our diamonds being mixed with other sources and we know that our purchases positively impact our divers.
What are the benefits to our environment and the people we share with of using Ocean Diamonds?
Ocean Diamonds are the only branded diamonds in the world that are recovered by divers and each purchase supports the local industry and community. This method of retrieval does not use any drilling or explosives. Any trace of the divers working in the ocean is minimal and the natural weather patterns that follow eradicate any sign of their presence within weeks. Ocean Diamonds provide a unique connection to the ocean and give the wearer an opportunity to deeply resonate with this provenance, transporting them to oceans around the world. For someone who loves the ocean an Ocean Diamond is an exciting and romantic choice!
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We have recently hand selected a number of Ocean Diamonds, and they are available for bespoke designs at KIND. If you are looking for a specific cut, size or style, please let us know and we will assist you in any way that we can.
One Tree Planted
March 21st: International Day of Forests, 2021
Since August 2019, KIND Collection has been working alongside the global charity, One Tree Planted. Over the past few years, we have pledged to donate one tree for every online order made at KIND Collection. Our aim is to offset our carbon footprint, whilst also investing in our future and aiding with reforestation.
One Tree Planted (OTP) is a non-for profit global organisation that is focused on reforestation. By redeveloping forests, OTP are offsetting our carbon footprint, whilst also protecting biodiversity and safeguarding the incredible species that we share our planet with. Their business model encourages businesses and individuals to give back to the environment, by simply planting trees!
Trees are integral to the conservation of our planet. They clean the air we breath, filter the water that we drink, and provide habitats to over 80% of the world's land animals and plant species. In addition to the environmental impact, One Tree Planted has also provided thousands of jobs to local communities on every continent (excluding Antartica).
What is reforestation?
Reforestation is the process of planting trees in forest areas where the number of trees have decreased over time, often as a result of humankind. Reforestation is the most beneficial (and cost effective) nature-based solution for tackling the harming effects of climate change, as trees actively remove CO2 from our earths atmosphere.
How can you help?
Talk about trees! Talk about your carbon foot print, and talk about the future of our planet. The more we talk, the more our awareness builds, and the more we can do to help. As an individual (or a business) you can also donate to One Tree Planted. Head to their website to learn more. Additionally, when you are purchasing from brands, do some research into their supply chain/business model, and the ways in which they give back to our planet. Choose where you invest your money wisely.
We are so proud to be working and donating to OTP. Since August 2019, KIND Collection has now planted 570 trees, thanks to the support from our customers and the team at One Tree Planted. Feel great about the jewellery you wear, knowing that you are helping our planet along the way!
About the founder
Tansy Haak is a multifaceted individual, who has successfully built KIND Collection over the past 5 years, all whilst raising two children, supporting dozens of other women led businesses and maintaining an ethical and transparent supply chain - the whole way through!
She truly is a wonder - and we are very excited to share her story, ethos and visions for the brand in the coming future, in the lead up to International Women’s Day, 2021.
As the founder of KIND Collection, you are at the heart of the KIND Change Makers campaign for IWD 2021. What steps have you taken since starting the business in 2016 to create change?
Its a BIG Question! I would like to think that KIND promotes positive change. I have always wanted the pieces we create to represent our good ethics and fight for a fairer supply chain. By doing our due diligence, asking questions about our materials and paying a premium for responsibly sourced precious metals and gemstones we are putting people and planet over profit and advocating for change in the industry as a whole. By supporting the global charity 'One Tree Planted' we are investing in the future and contributing to reforestation projects world wide. Day to day we explore ideas of sustainability and I am a big believer that it's small steps and every positive change we make will make a difference long term. We reject the concept of mass consumption sales by offering alternative shopping events which give back to charities like Fashion Revolution and The Marylebone project. We feel businesses can be successful whilst also contributing positively to the world we live in.
In August last year, in the middle of a pandemic, you had your second child Frankie. How did you balance having two kids - whilst continuing to run a successful start-up?
I feel like I am on a constant mission to achieve a balance in life but I ultimately think it is something that you just need to keep checking back in with. I try to work flexibly within a 4 day week. Fridays are my day to enjoy hanging with the kids all day so I try to avoid work all together and concentrate fully on having fun. This week I have made sure I go for an early walk each morning before I start work and I think taking regular breaks to hang with little Frankie and clear my head make me more productive when I get back to it! I'm not going to lie, it's pretty full on running a business with a 6 month old crawling around but he has been a welcomed addition to lots of my zoom appointments and it won't be long before I can teach both him and Isla Zee the family business!
KIND Collection often promotes and highlights other small businesses. How important is it to you that small businesses support each other, and do you think #shopsmall and #shoplocal is the way forward?
We are all in it together and there is an amazing focus on “collaboration over competition” now. For businesses like KIND, social media platforms act as our shop front on the busiest high street in the world. It's amazing to be able to share so many incredible brands and projects that I find inspiring and might be of interest to the KIND community. Running a small business can be tough, but recommendations and word of mouth help to create a supportive network of customers, who have a genuine interest in what you are offering. We've seen people #shopsmall & #shoplocal more than ever this year and it is so fantastic to see. People are choosing to vote with their money and connect with the person they are buying from.
What is your standout moment within your KIND Collection journey?
There can never be just one as I am still learning and evolving each day! I think the proudest moments are reading lovely testimonials from customers, It makes my day!
Imposter syndrome is (unfortunately) extremely common for small businesses owners. Do you have experience with this, and if yes, how do you overcome it?
EVERYDAY! It can be absolutely stifling but I think it's important to remember that we are all human, we are capable of amazing things but we are also capable of making mistakes and feeling out of our depth. I try to have trust in my experience but also stay constantly open to learning new ways of working.
For many, jewellery acts as a visual mantra and holds significant symbolic meaning. What does jewellery mean to you? And how does it feel to be able to create modern heirlooms that will be cherished and worn for generations?
Jewellery always reminds me of my mother, especially gold jewellery. She doesn't wear much but the pieces she does wear have been staples that she wears day in day out. She wears two fine gold bangles on one wrist which she can't get off and mean you can always hear her coming! She designed an incredible chunky wave ring which incorporated all of the gold pieces of jewellery she had inherited. It's a powerful ring with different intertwining strands which signify her strength, independence and freedom. These are the pieces of jewellery that are close to my heart and will one day be passed down to my siblings and I. They are the pieces that will always represent her. My children will associate different pieces with me. I wear two necklaces every day. A Gold Horizon Bar with Isla Zee, my daughters name engraved on it and an Gold Otto disc with an F for Frankie Wilde and a little diamond set into the back. I hope one day they will enjoy wearing them, give them to someone they love or redesign them into a new piece that represents them!
Your love for jewellery and passion for ethical processes are well known amongst your friends and family. How important was it for you to be able to combine these two great loves, when KIND was born?
My Tutor at art school was a huge influence on me. They once said 'the world is so full of stuff, so it is your responsibility as a designer to make sure the things you add to it are meaningful'. This stuck a cord with me and helped me to form the foundation of every decision I have made from KIND's conception to where it is now. I am passionate about making and take a hands on approach wherever possible, this combined with a desire to learn about my materials and where they come from and the impact they could cause on our environment and the people we share it with created the perfect storm. I hope to offer timeless pieces which are made fairly and take responsibility for their presence in the world. My work gives me everything I had hoped for in a career and the energy I bring to it is from a pure enjoyment of what I do!
Jewellery Care
At KIND, all of our products are made with responsibly sourced solid materials (9/18ct Gold, Sterling Silver, Platinum). This ensures the longevity of your jewellery - so if treated with care, it will last a lifetime.
Whilst the materials are solid and high quality, there are a few things that you can do at home, to ensure they stay shinny and sparkly all year round.
To avoid scratching…
Many of collection pieces have a smooth finish, which means they catch the light beautifully from every angle. To keep your jewellery looking fresh, we recommend that you store your jewellery in separate pouches to avoid the pieces scratching each other.
To avoid tarnishing…
Naturally, gold is a soft metal (the higher the carat, the softer the metal), so it should be treated with special care to avoid any unwanted damage. Silver and Platinum are slightly more robust, however they can also loose their shine if not cared for adequately. Harsh household chemicals, perfumes and oils can make the gold tarnish prematurely - so we recommend avoiding exposure to any of these products. We also suggest storing your jewellery in a dry space, as moisture can also cause tarnishing. If tarnishing does occur, you can send your products back to KIND, and we will polish them for you so they look brand new again.
How to clean jewellery at home…
To clean your Silver & Gold Jewellery simply use warm water or carbonated water mixed with a small amount of washing up liquid. Leave your jewellery to soak in the mild solution for 15 minutes and then use a soft toothed tooth brush to clean the surface. Rinse the jewellery under tap water and wipe dry with a soft towel or cloth.
When to remove your jewellery…
For best care, jewellery should be removed prior to the following activities:
Swimming
Showering (don’t leave your jewellery in a damp room)
Whilst at the gym or when sweating excessively
Whilst using abrasive cleaners or chemicals
Before applying lotions or perfumes
Free repairs…
To support slow fashion, and extend the life of your jewellery, we offer all KIND customers free repairs. As much as you might love and care for your jewellery, we know that accidents happen. Clasps break, chains tangle, and gold/silver can still tarnish! So to ensure each piece gets to live as long as time (and be handed down through generation), we will repair them where possible or work with you to find a solution for a fair price if the damage is more complex.
Please note that wear and tear in the course of your jewellery’s life is normal. KIND pieces are all handmade from precious metals that naturally dent or scratch over time as you wear them during your life adventures. This is a normal 'weathering' aspect of all jewellery which we personally adore - as it gives your jewellery character as it becomes entangled into your life experiences.
If you have any questions about your KIND purchase, or how to care for them, please feel free to reach out! We hope you love your KIND jewellery as much as we loved making it for you - and that it becomes intwined with your life.
5 KIND ways to reduce waste at home
Throughout lockdown, bedrooms turn into offices, lounge rooms turn into school yards, and the ‘new normal’ is quite challenging. Throughout all of the chaos, one thing remains the same… our quest to find ways to reduce our waste!
As we are all spending more time indoors, our home waste can grow and build up quite quickly. So today, we would love to share 5 simple things that you can do to keep your waste at a minimum!
01. Reuse take-away containers!
During the past few months of lockdown, we have loved our Friday night takeaway. It’s always so great to kick back and relax - whilst also knowing that we are supporting a local business. Whilst a few restaurants focus on waste reduction, many don’t. Most venues package their takeaway orders in plastic containers, and deliver them in single use plastic bags. As frustrating as this can be, there are a few very easy way’s for you reuse them! From organising kid’s craft supplies to homemade paint trays, the leftover containers can be reused all around your home! Instead of throwing them out, get creative!
02. Create a compost!
If you haven’t already - a great way to reduce your food waste is by creating a compost. During lockdown, many (ourselves included) have turned to gardening! By utilising a compost, you can enjoy some fresh homegrown veggies, and use your scraps to fertilise your garden - producing even better veggies down the track. It’s all part of a Circular Economy! If you don’t have a garden, you can still create your own compost and contact locals within your community or farms to see if they would like your organic fertiliser. If you are looking for a trendy little compost, check out Garden Trading.
03. Reduce your food waste!
Throughout lockdown it may be tempting to stock up on food to avoid several trips to the supermarket, but before you do - consider your environmental impact. Don’t overbuy foods that are perishable – especially if they come in non-recyclable packaging. Plan your meals ahead, and consider which items will be left over - and what can be reused in another meal later that week. If you do have items that you know won’t get used that week, download OLIO! OLIO a free food sharing app, that is used by millions of people who are giving away food and other household items to the neighbours - for free!
“Fight waste. Help your neighbours. Save our planet. Feel amazing!” - OLIO
04. Reusable masks!
As face masks become a part of our everyday life, many businesses have pivoted to create stylish and reusable masks, that can help eliminate waste. Reusable masks can be washed with your clothes, and continue to be worn time and time again - saving your pockets and our planet! Aeibe is a London business created by Husband and Wife duo, who create reusable face masks - which have been made with ethically sourced materials from local suppliers.
05. Sustainable cleaning products!
Did you know that some cleaning products (such as disinfectant wipes) can take the same amount of time to break down in landfill as single use plastics? There are so many harmful chemicals in the cleaning products that we frequently use - but luckily, there are some great brands out there who have created sustainable and waste free alternatives! Blueland have created a range of waste-free cleaning products, that are harsh on germs but gentle on our planet. Their bottled are made to be refilled, not end up in landfill.
As a brand, KIND Collection aims for ‘zero waste’. This means we reclaim, recycle & re-purpose wherever possible. We hope that you learnt a trick or two in this blog, which can be implemented at your home. If you have any questions about our wastage at KIND, you can head to our website, or send us an email!
KIND Eco Wedding Rings
Since KIND Collection was founded, we have always worked closely with engaged couples to create their dream wedding bands. Staying true to the KIND ethos, each Eco Wedding Ring is lovingly handcrafted by Tansy Haak using 100% recycled Gold, Platinum or Fairmined Gold.
Despite the delays and postponements of weddings across the globe, it has been so heartwarming to still work with couples who are preparing to tie the knot soon. Whether their wedding has happened or not, many of our KIND customers have made the conscious decision to start wearing their rings during lockdown, cherishing them during these trying times.
Today we want to share with you the process for all Bespoke and Wedding Ring orders that are placed at KIND. Many hours, days and weeks go into each piece, and we are always so proud of the work that we produce. If you would like to commission your own piece, get in touch!
Stage one: Contact KIND to organise an online meeting + discuss ideas
To schedule a meeting with the KIND founder, Tansy Haak, click HERE. During the meeting, we will help you develop a design from start to finish. If you have any styles in mind, we would love it if you could bring along some “inspo images”, to help us understand your dream ring a little better. If you would like to include any of your own gems or Gold/Platinum let us know, and we can include it in the final piece!
Stage two: Tansy will draw your bespoke ring
Lets bring your idea to life! After the meeting, Tansy will draw up your design, so you can get a better idea of what it will look like. From here you can request as many edits as you need. We want your ring to be a perfect reflection of you!
Stage three: A wax model of the ring will be sent out
Once the drawings are approved, the magic starts! Tansy will carve your design out into a wax mould, and will send it to you. This will give you an opportunity to see what your ring will look like, and how well it fits. Final edits can be made here if needed.
Stage four: Metal is moulded and gems are set and ring is polished
Your ring will now be set using the wax mould. The Gold/Platinum will be solidified, and any gems will be set here too.
Stage five: Engraving
One of the final steps is the engravings! Once the ring has been set, you can engrave a special message, name, date or symbol into your new ring. You can choose any font, or you can use your own handwriting for that extra personal touch.
Stage six: Rings sent out for you to enjoy
Wrapped up and ready to go! Your rings will now be finished, and will be sent out to you.
Bespoke designs in 2021
As we say goodbye to 2020, we welcome a new year with open arms! Whilst last year was a challenge for everyone, it taught us the importance of family, friends and cherishing the ones that we love. One way to celebrate the present, the old, the new and the unknown is through symbolic jewellery. KIND Collection is for the woman who favours timeliness over trend. A KIND woman is her own North Star, true to who she is, was, and always will be. So with a new year upon us, we encourage you to consider a bespoke design in 2021.
Eco Weddings
Even though many weddings and celebrations have been put on hold for a few months, now is a great time to start getting your wedding bands prepared. Eco-wedding rings have always been a big part of the KIND business, and we love working with unique couples across the UK, and the world. We think your wedding ring should be just as unique as your relationship, which is why each KIND Wedding Ring is made to order specially for you. From the initial design to the final ring, we will work closely with you to make your ring the perfect fit both aesthetically and physically. The result is a ring which is quite literally made for you. Along with the rest of our collection, our Eco Wedding Rings are made with ethically sourced materials. We work solely with suppliers who have a transparent supply chain, so we exactly where the gems, stones and metals come from. For more information, head to our materials page, or send us an email.
Recycle + Rework
As we grow, our style can often change, which is why at KIND are on a mission to re-design & re-purpose all those forgotten pieces that are hiding away at the bottom of jewellery boxes. By incorporating pre-loved metals and stones in new pieces, you are carrying their stories across too. So whether you have some inherited items that just aren’t your style or you want to update a piece you bought yourself then we can work together to turn them in to pieces that will become embroidered into the story of your life. Our Recycle + Rework service is also a great way to promote sustainable fashion. By including existing metals and stones, you’re not only saving your pocket, you are also helping our planet!
Heirlooms
At KIND Collection, we are dedicated to creating modern heirlooms which can be designed and worn for a lifetime, and beyond. All of our pieces are made with solid metals (9/18ct Gold, 9/18ct Rose Gold, Sterling Silver and Platinum), to ensure their longevity. Our pieces won’t tarnish and crumble, they are made to last. To guarantee this, we offer free repairs to all KIND Collection pieces. So whether you are looking to have an engagement ring, statement necklace, signet ring or anything in between made, you can be assured they will last the test of time, and can be passed down through your family generations.
Significant birthdays
Another trip around the sun always deserves a celebration, especially when its a major milestone. Why not make this years birthday extra symbolic with a stunning bespoke piece of jewellery. If you are looking to gift someone a bespoke piece for their birthday, we also offer gift vouchers, so they can personally meet with the KIND founder, Tansy, to discuss designs, materials and visions.
What ever the occasion, we will always be here to help you celebrate through the gift of jewellery. We wish you all the best for 2021! If you would like to discuss an idea for a bespoke design, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us.
2020 in review
From start to end, 2020 was a bit of a mess! But in amongst all the lockdowns, and the uncertainty, we had some truly beautiful, memorable moments. Here is a round up of all the great things that still happened at KIND Collection in 2020…
Baby Frankie
In August 2020, we welcomed the newest KIND member into the world. Frankie Haak was born happy and healthy (on Tansy’s birthday, no less!). He has been such a delight, and has learnt to love the KIND studio from a very young age.
Vintage Kind
A curated selection of fine vintage jewellery was introduced at KIND Collection in 2020. Each piece is sourced from various locations across the UK, and then taken back to our London studio, where they are polished and any loose stones are re-set. We are very proud of this section of the KIND business, as vintage shopping is a great was to promote sustainable consumerism, giving existing pieces a new lease of life and the chance for a new adventure.
Supporting small businesses
In amongst all the turmoil of 2020, we are so full of joy to see people supporting small businesses more than ever before. Such a big thank you to everyone for their support and love, it kept us going throughout 2020 (literally!).
Bespoke
We had the absolute pleasure of creating some truly stunning pieces of jewellery for people across the globe in 2020. Eco-wedding rings, family heirlooms and celebratory gifts have all been made in the KIND studio over the past twelve months. We love working closely with our customers to bring their design dreams to life, and it means the world to us to hear the feedback about their experience at the end of the process.
Otto Collection
The Otto Collection is the latest range to join KIND. This delightful addition to the KIND family is made up of an octagonal necklace and two sizes of earrings, all available in 9ct gold, 9ct rose gold and sterling silver. These pieces are simple and elegant - and they can also be personalised with a birthstone or engraving.
It is undeniable that 2020 was a tough year, but there were some glistening diamond moments in amongst the rough. We are so grateful to all of our KIND customers, followers and admirers, and we look forward to working with you again in 2021.
Better With time
At KIND, we fight against the culture of fast fast fashion and aim to create pieces that will stay with you year after year. Each piece of our jewellery is made using solid materials to ensure it’s longevity. Our hope is that each piece will be worn for a lifetime, and then eventually pass down to future generations. it is also the power jewellery has to make us feel stronger, celebrate occasions and mark milestones!
Timeless jewellery
A few months ago we received a truly heartwarming message from a lovely customer, which got us thinking it isn’t just the materiality and design that’s important, it’s about the power of jewellery as objects and how they can make us feel. Fatima was diagnosed with osteoarthritis last year which made her fingers and joints swollen. She commissioned 4 rings to celebrate her hands again and the journey is on to love them again!
She wrote:
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‘I haven't worn any rings for some significant time because I was struggling to make friends with my new hands! Prior to osteoarthritis, I always wore beautiful rings - often statement rings like the one you beautifully brought back to life recently - especially as I speak a lot with my hands and I loved the rings also speaking for me! And dancing with fingers decorated with beautiful rings is so life affirming - isn't it?!
So, buying your wonderful rings is a way of not perpetuating what society circulates about age and women and instead celebrating, adorning and being grateful for my beautiful hands and fingers. I have always written - always by hand, using a beautiful pen and tactile notebooks. The aesthetics of life and living is incredibly sustaining for me… I can't think of a better way of honouring and being grateful to my hands and fingers than dressing them with your beautifully designed and handmade rings! Thank you!’
Milestones meets Gemstones
Living in a modern world where everything can be edited, filtered, lifted, shrunk and cropped at the click of the button, leaves little room for us to appreciate our bodies and selves as we are. To honour where we have been, what we have achieved and how each of us has such a unique story to tell! KIND Collection is filled with timeless designs and as each piece is made to order, it means we are always happy to help with custom sizing or able to add little details to help them tell your story!
Celebrating ourselves and our milestone occasions, whether its a birthday, anniversary, or another special moment in time, can be made so special. We recently made a beautiful set of rings for a mother and her two daughters for her 60th. The rings were commissioned by her two daughters, and they included each of their birthstones (Diamond, Tourmaline and Citrine) - and they sent across this message after receiving their bespoke pieces.
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"They are more beautiful than we could have ever imagined - and having Tansy create them, made it even more special! It was our mums 60th birthday this year - so we wanted to get her something memorable. My sister (Zelda) and I decided to commission three identical bespoke rings - one for each of us + mum. The rings were made from 18ct recycled gold, and feature each of our birthstones.
Living in three different cities (and in different hemispheres), these rings are a beautiful reminder that we will always be close - even if we are worlds away. The rings are truly stunning - and I cannot thank Tansy enough for bringing our design and vision to life. Words cannot describe how much we love them!"
We are strong believers in the natural progression of life - and we want our jewellery to be a part of every stage of life. If you are looking to create a bespoke piece, please get in contact with us, and let’s chat about bringing your dream design to life! If you have any questions about our collection, please feel free to reach out at any point.
With love,
KIND Collection
KIND Collection X The Kind Store
Driven by the desire for a natural and sustainable future, The Kind Store provide customers with eco-friendly alternatives to everyday essentials such as toiletries and kitchen products, along with hundreds of gifts. The Kind Store was born 2 and half years ago, and is a centralised platform for vegan and sustainable goods.
This week we had a chance to chat to the lovely founder, Tash, and talk through all things eco, festive and green. We absolutely adore Tash, and are big fans of all the work that The Kind Store is doing - so without further ado, here is a peek into our conversation.
1. Tell us a little about The Kind Store and how you got to this point?
The Kind Store started as a passion project as I really struggled to find vegan and cruelty-free products, having been veggie and then vegan for the past 3 or so years. The last straw was when I ordered some natural and organic skincare from a clean beauty store online which arrived in mountains of plastic protection as they hadn’t considered the packaging. I don’t have any retail, website or marketing experience so I just did my own research and went about setting up a draft website. I had already spent so much time personally researching and testing products that I contacted those brands with my proposal in order to get our first products to open the store. I then set up an Instagram account and that is how we found our first customers. Since then, it has organically grown and we’ve reinvested our profits to stock more and more products to over 100 brands and thousands of products today.
02. What is something you wish more people knew about sustainable production and ethical practice and what advice do you have to help consumers avoid green washing?
I think it’s important for consumers to remember that it isn’t just the end product and packaging that needs to be sustainable. Of course, this is a big focus as this is what arrives through your door but there are so many more considerations such as fair pay, ingredient sourcing, transport from overseas etc. A lot of green-washing is quite easy to spot, for example a brand that suddenly releases a ‘sustainable collection’ yet everything else is not. That one collection may be made from organic cotton yet were their workers paid fairly and which country was the cotton sourced from (for example, there have been reports of forced labour on cotton farms in Turkmenistan). It is very easy for brands to write a paragraph about sustainability but if they cannot share statistics, specifics, principles, their business plan etc., I’d question it. If you’re not sure, email them and ask!
Another quick-one is plastic. We promote our store as a plastic-free store and very much encourage our consumers to use less plastic, whether it’s packaging, single-use items or generally at home… yet a complete boycott of plastic is not necessarily the best for the environment. Plastic packaging is less intensive on resources to create the raw material and much lighter than other packaging materials. Sometimes I think we can focus too much on the waste produced (which I am guilty of too), instead of the carbon emissions related to the life-cycle of the product/packaging. I would love to see labels on products including the carbon footprint so as consumers we can make informed decisions.
03. In your opinion which day to day products are the worst offenders and can you suggest an alternative?
If you are wanting to make sustainable switches at home, I would tackle single use items first as it’s such a waste of resource to only use something once. Switching to reusable food wraps, silicone food bags and lids instead of cling film is my favourite alternative in the kitchen, particularly as cling film cannot be typically recycled. Reusable period products are another favourite of mine. The average woman uses 11,000 disposable period products in the lifetime, many made from plastic and coated in unfriendly people and planet toxins. I now use reusable period pants, a menstrual cup and cloth pads and they are so much more comfortable too! Finally, in the bathroom, razors! Razors are usually sent to landfill as they are made from a myriad of materials. I’ve definitely grabbed a pack of cheap razors at the airport in the past, used them a few times and thrown them in the bin. I’ve switched to a safety razor, which looks a bit daunting but actually much easier to use than you think. It’s a lifetime investment as you simply just change the blade which can be recycled after use.
04. Other than The Kind Store, which sustainable brands are your all time favourites?
I actually like to shop around to share my spending across stores so I’m always changing, and then rediscovering brands again! I love People Tree clothing for their essential items such as leggings, socks and tees. They have always been sustainable and really transparent on who makes their clothes. A very small indie clothing brand is Nude Ethics, a one-woman brand creating beautiful illustrated and embroidery tees and jumpers. My friends bought me a Grun bag for my birthday as I was lusting after one for so long. They make bags from upcycled tarpaulin. A few others are Yogi Bare yoga mats, Ethletic for shoes and Finisterre for outdoor gear. I’m also very excited to work or a ring remodelling with Kind Collection as I have an old one passed down with a missing diamond so I’m told we can use all the materials to make a new one.
05. What are your hopes for The Kind Store in the future?
We are slowly working on becoming the go-to place for vegan and sustainable alternatives… and ethical gifting too. We have recently launched The Kind Box where you can build your own custom gift box with the choice of hundreds of vegan and eco gifts and we’ll send it straight to the recipients’ door for you with a hand-written note in side. This year, gifting online and sending it direct has become so much more popular as we haven’t been able to see everyone in person so I feel really positive that we have created a sustainable option with carefully sourced gifts from small UK makers and obviously adhering to all of our other principles too.
06. What are your top 3 tips to shop sustainably this Christmas?
Buy less
Buy better
Shop small 😊
…And if you don’t know what to buy, buy nothing at all.
5 ways to Shop slow
“Slow Fashion is a movement aimed at making the fashion industry more environmentally responsible by changing the ways clothes are designed, made, transported, used and discarded.” - Ellen Dilligan, Bloomberg
As a sustainable brand, we are aware of the negative actions and habits of fast fashion labels. Over a year ago, we began our Slow Sunday campaign, where we aim to educate our audience about the ways in which they can live “slow”. This week we have complied 5 way that you can support slow fashion - especially in the festive season.
1. Quality over Quantity
Investing in better quality, and more sustainable pieces may cost you more in the short term, but their lifespan will outlast that of their cheaper counterparts - making it a most cost efficient purchase in the long run. Buying small quantities of high-quality items, rather than lots of cheaper items throughout the year, will drastically reduce your carbon footprint. This Christmas, instead of buying lots of small “stocking fillers”, consider buying the ones you love something small - but of value.
2. Avoid Sales
As tempting as they may be… Don’t get sucked into sales! Black Friday and Boxing Day Sales have all been engineered to make us buy more and more - often at the cost of those who made the products. According to retailer trade body IMRG, £5.6 billion was spent over Black Friday in 2019, in the UK alone. These sales depend on a model of overconsumption that our climate cannot sustain. Our tip to you during the upcoming sales - is to consider what you’re spending, rather than what you’re saving - because more often than not, you spend money you wouldn’t have spent otherwise.
3. Do your research
The first step towards a slow fashion future is to know more about brands you a purchasing from. The Good On You app is an excellent tool that can be super helpful while shopping. The app allows you to check thousands of brands’ credentials when it comes to working conditions, environmental impact and animal rights. It’s free and very easy to use, plus there are some great articles to help you discover more ethical brands.
4. Pre-loved
It’s no secret that buying vintage is something that we are very passionate about at KIND. Buying Pre-loved and vintage items is a fantastic way to find high-quality items at a lower price point. Vintage pieces are often unique and one of a kind, as they are not in current circulation with big labels. When you buy a vintage item you are wearing a rare piece that very well might be the only one of its kind left anywhere. The way you dispose of your clothes is also important to consider. Fashion is not disposable, so instead of throwing things away, donate them to charity or arrange a cloth swap with your friends. You will be helping the planet - and as Macklemore once said “One man's trash, that's another man's come up”.
You can browse our KIND vintage collection online, and discover some incredible pieces that have their own story to tell.
5. Reuse
The fashion industry has grown so much that 4 seasons have turned into 52 micro seasons. New trends arrive faster than people can buy them. Not only is this costly to our pockets but it’s also costly to our planet! Reusing old materials is another great way to support slow fashion - as you are using materials that are already in circulation, rather than leaving them for landfill. At KIND, we offer our customers a Recycle + Rework service, which encourages them to re-purpose all those unworn & forgotten pieces hiding away at the bottom of jewellery boxes - and bring them back to life with a bespoke, modern design.
Learn more about KIND Recycle + Rework
At Kind Collection, we truly value putting quality over quantity and believe it is one of the best ways to live a slow lifestyle. Our jewellery is made using solid (and ethically sourced) materials (9ct/18ct Gold, Sterling Silver, Platinum) to ensure the longevity of the item. KIND Collection pieces can become family heirlooms, which are passed down through generations, lasting the test of time.
This Christmas season, we encourage you to start thinking more about how you shop and to consider your purchases. Support small businesses instead of large corporations, buy less and choose well.
KIND Collection X Aerende
With the holiday season in sight, we have been thinking about topical issue of gifting, and the links back to fast-consumerism. We have always been a strong advocate of buying one gift that will last - instead of lots of smaller items.
One of our all time favourite sites, which naturally sprung to mind when contemplating the ways to combat this issue, is Aerende Store. Aerende is an online shop that sells ethical homewares and gifts, all hand-made in the UK, by “The Makers”, who are individuals that are facing employment barriers. Since launching in 2016, Aerende has been awarded the Sustainable Homeware Brand of the Year, in 2019, which truly highlights their incredible efforts.
This week we had the pleasure of chatting to the founder, Emily Mathieson, and talking through a few ways in which they help our planet and their local community. Without further ado - here is a peek into our latest conversation with the innovative Emily.
Tell us a little about Aerende
Aerende launched in 2016 as an antidote to the lack of individuality, ethics and transparency in the interior retail sector. It’s a new twist on purpose-driven shopping, where every single element of the business has been considered to do no harm and to benefit makers as much as it delights consumers.
Aerende’s tagline of ‘life-improving homewares’ reflects our commitment to sourcing and designing unique, limited-edition products that will bring joy, beauty and utility to our customers, as well as a sense of purpose, pride and revenue to makers, via the charities and social enterprises that support them. It’s important to us that our collection and brand are competitive on the market–we want customers to love the products and to buy them because of their desirability, not just because of their positive back story (though that is a key USP).
The makers and their stories are a huge part of Aerende, how did (and do) you connect with them?
Well, it’s a complex process. Unlike almost every other online interiors/gift store, we can’t find items at trade fairs or on social media because our makers aren’t really on/at either. Whist this has given us the advantage of ensuring our products are totally unique and mostly exclusive to us, it makes discovering new talent quite a challenge. Finding makers has always been the result of lots of Googling, word of mouth and research. I’m also always scouring newspapers for articles about therapeutic craft groups and working out if those might be a good fit for us, or if the skills might be there for us to commission a product. And then, because we want the products to be desirable and to fit with the collection we work out colour schemes and shapes and sizes that would work well, and create each product in collaboration with the makers – so they can explore their skills and we can ensure a never-changing collection. Now that we have a stronger business profile, makers are starting to find us too!
One of the first organisations I approached was Studio 306, a creative programme for people recovering from mental health illnesses. They now make our beautiful soap dishes and pottery candle holders. They are always coming up with brilliant new ideas. The links between making with our hands and wellbeing are well documented, but craft is not a particularly inclusive sector so it’s rewarding to know we’re helping raise awareness and nudge the dial a little bit.
Do you believe it is possible to achieve a sustainable and ethical home without compromising on style?
Absolutely, yes! Aerende was an early adopter but now there are a number of other brands really making it possible to buy stylish products that are kind to humans and the earth. Of course, second-hand is normally best and many second-hand products (especially from the 50s) are style classics. Just watch out for greenwashing of mass market/high street shops jumping on the bandwagon.
What 3 tips would you give anyone else thinking of setting up their own business?
Plan ahead and do the finances but be prepared to ditch the plan and to drop an idea if it isn’t working. Have a story. Tell it confidently and regularly. Make this your point of difference. And, increasingly, have a vision. Knowing where you want to get to really helps to prioritise and focus on the day to day.
Do you have any top tips for making a home look beautiful without spending a fortune?
eBay! Honestly, pretty much everything you see in photos of my home is from there. Discovering Shiply means you can get in on all the cheap stuff outside of main cities because delivery is so much cheaper and easier.
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Copenhagen – It’s outdoorsy and stylish with an undercurrent of political and environmental awareness
It has been such a pleasure getting to know the delightful Emily, and leaning more about her innovative business. To learn more about Aerende, head to their website here.
1 year of Slow Sunday's
Fifty-two weeks ago we began Slow Sunday’s - a weekly story that advertises and promotes all things ‘slow’.
We are very proud of our Slow Sunday’s, as educating our audience about living sustainably is so important to us.
So today, we want to highlight some of the great brands and concepts that we have spotlighted over the past 12 months.
Edition 3: The Good Trade
One of our first Slow Sundays was focused on The Good Trade. The Good Trade is a fantastic online resource for sustainable fashion and lifestyle content. They share informative articles with their highly-engaged readership of people who are seeking to better care for themselves, their communities and the planet. We really recommend having a browse of their website, as we can guarantee you will learn something new along the way.
Edition 14: Olio
Olio connects neighbours with each other and with local businesses so surplus food can be shared, not thrown away. This could be food nearing its sell-by date in local stores, spare home-grown vegetables, bread from your baker, or the groceries in your fridge when you go away. Olio was founded by two incredible women, Tessa and Saasha, and it is a true compliment to all entrepreneurs in 2020. If you want to learn more about Olio, or how you can contribute, head to their website or download their app today.
Edition 22: International woman’s week
As a female founded business, we have always supported other women in our industry and community - which is why our International Women’s Day Slow Sunday was one of our all time favourites. This story was spread out across the whole week, and spoke about career hurdles such as imposter syndrome. We shared some inspirational female founded businesses. And finally, we discussed the “Be A Lady They Said” video.
Edition 37: Interview with BEEN London
A few months ago, we sat down for a virtual interview with the lovely founder of BEEN London, Genia. BEEN London is a sustainable fashion brand, that uses discarded materials, and turns them into timeless accessories. Handmade in London, their products promote slow fashion, as they are made to be used time and time again - for every occasion, throughout every season. Genia gave us a great insight into the inner working of her business, what its been like to run a small business during a pandemic, and the reasons why she believes it is so important to support your locals. You can read the interview on our journal here.
Edition 45: 6 Ways that KIND practices sustainability
As our name suggests we consider ourselves a KIND brand. Our aim is to create beautiful pieces of jewellery - but not at the cost of our planet or the people we share it with. To consider ourselves a sustainable brand, we often observe the negative actions and habits of fast fashion - to see ways in which we can reverse them in our own work. Read the full blog here to find out the ways in which KIND practices sustainability in everyday life.
Over the next 12 months, will continue to share inspiration brands, sustainable solutions and innovative concepts via Slow Sunday’s. If there is something that you would like us to share on our Slow Sunday’s please get in contact with us! Whilst we want to help educate our audience, we learn so much from you too. So send us a DM on Instagram or and email via our website if you have any ideas that you would like to chat to us about.
5 Online Sustainable Brand Directories
In 2020 we live in a world consumed by trends, fast fashion and seasonal goods. The Global Fashion Industry has a massive problem with pollution, waste and human rights abuse. Shockingly, almost three-fifths of clothing get incinerated or dumped in landfills within a year of production.
At Kind Collection, we want to live in a world that is sustainable and fair. We do not sacrifice ethics for style and we are passionate about navigating our way towards a sustainably focused future. We have been looking into like-minded businesses doing their part for the planet, so today, we have compiled a list of our top 5 online sustainable brand directories, to help you shop a little smarter.
Rêve En Vert
London-based Rêve En Vert is a luxury retail platform for sustainable and ethical goods. It has been referred to as the ‘Net-a-porter’ of sustainable fashion. As a business, they believe in ‘conscious design with a conscious function’. With environmental, ethical and economic beliefs at the forefront of the platform, Rêve En Vert encourage their consumers to question the impact of today’s fashion industry.
MOCHNI
Founded by Antonia Böhlke in 2015, MOCHNI is a digital publication focused on sustainable fashion and conscious living. Covering all things fashion, beauty, wellness and lifestyle - MOCHNI.com is a space where users can connect, read and discover ethical brands. From Trend Reports to Superfood Guides, MOCHNI is a go-to for many conscious shoppers around Europe and in the UK. We are very proud to share that last year KIND Collection was featured in MOCHNI’s ethical jewellery brands article.
The Honest Consumer
The Honest Consumer is a conscious lifestyle blog and trusted outlet for people to find sustainable and fair products. Offering complete transparency The Honest Consumer is based in the USA and is a great source for affordable but sustainable shopping. Their brand directory is the ultimate guide to ethical shopping, promoting responsible brands from Apparel, Tech, Coffee and anything in between.
Good on You App
Good on You is an app where users can find the ethical ratings of brands. The platform rates the brands based on their treatment of people, animals and the planet. Their website includes a brand directory, which allows users to easily find sustainable and fair businesses to shop from. Good on You allows consumers to choose and reward responsible fashion brands that do good, over the ones that don’t, to support a sustainable future.
Know the Origin
Know the Origin is an online retailer which brings together sustainably focused clothing and conscious lifestyle brands from around the world. As a business, they are committed to providing 100% transparency in the supply chain. Every product that is sold through their website can be traced back to its origin. This easy to use website offers peace of mind when shopping sustainably.
As a sustainably conscious brand, Kind Collection is focused on driving change around how we shop. We are passionate about creating stylish jewellery pieces, but not at a cost to our planet. You can read about our sustainability efforts in our recent blog “6 ways that KIND Collection practices sustainability”. Supporting other ethically crafted businesses is so important, so here’s to creating a fairer, more sustainable fashion industry and being kinder to our planet, one decision at a time.
6 ways that KIND Collection practices sustainability
As our name suggests we consider ourselves a KIND brand.
We are inspired by timeless designs and sustainable solutions. Our aim is to create beautiful pieces of jewellery - but not at the cost of our planet or the people we share it with. This means we are constantly looking for new ways to improve our methods and give back to this incredible world that we are a part of.
To consider ourselves a sustainable brand, we often observe the negative actions and habits of fast fashion - to see ways in which we can reverse them in our own work.
So today, we would like to share with you 6 ways that we practice sustainability everyday at KIND Collection.
Materials
At KIND, our jewellery is made to last a lifetime, not a season, which is why we only use solid materials from responsibly sourced suppliers. This is to ensure our pieces will always glow, and wont de-value at the bottom of a jewellery box. By using solid materials, we are able to recycle every last scrap of metal to make new pieces - meaning nothing goes to waste. Any styles we choose to drop from the collection are melted down, and turn them into another beautiful design, meaning zero waste and NO dead stock. Our collection is cast in 100% recycled Silver & 9ct Gold and our wedding rings and bespoke commissions are made using 100% recycled Silver, Gold or Platinum with the option to support the mining industry by upgrading to Fairmined Gold.
Recycle + Rework
As part of our mission to minimise the frequency of fast fashion, we encourage our customers to reuse their old jewellery, and turn it into something that they will want to wear everyday. Our Recycle + Rework section focuses on re-purposing unworn jewellery, turning them into bespoke designs that reflect the wearers personality. What was once cherished by one person can be melted down, redesigned and repurposed into a beautiful new piece for another person. By reworking your heirloom metal and stones, we are reducing our impact on the earth, and restoring the sentimental value and love to a piece that might have otherwise been forgotten. We want to help our KIND customers bring their pre-loved jewellery back to life, saving them money, and recycling precious materials in the process.
Vintage
Alongside our Recycle + Rework section, we also promote slow fashion through our KIND Vintage Collection. This arm of the business is made up by a curated selection of fine jewellery, which has been sourced in the UK. Our vintage section aims to give pre-loved jewellery a new lease of life and the chance for a new adventure. We have some exciting new vintage pieces arriving online at KIND very shortly… so keep your eyes peeled!
Free repairs
As mentioned, our entire collection is made using the highest quality materials - so you can wear them day-in, day-out, and always expect them to shine. To promote slow fashion, we offer our customers free repairs on their KIND purchases, As much as you might love your jewellery, we know that accidents happen. Clasps break, chains tangle, and gold/silver can still tarnish! So to ensure each piece gets to live as long as time (and be handed down through generation), we will repair them where possible or work with you to find a solution for a fair price if the damage is more complex.
One tree planted
As part of our on going commitment to do better for the planet, we have teamed up with an international organisation called “One Tree Planted”. As of 2019, we have, and will continue to plant a tree for every piece purchased at KIND Collection. One Tree Planted is a non-for profit environmental organisation that aims to fight climate change, protect biodiversity and help reforestations efforts across the world. Every time you buy from KIND Collection, you are helping the bigger picture, and creating a more sustainable world. By working alongside this great project, we are ‘planting good seeds’ across the world, making a difference one purchase at a time. Thanks to you, and your retail therapy, we have now planted 326 trees!
Packaging
Aiming for ‘zero waste’ means we reclaim, recycle & re-purpose wherever possible. Our packaging and promotional material are recycled and recyclable and we avoid any unnecessary printing by emailing invoices rather than including them in orders. We also use Bio degradable Baggies to store all of our stock, and only use Vegan Polishing Products to make our pieces shine.
Whilst we are very conscious about our processes, we know that we aren’t perfect (who is?). If you have have any other suggestions about ways that we can minimise our impact, we would love to hear from you! Additionally, if you have any questions about our current practices, please feel free to reach out. We want to be completely transparent, so you know exactly what you are supporting when you buy from KIND Collection.
The art of Motherhood
With the KIND founder, Tansy Haak, expecting the arrival of her second child in the next few weeks, we thought it was fitting to focus this slow Sunday around Motherhood.
So to all the mothers and motherly figures…. The new mums, the old mums, biological mums, and maternal mums, we see you and we are here to honour the things that you do for our communities.
Family is such an important core value at KIND. It is something that we all treasure so closely, which is why we always love creating bespoke jewellery to represent these bonds.
Whether it’s a bespoke designed ring that includes the birthstones of each child - or a necklace from our collection that has an initial/message engraved into it, celebrating these life milestones and relationships is something we love being a part of.
A few months ago, a beautiful KIND Customer, Elisa Adams, was treated by her partner to one of our Mini Crescent Lune Disc Necklaces. She had an A engraved onto it to celebrate the birth of her baby, Arnie. Elisa, along with other KIND Mumma’s, will continue to wear their jewellery for many years to come as a celebration of their shared journey through pregnancy and motherhood.
These stunning images represent those early months so clearly, Elisa’s beautiful body still evolving to nurture this new little soul. They were captured by the extremely talented Sarah Barlow - who is not only an incredible photographer, but is also the founder of Weald Handmade. Thank you to both Elisa & Sarah for these beautiful images, and sharing their story with KIND.
Whilst we offer engraving on most KIND pieces, here are four of our most popular necklaces to personalise. Each style is available in 9ct gold, 9ct rose gold and stirling silver.
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Whilst marking the birth of a new child with jewellery is something truly special, we also wanted to share some of our favourite local, eco-friendly and all-round exceptional brands with you. Whether you are expecting, or know someone who is, these brands have helped so many navigate their way through the early days of parenthood - whilst remaining sustainably conscious.
Little Lamb
In the UK, over 8 million disposable nappies are thrown out everyday. Over the course of the year, that number skyrockets to almost 3 billion. Seeing this number grow each year, the creators of Little Lamb designed a collection of reusable nappies, in every shape, size and pattern that you could dream of.
Rue and Cole - skincare
Rue and Cole sell the most delightful organic skincare, that is made using organic shea, coconut and avocado oil. These gentle deep moisturisers are handmade in Leeds (UK) - and can be used by the whole family. Their products are allergy free and aim to smooth and heal the most delicate of skin.
Little Green Radicals
Last but certainly not least… Little Green Radicals. These organic cotton gurus have designed and created a fantastic line of eco-friendly apparel for children from ages 0-8. They are transparent about their supply chain (which we love) - AND their packaging is all compostable.
We know first hand how hard it is to be conscious about anything other than your newborn in those first few weeks - especially for first-time parents. So we hope that that these brands can help you navigate your way through the beginning, and help you to make some choices to remain sustainable and eco-friendly during the first stages of this journey.
With love, the KIND family x
KIND Rework X Recycle / Bryony’s Self Love Ring
Jewellery often has personal and sentimental value, which is why keeping precious jewels and family heirlooms is so important. As fashion changes, the symbolic meaning behind a piece of jewellery remains the same, so we often stow them away and admire them in their box from afar. Now, if you are reading this whilst picturing your great grandmother’s ring or an inherited piece of jewellery that just isn’t your style, this blog is for you…
At KIND, our bespoke range includes a REWORK x RECYCLE service which transforms your precious unworn jewellery, into freshly designed pieces that you will want to wear forever. We have recently collaborated with print designer Bryony on a ring to celebrate self love and here is her story…
BRYONY + KIND
With a design in mind, Bryony wanted to use this treasure trove of vintage pieces that she had inherited or been gifted over the years.
We worked closely with her to come up with a design that showcased these beautiful gems - and soon began bringing these pieces back to life. We started by carving each ring by hand in wax, and removing the precious stones from her old jewellery.
After the design was set, the gold was then melted and cast using the traditional lost wax casting technique. The dual rings were then sanded shaped and given a high polish, catching the light from every direction.
But we weren’t done yet… Next we set them with a number of her own diamonds and sapphires from her original pieces. We also incorporated some ethically mined teal green Malawi sapphires throughout the rings, to give them more depth and an added dimension.
After moulding, melting, polishing and setting, we made it to the end result. Two beautiful rings that symbolise her self-love journey and featuring generations of family heirloom jewels that have been passed down to her.
It was such a joy working with Bryony and seeing her stunning designs translate into two gorgeous bespoke rings.
Our REWORK X RECYCLE Service is not only important to us as it gives much loved pieces a second lease of life, but it also encapsulates the essence of our ethical vision and supports our ‘zero waste’ practices.
If you have inherited items that just aren’t your style or you want to update a piece you bought yourself, then jump in contact with us at KIND and we can work together to create something spectacular.
What she said:
’Oh my god, I’m SO IN LOVE! You are a magician!’
Birthstones
BIRTHSTONES
For centuries, gems have been connected to months of the year with birthstones. Traditionally they were associated with mystical powers and good fortune, however these days they are more often used to celebrate life events.
On the blog today, we explore each birthstone’s philosophical meaning, and the ways in which we embrace them in modern culture to signify momentous occasions.
January: Garnet
Originating from the Latin word for seed - ‘Granatum’ – the Garnet is said to represent the shade of a pomegranate seed. The Garnet’s blood-red to deep purple colours symbolise fire, promoting both inner strength and resilient relationships.
February: Amethyst
Referred to as the “Jewel of Gods”, the Amethyst gem is often associated with royalty and the purple hues are said to represent stability, courage and positivity.
March: Aquamarine
Directly from its traditional Latin name, “aqua” meaning water and “marina” meaning sea, this gemstone literally translates to sea water. Like the ocean, the Aquamarine birthstone embodies clarity and serenity.
April: Diamond
Diamonds are not just a girl’s best friend, in fact they are one of the hardest materials on earth hence why they represent endurance, strength and eternal love. Derived from the Greek word, ‘Adamas’ that translates to ‘unbreakable’, which perfectly sums up our Wild Love Ring.
May: Emerald
The Emerald was a Cleopatra favourite, the enriching gemstone was once said to aid recovery, cleanse and detoxify. Its deep green shades are associated with growth, renewal, rebirth and hope, a special way to signify a new chapter in one’s life.
June: Pearl
A natural wonder, the pearl’s beauty is associated with purity, modesty and romantic love. It is believed it’s wearer may feel a sense of calmness and help increase focus.
July: Ruby
The Ruby is seen as the “King of Gems”, signifying strength and confidence. Ruby’s deep red colour is associated with flames, representing passionate love, sexuality and enthusiasm. A perfect gift to remind someone that they are fierce and full of life!
Aug – Peridot
The olive-green Peridot is said to release negative energy and attract positive energy and wealth. Coming from the Greek Word ‘Peridona’ meaning ‘giving plenty’, this gem is associated with security, protection and prosperity.
September: Sapphire
Sapphires are largely known for their vibrant, rich blue colour, yet are not limited to blue! Sapphires can be a wide array of colours including green, pink, orange, yellow and purple, which can be seen in our Rainbow Horizon Bar Necklace consisting of an assortment of 5 ethically mined sapphires. Associated, with wisdom, honesty and faith, Sapphires are said to restore balance within and protect against evil.
October: Red Tourmaline
The Pinky- Red coloured Tourmaline associated with October symbolises emotional healing. There is a strong correlation between the Red Tourmaline with self-love and comfort, ridding your body of sorrow and doubt.
November: Citrine
Citrine’s golden colour reflects that of the sun and radiates both positivity and creativity. This gemstone is said to assist letting go of negative energy and channelling that energy towards confidence and willingness.
December: Tanzanite
The Tanzanite Gemstone, blue in colour, is said to maintain the dignity or wearer and promote self-reflection. The Tanzanite has similar powers to the Citrine Birthstone, is it said to promote the ability to stop, calm down and change negative energy into positive energy.
Whether or not you are a believer in the powers Birthstones, each has an individual meaning that will make the wearer feel unique.
If you want to create something special that encompasses somebody’s birthstone, get it in touch to discuss bespoke ideas.