Sustainability statement

OUR COMMITMENT TO A SLOWER PACE OF LIVING 

 

Hand-crafted in small quantities

YU STEPANEL jewellery is made by hand and to order, which means no waste like in a big batch production. Thus, hopefully promoting healthy shopping and consumption habits as well as the practice of care and use, slow fashion vs. overproduction and overconsumption. 

 

Local talent

All pieces are crafted locally and mostly in-house to play our part in reducing the footprint on our planet. 

 

Reclaimed metals

As a responsible brand, YU STEPANEL works towards creating most of its pieces from recycled and repurposed materials. Recycled sterling silver (Ecosilver) and recycled gold is used whenever and wherever possible. The artisan method of production means the possibility of recycling waste metal as much as possible, employing ethical workshop practices using as little chemicals as possible, lower energy usage and responsible water use practices (recycled/renewable water and energy sources, like solar panels in workshop are part of the brand’s roadmap). 

 

Trusted supply partners

YU STEPANEL cherishes its relationships with supply partners and small family businesses who have been by our side us through the lifetime of the brand. We get our services support from small family-run ateliers we know well and our materials from the companies we trust, namely, London’s Cooksongold. 

Cooksongold who are part of the Heimerle + Meule GmbH group, with a certification based on the Responsible Gold Guidance (RGG), the inclusion on the LBMA Good Delivery List for gold and the Code of Practice certification by the RJC (Responsible Jewellery Council). All these labels certify that the gold used and all the products made from it are free of conflict, are innovative and of high quality. Being a certified member of the Responsible Jewellery Council, the company promotes ethically, socially and environmentally responsible processes in which human rights are respected at every stage of the supply chain for jewellery containing diamonds, gold and platinum, from mining to retail. RJC has been a full member of the ISEAL Alliance, the global sustainability standards association. 

 

Responsible postage

While still in search of the perfect solution, so that the box you receive your pieces in is as kind to the planet as it is appealing to you, YU STEPANEL packaging is created with longevity in mind to offer you a lifelong storage of your favourite jewellery. Thus, work in progress, but at the moment YU STEPANEL premium cardboard packaging is fully recyclable. YU STEPANEL shipping packaging is made of recycled materials. 

 

Good On You

YU STEPANEL is recognised as a responsible brand by Good On You, the leading source with a trusted ethical ratings system as part of the United Nations’ global mission to “Ensure sustainable production and consumption patterns”.

 

UN Women’s Empowerment Principles

The UN has formulated seven Principles to help empower women in the workplace, marketplace and community. YU STEPANEL has commitment to honouring the Women’s Empowerment Principles in all aspects of our business and joining the global community of companies advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment. We also encourage our partners and vendors to do so.

You can learn more about these UN Principles following the link here: UN Womens Empowerment Principles

“As a female founder and a mother of three, having experienced first-hand the challenges of a working parent and out-of-work mother I am extremely keen to provide support and empowerment to women through the provision of Fully-Remote, Homeworking option at YU STEPANEL. I therefore commit to implementing the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles in all aspects of our business in order to play a meaningful role in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment globally.” Yuliya Borys, Founder and CEO