SUSTAINABILITY AND SOURCING at DESIGNWORKS STUDIO
Our jewellery is crafted from recycled precious metals. Any scrap metal generated during the creation process is collected and sent to for refining and recycling to C. Hafner, a world-renowned refinery based in Germany known for its environmentally responsible practices.
Underscoring our commitment to sustainability and ethical production, we have an exclusive partnership with diamond supplier, Botswanamark. We work with them because of their dedication to ethical sourcing. They provide natural diamonds that are certified through iTraceiT, a cutting-edge traceability platform. Importantly, all diamonds are sourced directly from Botswana, ensuring transparency and supporting local economies. Botswana has become a global example of how natural resources, when managed responsibly, can benefit communities. The diamond industry has played a significant role in improving infrastructure, healthcare, and education in the country. You can learn more about the transformative impact of diamonds on Botswana’s communities here.
OUR RESPONSIBLY SOURCED DIAMONDS OVER 0.40CT INCLUDE:
- Kimberly Process Certification Scheme
- Botswanamark Provenance Certificate, through iTraceiT
- GIA or IGI certification
Kimberley Process Certification Scheme
At Designworks Studio, we can confirm that all of our natural diamonds comply with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS). Introduced in 2003, the KPCS was an important step in addressing conflict diamonds. However, it has significant limitations.
- Scope: KP certificates apply only to international shipments of rough, uncut diamonds and are issued at the government-to-government level. A single certificate typically covers an entire shipment of rough stones.
- No link to polished diamonds: Once diamonds are cut and polished, the KP certificate does not follow them. This means that neither jewellers nor consumers can see or access KP certification for individual finished stones.
- Narrow definition: The scheme only addresses “conflict diamonds” used by rebel groups to finance war. It does not cover human rights abuses, environmental damage, corruption, or violence associated with state actors.
- Weak enforcement: Compliance relies heavily on self-reporting by member governments, which has allowed smuggling, loopholes, and “laundering” of diamonds from questionable sources.
Because of these shortcomings, the Kimberley Process is widely viewed as necessary but insufficient for today’s ethical standards. That’s why Designworks Studio goes further — by partnering with reputable suppliers who adhere to the World Diamond Council’s System of Warranties, and by embracing blockchain-based provenance tools, we can provide greater transparency and accountability throughout the diamond’s journey, well beyond the KP minimum.
You can find more information on the Kimberley Process, here.
Botswanamark Provenance Certificate
Our diamond partner, Botswanamark supplies natural diamonds accompanied by a Provenance Certificate. Customers can scan the unique QR code which traces their diamond from our hands, back to three mines in Botswana, the Jwaneng, Orapa and Letlhakane mine. These mines are operated to internationally recognised environmental and safety standards (ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001) and are supplied through the Okavango Diamond Trading Company in Gaborone.
