Jeweled Purpose

Lauren Breuer
De Je'Po

Do you ever wonder about animal testing or use in making jewelry? It’s okay if you don’t, because a lot of people don’t even give it a thought. 

I have been researching companies for my own knowledge for years, and have come across ones worth sharing, and one of my favorites is Myopic Void (Jewelry Company). Karin started Myopic Void Jewelry and began working for herself just over 7 years ago. Last year her partner, Tobin, joined the business as their lapidary artist and he silversmiths alongside her as well.

ETHICALLY EXPOSED

This is an authentic and beautiful company with so many amazing attributes. For one, they don’t use any products derived from animals whether it is in the manufacturing process behind the scenes, or in the actual product itself. Transparency is not common in general, especially in jewelry, but Myopic Void has changed the game and is a true leader in the jewelry industry. I have asked the Owner and Founder a couple of questions, and her answers read below. She explains it all very clearly and concisely!

  1. What are the ingredients you use in regards to the production of your products?

“Fortunately for us, most of what we deal with are precious metals that are inherently vegan. However, we have made some changes around our workshop to support a fully vegan business model. For example, our bolo ties, which are traditionally made with braided leather, are made from a synthetic vegan leather alternative. They are cruelty-free while uncompromisingly offering the same quality and feel. As far as tools go, we use synthetic plastic mallets to form our metal, rather than the traditional rawhide mallets.

When doing metal stamping it is common to use a leather sandbag to hold the metal, but we have found a vegan synthetic leather version. And most polishing compounds are animal fat based, however we have found a vegetable fat based product made by Luxi

that gives our jewelry the same high-shine but without the cruelty.  Sustainability and minimizing our carbon footprint are important factors to us too, so we also try to use less toxic and more natural products when we can. For example to clean oxidization from the surface of the metal a highly caustic “pickle” solution is usually used, but we use a safer, greener alternative that is just food-grade citric acid mixed with water.  Once you understand the metalsmithing process, it is easy to make changes that are more sustainable and vegan friendly.”

  1. What countries are your materials from? 

“All of our precious metals are sourced from the USA, and are actually recycled from reclaimed scrap fine silver, sterling silver, and 14k gold. We melt our silver and gold scraps down, roll it into sheet or wire, and can use it again and again. That is one of the great things about metalsmithing- the metals can be recycled over and over again, which is great for the environment and our wallet!

 The tools and machines we use are from various parts of the USA and most of our metal stamps are handmade by Navajo artisans. The stones we use come from all over the place- the American southwest, China, Africa, Indonesia, Mexico, Morocco. Our biggest concern is that our stones aren’t sweatshop produced (which, unfortunately, is a major problem in the gemstone industry),

so we work hard to vet our suppliers and buy from trusted sources. It is also why we cut many of our own stones. (Another great stonecutter here in the USA who only sells ethical stones and is also vegan is @Stonebender on IG.)  A lot of the turquoise we use is from the American Southwest which has given us the unique opportunity (we’re based out of LA) to visit some of the turquoise mines and meet some of the people that dig for the stones.”

Now, I don’t know about you, but this is an amazing business model to not only serve as inspiration, but show that a change in traditional ways is possible, feasible and just simply better for everyone. Getting to know Karin has been so amazing, as she fuels my passion for a better world. 

If you have any questions or comments for us, please reach out to me via ethicallyexposed@gmail.com, or Karin @myopicvoid on Instagram, we would both be happy to connect with you!  

Thank you so much for reading! 🙂