Do you love contemporary, recycled, handmade jewelry? Then this brand is for you! (and what’s more, it’s affordable!)
After the luxury brand Futura and its game-changing gold, I’d like to (re)introduce you to an artisanal brand dedicated to recycling and circularity.
Discover Rays and Riches and its modern, committed collection
Rays and Riches is an Italian brand founded by Manuela Lucia with the aim of transforming the jewelry industry and encouraging ethical and circular practices.
Commitments, recycling and circularity
Determined to defend its convictions, the brand has developed a production chain dedicated to circularity and zero waste.
All the stones and pearls used are recycled and come from pre-loved jewelry. In addition to giving these gems a story, it also reduces carbon emissions and the social emissions, as well as the social and environmental impact of mining. Each stone and pearl is unique, and so is each piece of jewelry!
Most of the gold used by Rays and Riches is recycled, and all of it is RJC certified, i.e. recognized by the Responsible Jewellery Council as complying with their ethical, social and environmental standards. The brand uses exclusively 14k “gold-filled ” gold .
What is gold-filled? Gold-filled is a material used in jewelry that consists of a a thick layer of gold applied to a metal base, such as brass. This layer of gold is much thicker than simple gold plating, making gold-filled jewelry more durable and resistant to wear. Gold-filled jewelry thus offers the appearance and durability of gold at a much lower cost.
All packaging is natural, recycled, 100% recyclable and/or compostable. And yes, even the soft interior is designed to protect your jewelry! The shipment is also carbon-neutral.
Craftmanship
To avoid over-production and waste, Rays and Riches jewelry is entirely handmade by its creator, Manuela. Each handcrafted piece will have its own unique characteristics and, above all, will have been created just for you. Who can say that these days?
Good news: this also means that designs can be altered or customized on request!
Editor’s note: One last point that also means a lot to me is that Manuela has been adorable during all our exchanges! It’s easy to feel her passion and convictions, and I really appreciate that.
The Brand range
The brand offers modern, elegant pieces strongly inspired by nature. The range includes earrings, cuffs and rings, and the selection is resolutely feminine (but of course open to all!).).
It’s possible to find a variety of stones and gems that change with the designer’s finds. Right now, I saw peridot, chalcedony, carnelian, hematite, pearls and red coral (recycled coral, of course!).
Prices start at €9 for the Single Ear Cuff and rise to €172 for the Beaded Spiral Earring With Hematite.
The site is available in English, German and Italian, and delivers worldwide (free over €100 ).
PROMO CODE: If you like the brand, I’ve got a little present for you! Use the code GEMGAZETTE15 and get an extra 15%!
Disclaimer: This article is not sponsored. I do not accept sponsors because I want to select ethical and committed brands to share with you. I have personally contacted Rays&Riches and can receive a commission if you like this brand and decide to purchase a piece through my site. Since I don’t post ads for the same reasons I don’t accept sponsors, it’s the only way I canget paid for my work. However, I ‘ll never push people to buy and only want to highlight brands that, in my opinion, deserve it, in my opinion, deserve it. Buying ethical jewelry should be a positive act and should never put you at financial risk. I intend to recommend committed brands for all budgets and styles, so hang on tight.
Lauréline Colliard FGA
FGA Gemmologist, graduate of London's prestigious Gem-A Academy (and former lead 3D animator in the video game industry). Her focus is on research, the ethics of gemstones and their environmental and social impact, and the protection and education of gemstone buyers and enthusiasts.
