SUSTAINABILITY is a top priority for us
How RETINA® processes fair precious metals and diamonds
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Sustainable Jewelry Made with Fair Trade Gold
Here’s how our jewelry helps protect our planet’s resources:
Since 2015, we have been the first goldsmiths in Basel to work with ecologically processed precious metals. We place great importance on ethically sound trade and the sustainable extraction of precious metals: Our gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and even copper—used as an alloying metal—do not come directly from a mine, where, as is well known, people and the environment are constantly harm is constantly inflicted. We source our gold and platinum exclusively from large, reputable refineries that completely reprocess precious metals, for example from processing residues from goldsmiths or scrap gold. The gold, platinum, silver, or palladium in your piece of jewelry is therefore guaranteed to come from safe sources far from conflict regions. The extraction of these precious metals is carried out in an environmentally sustainable manner and conserves natural resources.
Handcrafted in Switzerland
As an owner-operated family business, we guarantee that all the precious metals in your jewelry come from ethically sourced sources. Safe for people and the environment. Your jewelry is crafted in our Swiss workshop—under ethically and socially responsible conditions.
Sustainable Diamond
The media is full of reports about blood diamonds from African countries torn by civil war or those used to finance terrorism. We source our diamonds exclusively from 100% trustworthy sources. Our long-standing suppliers guarantee that all diamonds are ethically sourced and certified conflict-free. This means you can enjoy the diamonds in your wedding rings with a clear conscience, knowing that both the gemstones and the precious metals in your jewelry are fairly traded.
Upon request, we also work with lab-grown diamonds—optically and chemically identical to natural diamonds, but without the need for mining. Learn more on our Diamonds page.
Why sustainability is a challenge in the jewelry industry—and how we're addressing i
For us, sustainability isn’t just a marketing term. It’s an attitude that is reflected in every step of our work—from sourcing materials to production in the atelier.
The jewelry industry has a transparency problem. The origin of gold and gemstones is often unclear, and supply chains are long and complex. We don’t want to sugarcoat this, but we can show exactly what we’re doing.
Handcrafted, not mass-produced. Every piece is handcrafted by Marlen and me. No factory, no overproduction, no inventory. A RetinaDesign piece of jewelry exists in exactly one copy—and only for one person.
Durability as sustainability. The most sustainable jewelry is a piece that is worn for a lifetime. We don’t create for trends, but for generations.
Green Mining
We are the first goldsmiths in Basel to have added Green Mining gemstones to our collection. These gemstones are characterized by sustainable mining practices: no explosives are used, and no chemicals are required or released during the mining process. Large trees are spared, and the mining area is reforested afterward. This makes these gemstones even more valuable!