Eco-Chic Elegance
When ethical practices look good on you
Words by Codi Chen | Photos by Parker Thornton
The journey toward environmentally and socially conscious business practices in the jewelry industry is an important one for Christine Fail, the founder of Fail Jewelry. Her passion is rooted in education, awareness, and a drive for a better future, and her story is one of gradual enlightenment that triggered a profound shift in perspective.
With a BFA in studio art, Christine’s foundation in art and design led her to fine jewelry through roles with Austin’s top luxury jewelers: Anthony Nak and Shaesby. As a 20-year Austin resident, Christine has established her studio and shop and called East Austin home for over a decade.
Her shift into more sustainable business practices began when she learned that the city of Portland banned the use of plastic straws. Initially, she said that this move seemed trivial, but it soon sparked a realization about the pervasive issue of plastic waste. “Once you start paying attention to something, it almost eats at your brain, and you see it everywhere,” Christine says. This awareness led to a deeper understanding of personal habits and the broader implications of waste in her own business.
Creating an environmentally and socially conscious product involves thorough research and a commitment to transparency. For Christine, this means diving deep into the supply chain, production traceability, and building relationships with trusted partners. This approach not only ensures ethical sourcing of materials but also humanizes the art, putting a face to the products and enriching the stories behind each piece.
However, navigating the jewelry industry’s complex landscape isn’t without its challenges, and many companies “greenwash” to appear eco-friendly. “The jewelry industry has been slow to change, but consumers and jewelers are becoming more conscious,” Christine notes. For instance, Fail Jewelry has done away with single-use plastic bags, and they also source Fairmined gold, which supports small-scale miners, offering them fair wages and safer working conditions.
Sustainability at Fail Jewelry extends beyond materials to also include those Christine has hired. Throughout the past fifteen years, she has employed over twenty young women, ensuring fair wages and a supportive work environment. “I remember being young and eager but struggling financially. As a small business owner, I didn’t want to be my own worst boss,” she explains.
For those looking to adopt their own sustainable practices, Christine advises starting small. “It’s daunting to try to do everything at once. Start with one thing, do it well, then move on to the next. You’ll be surprised at the drastic changes you can make over time.”
Fairmined Gold
Fairmined Gold is a certification label that guarantees the gold is sourced from responsible artisanal and small-scale mining organizations. This turns gold mining into a positive force, promoting social development and environmental protection, offering customers and jewelers a gold source they can take pride in.
Origin Traceability
Each piece at Fail Jewelry has a story. Origin traceability tracks a gemstone’s journey from mining through cutting, setting, and sale. It’s not just about where the stone comes from but also the impact of its entire path. This includes the environmental effects, the health and safety of miners, and the social conditions of the communities involved.
Contact:
828 Airport Blvd., No. 6
(by appointment only)
failjewelry.com
@failjewelry
