Ethical jeweller Ingle & Rhode opened its first store and transactional web site this week, as it campaigns to reduce the conflict in the jewellery industry.
Ingle & Rhode has opened at 211 Piccadilly in the West End and also trades directly through its web site. It sells an in-house collection of classic pieces, alongside four collaborations with designers Sarah Sheridan, Jana Reinhardt, Stephanie Ray and Kimberley Selwood.
Founder David Rhode approached business partner Tim Ingle with his vision for luxury ethical jewellery when he struggled to find his fiancée a truly ethical engagement ring. Rhode said: “I couldn’t believe how hard it was to buy a ring with ethically-sourced component materials. We wanted to create a brand that responds to new consumer demands and hope that the industry will follow our lead.”
David Rhode has a background in producing and directing factual documentaries. Prior to setting up Ingle & Rhode, he was freelancing for channels such as BBC3, Sky and Channel 5. Tim Ingle was previously a management consultant, working for the past five years at KPMG.
Ingle & Rhode aims to reduce the three main problems in the jewellery industry: human exploitation, conflict diamonds and environmental damage. The retailer claims it has set up a supply chain that guarantees clients can trace the provenance of all metals and gemstones it uses.
It also says that the diamonds from its supply chain are
conflict-free and the diamond cutters and polishers work in good conditions. Its gold is fairly-traded, and mined without the use of cyanide or mercury.
It has also pledged 10 per cent of its profits will fund health, education and development projects within the communities with which it trades.
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