It’s not always easy being green, but the benefits of working to make a more environmentally friendly product are manifold. With ethical sourcing standing as one of Bario Neal’s top priorities, the jewelry company has developed a business model that doesn’t neglect environmental responsibility in favor of the bottom line. Co-founder Page Neal gave us an inside look at how design can go hand-in-hand with eco-conscious business practices.
How do you incorporate your commitments to environmental responsibility and ethical sourcing into your products?
Bario Neal began in 2007 as a collaboration between Anna Bario and myself, when we connected over an interest in the sculptural possibilities of jewelry and its potential for cultural resonance. Bario Neal is committed to environmental responsibility, ethical sourcing and marriage equality. Our jewelry is handcrafted in Philadelphia with reclaimed precious metals, Fairmined gold, and ethically sourced stones, using environmentally conscious practices.
What are the benefits of ethical sourcing and why is it important?
We launched Bario Neal to make objects of lasting value while creating meaningful change within the jewelry industry. Bario Neal strives to be stakeholders in progressive sourcing and manufacturing initiatives as well as promoting traceability, transparency and marriage equality. Our sourcing work is integral to our design process and we try our best to communicate our research and the complications of the metals & gemstone industries on our website and blog.
What does Made in America mean to you? Why is it important to you?
Our jewelry is handmade in our Philadelphia store, which houses our open workshop. In addition to creating our own collections, we also work closely with clients to create custom pieces, including redesigned heirloom jewelry. Certain fabrication techniques are completed with craftspeople on Philadelphia’s historic Jeweler’s Row who are specialized in traditional jewelry processes. Composed of nearly 300 small family-owned businesses, Jeweler’s Row is home to the oldest jewelry district in America (est. 1851) and continues to thrive as a creative and manufacturing hub in the industry. Supporting and learning from our local craftspeople is integral to our business. We see the ability to make our ideas a physical reality ourselves powerful.
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