Sustainability Statement
Hi everyone,
at Anna Lou Design Lab we are redefining value in UK-Made Jewellery
In recent months, we’ve made a significant shift in our manufacturing strategy, moving production to the UK. This decision, made around August/September 2024, and was driven by several key factors that reflect our commitment to quality, sustainability, and supporting local communities.
One of the most notable advantages of UK manufacturing is the reduction in lead times. With our production closer to home, we can respond swiftly to market demands, ensuring that our products are in season and available on demand. This efficiency not only streamlines our operations but also promotes job creation and supports the local economy, fostering a sense of community that resonates with our core values.
A common perception is that UK-made products are inherently more expensive. While it’s true that labour costs are higher in the UK, it’s crucial to understand that we’re not comparing like with like. By producing jewellery to order, we eliminate many of the complications associated with overseas manufacturing, such as shipping delays and customs duties. This approach not only enhances our efficiency but also allows us to maintain the quality our customers expect.
Meeting face-to-face with our artisans is another significant advantage of local production. This direct collaboration minimizes miscommunication, ensuring that every piece meets our high standards. Moreover, it enables us to adopt more sustainable transport methods, reducing our carbon footprint compared to the environmental impact of shipping products from overseas.
Sustainability is at the heart of our manufacturing process. Local production inherently reduces the environmental impact of long-distance transportation. Additionally, the human cost associated with UK manufacturing cannot be overlooked. Craftsmen take pride in their work, translating into superior craftsmanship and quality. By supporting local artisans, we’re not just investing in our products; we’re investing in communities, ensuring fair wages and fostering a sense of belonging.
My decision to move production away from Turkey and China stemmed from a desire for greater quality control and ethical practices. While these regions may offer lower production costs, they often come with trade-offs, such as longer lead times and potential communication barriers. By shifting to UK manufacturing, I can ensure that every piece reflects my brand’s values and commitment to sustainability.
Consumer awareness around sustainability is on the rise, with many becoming more discerning about greenwashing—where companies claim to be environmentally friendly while relying on overseas production. By making jewellery in the UK, we provide transparency and authenticity, allowing our customers to feel confident in their purchases.
Additionally, our make-to-order approach allows for personalisation, helping our products stand out in a crowded market. Supporting UK craftsmanship is vital; if we don’t invest in our skilled craftsmen, we risk losing invaluable expertise.
I’m thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of a new wholesale collection May 2025 made in the UK, which will further showcase our commitment to quality and sustainability. This collection emphasises the benefits of local production and craftsmanship, engaging our audience with meaningful insights into the advantages of supporting UK manufacturing. Our focus on detail and quality in these specific pieces sets us apart from overseas production models.
Having successfully navigated the Christmas season under this new model, I am confident it works for our business. However, one of the main challenges remains customer price perception. Many UK consumers are accustomed to cheaper, lower-quality goods available on demand. Yet, we continue to find a growing audience that values ethically made, high-quality pieces produced in the UK.
If you’d like to discuss this exciting new direction in more detail, feel free to reach out.
Also I want to tell you all about what we aspire to be as a brand and what we practice. Anna Lou of London jewellery strive to not only be the best in the world, but to be the best for the world. I want my business to be a force of goodness! I’m looking at everything I need to look at, both internally and externally
I continually research new and existing materials to improve the sustainabilty of our jewellery,while also ensuring their durabilty. In evaluating materials to reduce their environmental impact, we find materials that meet the highest possible standards. Sustainable manufacturing in London is the heart and soul of Anna Lou of London, all of my jewellery collections are designed by me in my studio on Taggs Island and we manufacture the jewellery in Hatton Garden, London and ensure we offer the most transparent production possible. I work with an extraordinary family of artisans employing decades old heritage and skilled craftsman. My company which has been around for over two decades, strives to provide quality products, redefine originality, and inspire people. We guarantee that every element of your jewellery is totally traceable and ethically produced.
I am committed to treating people and the environment as they should be treated: respectfully, sustainably and ethically. Ethical sourcing means protecting the environment and human rights, which is why we hold independent audits on our workers and their environment.
There’s an African proverb I love: If you want to go fast you go alone, if you want to go far you go together.
From the starting material to the end product, making sure we don’t dig anymore holes in the ground and using recycled and fairmined silver and gold all the way through to the packaging and recycling.
Almost all jewellers claim to offer ethically sourced jewellery, but dig a little deeper and it’s almost never the case. Anna Lou of London guarantees every element of your jewellery is totally traceable and ethically produced. Sadly Greenwashing is still happening .How Can You Tell If a Fashion Brand is Greenwashing? The cheap fast fashion and jewellery brands that encourage throwaway culture with clothing and jewellery can never be truly sustainable. When brands like these talk about reducing waste, without changing their business models, then the greenwashing alarm bells should be ringing.
Anna Lou of London have no luxury mark ups. The prices are fair and we produce exceptional quality pieces. I would like to remind people that apart from the craftsmanship there’s a lot of others costs such as researching, developing, designing, planning details, choosing materials, testing materials, taking product photos , calculating pricing, writing website listings, promoting product, compiling inspiration, postage costs, answering customer service questions, vat 20%, profit to keep us going! I also do small batch, made to order or one of a kind designs which is kind to the Earth.
Brands should be addressing their supply chain, production facilities, transport and shipping methods and the environmental impact of source materials as a priority if they want to be truly sustainable.
There a difference between ‘corporate social responsibility and ‘responsible social corporations’. What I think what needs to be done is a different type of communication. It’s not about telling you what will be done, it’s about a mindset. I truly believe in an honest sustainable journey.
Customer Service:
Please do feel free to reach out to me if you have any order queries or if you want some advice on a new jewellery making project you may have whilst staying at home! It’s always lovely to chat.
Our future:
We all really must come together and support each other now more than ever before.
Final Thank You!
We can do this. We are in this together. There is hope and thank you for all your support. Don’t forget that wearing a piece of jewellery is always comforting. Do it for yourself!
Thank you for your orders!
I hope that’s helpful and answered some of your questions.
Anna x
Founder and Creative Director
Recycling your jewellery:
“recycled jewellery offers the option to make something new from items that have perhaps been banished to the outer drawers of the jewellery box!
I believe we must re-use the jewellery and materials that we already have. We don’t need more holes in the ground, which comes with its own environmental impact. It’s a win-win situation for the planet. We buy fine metals that come from recycled sources, the metal is exactly the same as newly mined, there is no difference”
How it works:
1) Contact us and we will email you a free postage label.
2) find any pieces of jewellery that are made of Sterling Silver or Solid Gold
( all silver must be stamped 925 or gold to be hallmarked)
3) your old pieces get recycled for future production at a refinery in the UK.
4) you get a £20 voucher to shop at Anna Lou of London