ETHICS OF AESTHETICS
REJUVENATION
The foundation of our craft at Seza is built upon a commitment to a future that honors both artistry and ethics. We recognize that maintaining the current state of the jewellery industry is insufficient; it is imperative to embrace a transformative approach. The call for transparency, circularity, and regenerative practices is not merely a trend but a necessity that resonates deeply within our atelier.
Every Seza masterpiece encapsulates the essence of our dedication to excellence—a reflection of the intricate techniques we employ, designed with precision in New Zealand and crafted in Italy. Alongside aesthetic beauty, our Patrons and Clients deserve to understand the thoughtful narrative woven into each piece. Our creations are made ethically, and the question ‘how is this made?’ is an invitation to explore the depth of our values.
We advocate for a shift away from mindless consumption toward a mindful engagement with jewellery. Our bespoke experience allows for a relationship between client and artisan that fosters a connection grounded in quality over quantity. By choosing slow, intimate craftsmanship, we redefine luxury, showcasing the artistry that comes from careful creation rather than mass production.
At Seza, no detail is overlooked. Our commitment to excellence means we embrace our individuality as artisans, pushing against established norms to curate pieces that are not only luxurious but also define a higher standard for ethical creation. Through our Phase Programmes, we transparently share the unique operational standards that set us apart from the rest, inviting our community to participate in a movement toward a more conscientious industry.
Together, we can create a legacy of beauty that not only exists in the present but also vows a brighter, more sustainable future.
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Jewellery requires precious metal from ores which are mined from the ground that were formed since time immemorial. These ores are dug up in monumental pits scattered across the globe using petrol thirsty equipment and intense manual labour which then goes to a processing plant to be refined, purified and distributed. To us, this ancient method of extracting precious metals was unnecessarily dangerous, environmentally destructive and ethically questionable. We decided to wipe the slate clean, choosing not to ever associate ourselves with these practices. After months of research, development and discussion, we found a partner in Veneto, Italy. The Legor S.p.A Group shared our principles of operation and mission for change. Thus, we at Seza are proud to announce that all our precious metals are 100% RECYCLED from a controlled supply chain certified by Chain of Custody of the Responsible Jewellery Council. In short:
We never contribute to the digging of monumental pits across the Earth.
We do not participate in the use of the Earth destroying bucket wheel excavator.
None of our metals are sourced from Conflict Affected and High Risk Areas.
We do not employ the use of an illegal labour force or any on-site labour force of any kind.
See our Certificate here.
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Being in the jewellery industry, we are ever more conscious of the amount of energy and water needed to create a highly refined item to the calibre and craft we want.
Partnering with our Italian artisans in Veneto presented a wonderful opportunity. We were adamant from the offset that not only did we want to abolish mining for ores but also any environmentally intrusive means of refining the precious metals.
After a series of audits and independent inspections, we are proud to announce that ALL energy consumed in refining and distributing the metals come from certified renewable sources. In detail, 10% of our green energy comes from an inhouse photovoltaic system, the remaining 90% comes from an outsourced certified green energy supplier.
Yet we still weren’t satisfied and went deeper into the manufacturing process, seeing where we can refine our techniques and crafting processes. That is why now all production water goes through a sophisticated environmentally friendly filtering system that allows it to be reused, reducing overall water consumption by 93%.
At home in our atelier, our energy needs are supplied by Meridian Energy, which generate all their electricity from 100% renewable sources such as solar and wind farms, hydro-electric dams and more.
We at Seza are righting the wrongs of our industry and paving the way for a new era of design.
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As creators of refined design, we are aware that every line drawn on paper is something taken from the earth. We also realized that we cannot control the method of vehicular and aerial transport used to ship our masterpieces. It is thus, we ignited a spark setting in motion the drive to be unlike any other brand in our industry by voluntarily offsetting any carbon emissions omitted through partnering with environmental groups locally and globally to plant native flora.
We made a promise to ourselves. For every bespoke masterpiece and every creation purchased, we donate a tree on your behalf. In doing so, you’re protecting our unique flora and fauna for future generations and are helping in diversifying our forests with iconic native planting all of which is helping reduce CO2 emissions.
Seza has partnered with local initiatives to rejuvenate and preserve our air. We’re working with Trees That Count, Project Crimson, Waiheke Resources Trust, Sustainable Paremoremo Group and others to mitigate our carbon footprint over the next 50 years, and help protect our threatened biodiversity. We have since funded 19 native trees through Trees That Count and are seeking to absorb 4.2 tonnes of CO2 emissions as those trees continue to grow but also are providing a home and habitat for all our native wildlife.
Our most precious jewel is our planet and Seza will be her custodian. You can track our planting progress here.
OUR PARTNERS
At Seza, we are constantly committed to redefining the nuances of the jewellery industry. We are here to do things differently and to partner with those that strive in addressing similar issues that we are passionate about all the while displaying on exceptional level of conduct and operation transparency. The 2030 Agenda demands effective collaborations between our members and partners in order to achieve the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Transformative partnerships present the only way forward in terms of finding integrated and innovative solutions to the industry’s current and future challenges.
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The Responsible Jewellery Council [RJC] is the world’s leading standard-setting organisation for the jewellery and watch industry, bringing together more than 1,000 companies including jewellers, manufacturers, refiners and others. It was founded in 2005 by 14 member organisations, ABN AMRO, BHP Billiton Diamonds, Cartier, World Jewellery Confederation, Diamond Trading Company (part of De Beers), Diarough, Jewellers of America, National Association of Goldsmiths (UK), Newmont Mining, Rio Tinto, Rosy Blue, Signet Group, Tiffany & Co., and Zale Corporation.
United by a shared belief that responsible business is good business, RJC are working to create a globally sustainable future for our industry.
What unites us is our shared belief that responsible business is good business, without causing harm to people or the planet. This is a process of continuous improvement. Our belief is that this can only be achieved by working together, and in partnership with others. In doing so, we are enhancing trust in the global jewellery industry and underpinning its future, so people continue to hold jewellery close to their hearts for centuries to come. We stand up for integrity, through our supply chains, in our work, and for our membership.
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The RJC requires all members from the outset to commit to and are audited against the Code of Practices [COP]; a standard that addresses human and labour rights, environmental impacts and mining practices in the jewellery supply chain. In order to be certified against the Code, a company needs to undergo an independent audit that confirms the company is in compliance.
The COP requires companies to have a human rights due diligence process that seeks to identify, prevent, mitigate and account for human rights impacts in live with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. RJC members are given two full years to comply with the standard after joining after which if they fail to do so, membership is revoked.
The RJC COP covers all the primary minerals and metals used in the manufacture of jewellery: gold, silver, platinum group metals, diamonds and coloured gemstones [which Seza does not use]. Their robust certification process is independently audited and ISEAL accredited, upholding the highest standards.
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A second RJC Standard, the Chain of Custody [COC] promotes traceability and is far more rigorous. The COC standard requires companies to establish documentary evidence of business transactions along the supply chain and to confirm they are not causing adverse impacts in conflict-affected and high-risk areas.
Crucially, the standard applies to gold and platinum which is what we specialize in and offer at our atelier. In addition, the standard requires a comprehensive human rights due diligence process through identification and mitigation of risks as set out by the OECD Due Diligence Guidance.
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Trees That Count are a conservation charity bringing together businesses, community and everyday Kiwis, with the vision of helping plant millions of native trees across the country. Planting native trees is one of the most powerful actions we can take to combat climate change, protect our beautiful landscapes, waterways and forests for future generations. From the cathedral-like groves of massive kauri and tōtara in the north of the country, to the vivid scarlet of our coastal pōhutukawa and so many others, we know our native trees are some of the most impressive in the world and that is why Seza is proud to be a Native Tree Supporter.
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Reviving the planet is not nearly enough. It is our responsibility as humanity to ensure all people live a life of dignity, stability, happiness and peace. Hence, We at Seza will actively contribute to the elimination of all forms of poverty [wealth, health and education] by donating substantial proceeds from every piece purchased to war torn areas in the Middle East and Africa.
