Sustainability is definitely a journey and not a destination - a perfect reflection of the continuous line of a Celtic interlacement and its connection to the cosmos. It is a path that Aosdàna is embarking on as we discover the best ways to approach responsibility to our staff, our community and our planet whilst recognising what we are already achieving, and working towards formal recognition of sustainable standards of practice.
We are proud to have been recognised as the Best Sustainable Celtic Jewellery Store 2024 by SME News UK Enterprise Awards.
We use 100% recycled silver in our handmade Celtic jewellery collection which emits 2/3 less CO2 than mined silver.
Our silver is purchased from Betts Group, the oldest surviving precious metal refining and dealing business in the UK. Known as AgAIN sterling silver, it is recycled from medical X-ray film.
This sterling silver is refined in total segregation from any other material.
AgAIN Sterling Silver is top-quality silver which makes a real difference by helping hospitals to earn money from old X-rays which would normally be stored or sent to landfill, providing customers with a fully traceable and sustainable silver supply, and helping the planet by minimising AgAIN’s carbon footprint.
We are proud to be able to share that all our gold jewellery is cast from Single Mine Origin gold also supplied by the Betts Group. Sourced from the Yanfolila gold mine in Mali, our SMO certified gold provides an auditable chain of custody for the entire supply chain, with full segregation from mine to finished product. It adheres to a number of strict Corporate Social Responsibility guidelines and is mined in accordance with the World Gold Council’s Responsible Gold Mining Principles. Each piece of gold jewellery purchased from us, comes with a unique QR code which allows you to trace your gold to the mine of origin.
We use conflict free diamonds in our Iona-inspired Scottish Celtic jewellery and gemstone collections.
Our packaging is 100% recyclable card and paper and our boxes can of course also be reused. We store our jewellery in pouches made from recycled plastic, which are also fully recyclable. We recycle all paper, card, plastic and aluminium used at our premises.
The islanders who we work with are our biggest asset and Aosdàna is recognised as a Real Living Wage employer by the national Living Wage Foundation. Island life flourishes because of our interdependence as a community. Iona is home to a thriving population and we are a lively mix of old island names amongst more recent arrivals who landed and never found a good enough reason to leave this geographical edge of Scotland.
Aosdàna plays its part in island life, employing local people and offering secure employment year after year. Through its 2006 redevelopment of the St. Columba Steadings, carried out in partnership with the National Trust for Scotland, Aosdàna has provided affordable workshop and retail space for nine island micro businesses. Leased to talented Iona makers for a nominal rent, this creative space contributes to the financial sustainability of island artisans and contributes to the vibrant revival of the crafts on Iona.
We have a long way to go but we are enthusiastic about developing the sustainability of Aosdàna and are developing a 5 year sustainability road map which sets out our commitment to planet, people and community.
We will hold ourselves accountable to this road map and make sure we are delivering on our promise. We achieved recognition in 2023 as a Real Living Wage employer by Living Wage Scotland and are working towards achieving accreditation from Responsible Jewellery Council, and Fairtrade for Business.
We will also work towards partnership with Diversity in Retail, and suppliers and makers who share our commitment and values.
Photography & film by Shannon Tofts
