Philosophy
Charleys Forest Silver acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this nation. We acknowledge the traditional custodians, the Walbanga people of the lands on which our farm and business is located. We pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present and emerging. Charleys Forest Silver is committed to honouring Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas.
Our Philosophy
Sky is an environmental scientist and Jakub is a solar scientist - and we both are committed to helping the world. It all starts locally with how we run our business and where we source our supplies.
Metal sources
Scrap
Scrap metal (mostly in the form of jewellery) is purchased from the general public, charity shops and scrap metal dealers. It is then melted down in our little induction furnace, where we then form sheet and wire with our hand rolling mill and wire draw plate.
Any scrap from this process is used again, and the cycle continues.
Manufactured Sheet and Wire
When required, we source and purchase all our fabricated metal products (sheet and wire only) from Australia's dedicated supplier, Palloys. Using less power with greater efficiency than traditional suppliers, and with Australia's only bright metal furnace, Palloys provide an excellent product. They are able to source most of their product by recycling scrap - and specify it, so we only purchase the recycled product. Palloys Sustainability Policy is here.
Gemstone sources
All turquoise and other gemstones used in our work is sourced from reputable stone cutters and dealers, including ourselves, and where possible we list the source. We have purchased vintage turquoise from reputable dealers in Arizona and New Mexico, which we have been able to rework. We source Hubei rough and cabochons, as well as other Chinese turquoise from a reputable seller who regularly visits the mining regions of China who has access to rough locally.
Our fossicking philosophy
When fossicking, we fossick on land, not using water, and not using any mechanical means. By hand we gently excavate for gemstones and minerals, taking care not to remove or excavate any bushrock. Any soil disturbances are repaired - so that the earth looks as it was before we fossicked. We have all the proper approvals to fossick in accordance with relevant legislation. We treat our fossicking trips more as an exploration into the beauty of the natural world - an opportunity to bushwalk, have adventure, photograph and explore new places.
External stone sources
Many of the turquoise stones have been purchased from America, often through Instagram. We like purchasing from cutters and dealers on Instagram - as we're able to see what gemshows they attend, mines they are visiting and when they are cutting certain types of rough. It allows for a level of transparency that never would have been as apparent in the past, and with so many social connections there is also enough verification that we feel confident that the gemstone, especially turquoise, is as described. We declare these sources in the product listing on the website and on Instagram.
Chemical use
In every aspect of silversmithing, we have looked at gentle alternatives to the often harsh chemicals used in processes. We use food or cosmetic grade natural products in pickling and flux, as well as having done away with any harsh gas issues by using a hydrogen torch. Our wastewater is at a minimum, which is neutralised and disposed of safely through the chemical drop-off facility provided by our local council.
Carbon footprint
We have taken huge steps to reduce the carbon footprint of our business, the farm and our household. This includes installation of solar panels and water efficiency and energy saving devices, as well as using low impact chemicals and monitoring our energy use.
We carry out seasonal tree planting, and have specific conservation projects such as increasing foraging habitat for native birds with strategic plantings of local native plants.
Keeping it small
We are a small business and pride ourselves on creating limited edition or one-of-a-kind jewellery. Each piece is carefully crafted by hand, either individually or in small batches. Our production process is by hand, which allows us to pay close attention to detail and ensures that each piece is unique. However, this also means that we are limited by the time and effort required to produce high-quality materials suitable for hand fabrication, so only a handful of pieces are able to be crafted each year.
Slow Silver
We are dedicated to creating sustainable, long-lasting jewellery. We use environmentally friendly techniques and materials to produce pieces that not only look beautiful but also have a smaller environmental footprint. Each piece is crafted with care, ensuring that it will be a treasure to be cherished for years to come. This takes time! It can take weeks, sometimes months to create a piece.
Packaging
Packaging is something we take very seriously. We have a pragmatic approach to ensuring that you receive your item in the safest condition.
The Boxes
Our pieces arrive to you in a uniquely engraved beautiful box. They are made of Australian Hardwood (where packaging weights allow) or Australian plantation softwood, and they are designed and constructed entirely on our farm.
The timber is sourced through our local rural supplier. The Beard makes the boxes and engraves them. They are designed so they can be reused or gifted on, and are 100% Australian Made.
Respect
We hold a deep reverence for culture and heritage. Our inspiration stems from nature, and we are in constant awe of the environment we live in and the beauty it holds.
As an original artist, Sky is dedicated to exploring new tools, techniques, and skills to bring her unique visions to life.
Respect is at the core of our business practices, from how we present ourselves online to how we conduct ourselves as artists. We always list the inspirations for a piece, and would never appropriate without permission. We feel strongly against artists exploiting traditional artists and appropriating culturally significant and sacred objects.
Sky's work is characterised by strong, distinctive designs and symbols. We place great emphasis on the beauty of the materials used, particularly silver, other metals and the stones. Each piece tells a story, drawing from personal experiences and inspirations to create something truly one-of-a-kind. Our process is organic, and we enjoy the element of surprise that comes with creating something new.
Our work is our life and we want our children to grow up in the world knowing that there is a better way. Our work is priced to reflect the time and money spent ensuring that:
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we are paying everybody appropriately in our supply chain,
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the pieces are made from the best possible quality products with a limited carbon footprint and damage to the environment
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the pieces meet a high ethical standard, and
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we actively work on reducing our carbon emissions.
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we continue tree planting and carrying out other conservation projects on the farm to increase and protect native habitat.
This is our philosophy and the way we conduct our business. There is still a lot of room for improving these processes, you can follow our journey on Instagram or subscribe to our mailing list.