OssaGaia

Inspired by nature, the human spirit and the Divine Feminine, Ossa Gaia Artisan Jewelry pays homage to Mother Earth through hand-forged artisan jewelry created with responsibly sourced metals and gemstones.

STATEMENT OF VALUES, PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES
Ossa Gaia Artisan Jewelry takes sustainability and human rights seriously. Every step of our process is completed with the past, present and future of the Earth in mind.

GEMSTONES & METALS
As much as we adore the shining and sparkling lovelies that come from the Earth, we must remember that mining can cause some hefty environmental damage. Mining is also an industry that’s been associated with poor (and, at times, tragic) human rights practices. That said, in some instances, gemstone mining serves as a lucrative cottage industry benefitting communities in otherwise impoverished areas. It’s also a beloved hobby for passionate geology buffs, rock hounds and adventurers.
Ossa Gaia is proud to support small-scale miners and lapidary artists, especially those located in the US, Canada and the UK. We purchase gemstones directly from miners, or from suppliers who can provide details of where and how the gems were mined.
Our metals are 100% or partially recycled, and/or sustainably mined in the US. We also use vintage metals or remnants when available.

TOOLS & SUPPLIES
Like our materials, our tools and other supplies are purchased with the Earth and our fellow humans in mind. We prefer to purchase quality, long-lasting tools and supplies made by reputable US and European companies that echo our commitment to sustainable and responsible manufacturing practices.

Two chemical treatments – pickling and patinating – are part of our artistic process. To remove fire scale from our pieces (pickling) after soldering or torch firing, we use citric acid, an eco-friendly alternative to traditional pickling chemicals. The non-toxic liver of sulfur used as a patina doubles as an organic fungicide for our backyard tomato bed.

PACKAGING
Ossa Gaia Artisan Jewelry is shipped in mailing envelopes made in the US out of 100% post-consumer and post-industrial material. The envelope has a dual self-seal adhesive strip that allows our customers to reuse it before recycling. Our business cards and tags also are made of 100% recycled cardstock, and were designed and printed by small, US-based, women-owned companies.

CHARITABLE GIVING
In the spirit of Earth’s natural cycles of ebb and flow, give and take, Ossa Gaia is committed to giving back to the Earth and its people. A portion of our profits benefits environmental charities, including ClearWater Conservancy, the foremost land trust and natural resource conservation organization in central Pennsylvania.