Sourcing Stories: Ethical Gemstones from Queensland

Every piece of jewellery tells a story and for me, that story often begins deep beneath the surface of Queensland’s rugged landscapes, where some of the world’s most beautiful gemstones are found.

Rough Sapphire's I've bought from miners in QLD, Australia

My latest collection features hand-selected sapphires and topaz, sourced directly from Queensland. These stones aren’t just stunning, they come with a story of traceability, responsibility, and care.

Queensland is home to some of the most ethically mined gemstones in the world. Small-scale miners use traditional methods, often working on family-run claims where each stone is unearthed by hand or with minimal machinery. This slower, more considered process protects the environment and ensures that the gems are responsibly sourced—no mass-scale destruction, no questionable supply chains.

The sapphires I use are often found in alluvial deposits, gently gathered from ancient riverbeds rather than harshly extracted from the earth. The miners use sieves and water channels to locate each gem, meaning the land remains largely undisturbed. It’s a quiet, mindful kind of mining and the results speak for themselves.

Topaz is another local treasure. Found primarily in central Queensland, these stones shimmer with pale blues and delicate ice tones. Like sapphires, topaz is often discovered through small-scale, ethical practices that prioritise land stewardship and low environmental impact.

When I choose gemstones for a piece, I don’t just look for colour or clarity, I look for a story. Knowing where a stone comes from, who uncovered it, and how it was handled from the ground to my studio adds so much meaning to every design.

This commitment to ethical sourcing isn’t a trend, it’s a responsibility. I want you to wear each piece not just because it’s beautiful, but because it reflects values we share: sustainability, transparency, and respect for the planet.

Stay tuned as we continue this journey, next I’ll be sharing how recycled metals are transformed into the settings that hold these gems so beautifully.