Melinda, a qualified gemmologist, is the founder and driving force behind Ethical Jewellery Australia (EJA) and The Promised Ring.
After several years of designing and selling her own range of jewellery, Melinda created EJA when she realised that no one in Australia offered an environmentally- and socially-friendly product. In other words, consumers (until now) have never had the opportunity to purchase jewellery that is guaranteed to have caused minimal harm to the environment and its people.
It all began when Melinda learned of Oxfam’s ‘no dirty gold’ campaign. She signed the ‘no dirty gold’ pledge in early 2007 and Ethical Jewellery Australia was born.
Her resolve to provide an environmentally responsible alternative strengthened even further when, through her gemmology studies, she began to realise that the cost of mining and processing gemstones can be very high on workers and environment.
Importantly, Melinda discovered that it is possible to make socially responsible buying decisions in the diamond and gemstone industry — even though no one had previously demanded it. It is possible to insist that there is no child labour used, that all workers experience fair working conditions, that they have the right to not be exposed to toxic chemicals and that communities should directly benefit from the sale of their natural resources.
Eventually a handful of suppliers were found who could meet her company’s stringent criteria.
At this time Melinda was also a co-owner of a retail and manufacturing jewellery business in Brisbane. Through her unique experiences in dealing with customers in the engagement ring market, the idea for ‘The Promised Ring’ emerged.
Many of her customers were men looking for engagement rings or special gifts but didn’t know what they should buy and were really concerned about getting something their partner wouldn’t love.
She also met a lot of women whose partners had bought them something they didn’t like that much — either wanted to have the piece of jewellery remodelled or to buy something ‘better’.
Almost by accident, Melinda suggested to one of her customers that he simply buy some gold and diamonds (or platinum, as was his ultimate choice) and present that to his partner, then come back with her to work out the design and have the ring made.
He loved the idea, and so did his partner ...
Another customer, looking for a meaningful birth gift for her new granddaughter, was delighted with the idea of presenting her with her birthstone ...
Then there was the anniversary present for another customer’s wife ... and so, The Promised Ring was born.
With ever growing public interest in environmentally and socially responsible alternatives, Melinda made the decision to sell her interest in the retail jewellery shop and, with her partner, Benn Harvey-Walker, now concentrates solely on Ethical Jewellery Australia and The Promised Ring.
As a qualified gemmologist, jewellery designer and experienced businesswoman, Melinda manages all the gem and diamond related tasks in the business, designs wedding and engagement rings and looks after day-to-day operations.
With over 25 years industry experience, multi-award winning Jeweller, Michael Hofmeyer collaborates with EJA for our custom-made jewellery.Michael translates Melinda's conceptual sketches and turns them into exquisite jewellery. Michael handmakes our wedding, engagement and commitment rings are handmade in his studio in Paddington, Brisbane.Michael trained in Australia and later in Italy to further his interest in contemporary design and goldsmithing, he is proficient in a variety of specialized techniques such as chasing and repousse and also works in a range of metals including niobium, titanium, mokume-gane and all precious metals, he is something of an expert when it comes to working with platinum.
From the simple and traditional to the avante garde, Michael is a true independent master 'artist/craftsman' jeweller , he can literally manufacture any design a customer may want.
South Sea Pearl specialist, diamond and gemstone consultant and all round superstar. Symantha also designs and makes jewellery and is a keen lapidiarist (she cuts gemstones). Symantha is a Gemmologist and is based in North Queensland. Sym regularly travels throughout Queensland, connecting with customers in remote areas and sourcing genuine Australian gemstones. Symantha is a true 'treasure hunter' and it is through her weird and wonderful contact list that Ethical Jewellery Australia has been able to source magnificent coloured gemstones directly from the people who found and cut them.
Benn is the co-founder of Ethical Jewellery Australia. He spent 17 years as a marketing and management consultant before moving into building construction. He is also interested in design and photography. Benn has created the 3D and other imaging for the website, and worked closely with the web designer to create the website. Benn regularly creates 3D renders of ring designs to enable customers to 'see' what their finished piece will look like.
