She is known for her innovative craftsmanship and commitment to ethical and sustainable jewelry. Her jewelry line – The House of Biori is distinguished by its intrepid and intricate style, and a promise to obtaining fair-trade, fair-mined and ecologically sustainable materials. Viki Shah meets Priyanka Sarkar to know more about her experience of running a jewelry brand with positive values.
What is sustainable jewellery and why does it matter?
In jewelry, the most basic aspect of ethical production, supply chain transparency, is one of the most difficult to achieve. Why? Because most metals and minerals come out of the poorest regions on earth and pass-through multiple hands on their way to market, most without any traceability. Is the solution to stop using mined materials to make jewelry? Nope. The goal is to help them mine safely, and make sure that enough mining revenue remains with them so they can invest in the clean water, schools, and other services their families and communities need.
One aspect of jewelry production most consumers don’t consider is gem-cutting (sometimes referred to as polishing). Gem cutting produces microscopic dust damaging to the lungs. There are currently dozens of efforts around the world to create gem cutting education and improve gem cutting facilities. Even once you get past the raw materials aspect of producing jewelry, jewelry production often uses harsh chemicals and can produce toxic waste. Jewelers around the world continue to innovate jewelry production techniques, pay carbon offsets, and recycle everything that can be recycled.
Brands like Biori in Fashion Jewelry segment or bigger players in Fine/High Jewelry continue to raise the bar every day on their practices, constantly seeking new sources and new methods to improve the lives of others while protecting the planet.
There’s the joy of finding and wearing a beautiful thing that fed a family, educated a child, or supported an artist. It isn’t easy, but more and more jewelry companies are doing the work of creating ethical, responsible jewelry. And as long as consumers continue to ask for it, responsible jewelry options will continue to grow.
Ethical, Fair Trade, Sustainable – what is the difference?
Today, the terms “sustainable” and “ethical” are buzzwords akin to “diversity” and “inclusivity” within the fashion industry.
“Ethical” focuses on “who” in the chain of processes. It’s not just about the environment, but also about the people. And yes, the two- sustainability and ethical overlap!
For brands that are conscious of their social impacts, getting Fair Trade Certified indicates to customers that their products are made by people who earn a livable wage and work in safe conditions.
What are your tips for the discerning, mindful jewellery buyer?
Switching to ethical and sustainable shopping can’t be done at once. You have to go step by step and take things slowly. Follow one simple rule – shop for a product that you need. Then shop for another product and then for another. This way, you will gradually become used to ethically shopping for things you need. Don’t rush it.
Jewelry is the ideal category to shop small: It’s easy to find artists who are crafting special pieces using recycled materials or remnants. With a relatively small amount being made, you’re also likely to end up with earrings or a bracelet that feel utterly unique.
Learn about the brand. Ask the right questions. You will notice how good you will feel about your purchase when you know you did something ecological and ethical for our society and planet.
Get rid of one-year wonders and a habit of constant shopping. Buy less but buy good quality, well-made jewellery crafted with love. Pay attention to material, packaging and the overall customer experience.
And as long as consumers continue to ask for it, responsible jewelry options will continue to grow. Traditionally, most jewelry pieces have been made either using high-quality metals and materials, or inexpensive materials, such as non-precious metals. The lines are becoming blur, with more jewelry combining semi-precious gems and pearls with natural metals. With the rise of a larger middle class, demand for this type of jewelry is increasing, particularly in developing countries.
Your comments on The House of Biori bringing Soul, Style, Sustainability and Substance to their creations.
Owning and operating the greater part of our value chain gives us control and transparency over the process, and strengthens collaboration across teams, functions, and geographies – and so increases overall efficiency.
For a business niche to be profitable, your potential customers must also be accessible, and accessing them must be affordable. We continuously strive to update our design & product development process to make it more consumer-centric ensuring we deliver new design concepts year on year.
We listen to our consumers to ensure we provide a better personalized shopping experience and understand what they want from BIORI. These insights are fed back into relevant parts of the value chain. We focus on a personal and relevant experience for every one of our customers telling inspiring and engaging product stories.
We continue to learn from our artisans and their practices in addition to seeing what it takes to build a company and feel the difference of being part of one built from love, respect, and heritage. “If you truly care about something through and through, it informs every aspect of what you do.”
Having sustainable products comes with that notion of honoring the people and place where the things are made and honoring the earth that they are made on.
Define the Biori Woman
Our scope of work includes – SEASONAL DESIGN COLLECTIONS, BESPOKE/ CUSTOMIZATION, CORPORATE GIFTING, RECREATING HERITAGE DESIGNS, NEW PRODUCTS THROUGH UPCYCLING, PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVES.
House of Biori in one sentence.
Biori is an evolving contemporary brand of unique, handcrafted, ethical fashion jewelry and accessories created by the artisans in sustainable communities across India, Africa, Eastern Europe and Thailand.
House of Biori
The core values of BIORI are integrity, passion, respect, forward thinking & teamwork. Through our design, story, and projects, we would like to raise the awareness of artisans and craftsmanship expanding internationally staying true to ethical and philanthropic roots.
Formulated in 2018, Biori retails through curated multi design brick n motor platforms in Dubai, Bahrain and Mumbai. In January 2021, Biori established its own digital footprint- www.houseofbiori.com shipping worldwide.
House of Biori in one word
Authentic!