Crafted for a Cause
At Refine, sustainability and community empowerment are at the core of our ethos. Through our ‘Crafted for a Cause’ initiative, we focus on three key pillars that guide our commitment to creating positive change.
Our Three Pillars
Responsible and Local Sourcing
Ethical practices are the foundation of everything we do. We prioritize sourcing locally and working closely with skilled artisans in Nigeria, ensuring fair wages and supportive work environments. For our latest collections, we’ve highlighted our heritage by incorporating locally sourced gemstones and corals from Northern and Eastern Nigeria. These partnerships not only preserve traditional craftsmanship but also foster economic growth within local communities.
Philanthropy
Giving back is an integral part of our mission. Each year, we support impactful causes that align with our values. Through our partnership with the Let it Shine Academy (LISA), we contribute to providing free education and nurturing the talents of young individuals. By collaborating with LISA’s students, we bring unique creations to life while reinvesting proceeds into their programs, empowering the next generation of creatives.
Circularity and Waste Reduction
Sustainability is woven into the fabric of Refine’s operations. Our packaging is not just beautiful but also reusable, designed to double as a jewellery box that customers can cherish for years. In addition, we encourage circularity by offering jewellery repairs and using recycled brass in our designs to minimize waste. These practices are part of our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint while promoting a more sustainable future.
Aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Our Crafted for a Cause initiative is deeply aligned with several of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Below, we highlight the SDGs we support and how we contribute:
SDG 1: No Poverty
Through fair wages and economic opportunities for local artisans, we empower communities and contribute to poverty reduction. By investing in skilled craftsmanship, we provide sustainable livelihoods for artisans in Nigeria.
SDG 5: Gender Equality
Many of the artisans we work with are women. By providing them with equitable opportunities and fair compensation, we actively support their empowerment and promote gender equality within the jewellery industry.
SDG 8: Decent Work and
Economic Growth
Refine’s focus on local sourcing and production ensures ethical labor practices while fostering sustainable economic growth in Nigeria. Our commitment to fair wages and artisan empowerment contributes to a thriving local economy.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and
Infrastructure
We are reshaping the jewellery industry in Africa by promoting sustainable practices such as circularity and local sourcing. By preserving traditional skills and building sustainable supply chains, we strengthen local industries and foster innovation.
SDG 12: Responsible
Consumption and Production
Our efforts to minimize waste include use of recycled brass in some production and our reusable packaging reflect our dedication to sustainable production. These practices align with our goal to create timeless jewellery with minimal environmental impact.
SDG 13: Climate Action
By reducing our reliance on resource-intensive materials and minimizing transportation-related emissions through local production, we actively contribute to climate-conscious solutions.
