Studio IRIS

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS 

• Rotterdam, Netherlands

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES 

In-house production in the Netherlands ensures fairer labour standards and transparent conditions.

Studio Iris uses recycled and Fairmined metals whenever possible. Fairmined gold guarantees better working conditions in mining, although it still has environmental impacts. The brand is actively exploring more sustainable alternatives. If you’re interested in what to look out for when buying more ethical gold or silver, check out our guide.

The jewellery is not entirely handmade but created using 3D printing and casting techniques.

The brand promotes inclusivity by offering unisex jewellery.

5% of profits are donated to environmental organisations to support nature conservation.

MATERIALS

• Recycled gold
• Fairmined gold
• Gemstones (partially synthetic to reduce environmental impact)

Studio Iris uses recycled gold, Fairmined gold, and gemstones, including synthetic alternatives. With this approach, the brand consciously takes a step towards more responsible jewellery production. However, choosing more ethically sourced gold is complex. You can find out more about available alternatives and what to consider when purchasing in our blog article.

PACKAGING 

Studio Iris uses more environmentally friendly packaging materials both in e‑commerce and throughout the supply chain.

For online orders, the brand relies on recycled cardboard boxes, biodegradable tissue paper, and compostable shipping bags. The jewellery is shipped in FSC-certified, plastic-free jewellery boxes and sealed with paper-based tape.

WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS 

Studio Iris uses recycled and Fairmined gold to minimise the use of newly mined raw materials.
The brand also takes measures to reduce water consumption in production and applies water-saving techniques to minimise its environmental footprint.

In terms of chemical management, the brand exclusively uses non-toxic and environmentally friendlier cleaning and polishing agents. Chemicals are handled according to strict safety protocols to ensure controlled disposal and to prevent water contamination.

The brand highlights that 3D printing plays a role in its production process, which generates less material waste compared to traditional jewellery making. In addition, the environmental impact of the jewellery is offset through CO₂ compensation via Climeworks, a certified carbon removal programme, with the compensation costs already included in the product price.
Customers also receive a discount when choosing recycled gold, encouraging the more conscious use of materials.

Studio Iris calculates the carbon emissions of its jewellery according to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG), taking into account both direct (Scope 1) and indirect (Scope 2 & 3) emissions.

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN 

Studio Iris creates jewellery using monometals, primarily recycled and Fairmined gold, which increases recyclability. Since the brand does not combine plant-based or synthetic materials with metals, its products are more advantageous from a circularity perspective.

The brand systematically compares the emissions of recycled gold with those of the market mix, using the IdematLightLCA database from TU Delft for these calculations. According to this data, the emissions of recycled gold are approximately 70% lower than those of conventional gold.

The company supports longer product lifespans through repair services, refurbishments, and re-gilding, allowing customers to wear their jewellery for many years.

While the use of recycled gold reduces environmental impact compared to newly mined gold, precise tracing of its origin remains a challenge. Studio Iris conducts its own research in this area and acknowledges that, although Fairmined gold ensures human rights standards, it still has environmental effects.

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS 

Studio Iris offers a repair and refurbishment service for its jewellery to extend the lifespan of its products. This includes repairs, re-gilding, and general refreshing.
The brand also provides a take-back service. Customers can return old or damaged pieces, which are either restored or recycled into new designs. Precious metals and gemstones are recovered and reused, helping to reduce the need for new raw materials and supporting a circular production approach.
Studio Iris focuses on bespoke creations and a made-to-order production model to avoid overproduction and encourage more conscious consumption.

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN

• Production location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
• Headquarters: Rotterdam, Netherlands

Studio Iris has a simple supply chain, as the jewellery is both designed and produced in Rotterdam.

TRANSPORTATION 

Wherever possible, materials and products are transported in consolidated shipments to minimise the number of deliveries. For shipping, Studio Iris prioritises transport companies that use low-emission vehicles or carbon-neutral delivery services.
The brand also promotes local sourcing to shorten transport routes and reduce associated emissions.

In e‑commerce, Studio Iris offers two shipping options: customers can choose standard shipping, which uses consolidated deliveries to minimise environmental impact, or they can pick up their order directly from the studio in Rotterdam.
Additionally, Studio Iris offsets the carbon footprint of its deliveries by investing annually in certified environmental projects.

Studio Iris does not use any animal-derived materials.

PRODUCT DESIGN

Studio Iris creates jewellery pieces including rings, pendants, and bespoke designs.
The collection is predominantly unisex, as the brand sees jewellery as an expression of personal identity and aims to overcome traditional gender boundaries.

Studio Iris emphasises the individuality and customisability of its pieces. As many designs are made to measure, there are no fixed size limitations.

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES 

Studio Iris has a fixed collection to which new designs are gradually added. However, the focus lies on bespoke jewellery and custom-made pieces.

The brand follows a made-to-order approach to avoid overproduction. It also offers individually designed and crafted jewellery tailored to customers’ wishes.
A detailed size guide on the website helps prevent incorrect purchases and returns – saving resources and supporting more conscious buying decisions in line with slow fashion principles.

TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT

Studio Iris provides various details on its product pages, including information about materials, production methods, and place of manufacture. The brand also offers customers the option to send in their own gold for reuse.
In addition, the brand specifies the dimensions of each piece of jewellery and communicates the production time. Some models are available immediately, but most are made to order.

Studio Iris also provides care instructions to help ensure the longevity of its jewellery, including guidance on the oxidation of sterling silver and the wear of gold-plated pieces due to skin contact and cosmetics.

With regard to traceability, the production site in the Netherlands is clearly stated, but the exact origin of the materials remains partly unclear.

TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES 

Studio Iris provides some information on its website about its production processes, particularly regarding material selection and manufacturing techniques. The brand highlights its use of recycled and Fairmined gold, as well as 3D printing to minimise material waste.

Studio Iris also mentions its ongoing engagement with sustainability topics, including CO₂ offsetting through Climeworks.

The brand continuously researches the origin of its metals and gemstones in order to make the most transparent decisions possible.

Studio Iris openly acknowledges that its emissions calculations do not capture all environmental impacts, such as water usage, toxicity, or resource consumption. Nevertheless, they offer valuable insights and help to make internal processes more sustainable. The brand emphasises its ongoing commitment to improving data quality and transparency.