Our Studio

Ever since our founding in two thousand and four, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to an ethos centered on creating exquisite, enduring jewelry while maintaining the lowest possible environmental footprint. We operate on the foundational belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, an approach that encompasses our internal staff, our patrons, the local community, our independent designers, our material vendors, and the planet itself. The jewelry industry has long struggled with a reputation for poor accountability regarding its environmental impact and the treatment of its workforce, and we are deeply dedicated to transforming these standards through every decision we make. By utilizing recycled gold and diamonds for nearly the entirety of our production, and manufacturing a substantial portion of our goods within our own Brooklyn studio, we actively reduce the carbon impact associated with our operations.

Our headquarters and jewelry studio serve as the heart of our business, offering a clean, bright, and collaborative atmosphere that stands in direct opposition to the historically dark and poorly ventilated workshops common in this industry. As a woman-led organization, we foster an environment where individual merit is valued and personal authenticity is celebrated. We take pride in offering our team members a robust benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance, retirement planning, professional growth opportunities, and various daily workplace perks. By housing our design studio, administrative offices, and shipping warehouse within the same facility, we not only cultivate a more integrated team dynamic but also minimize the logistical need for excessive shipping, further curbing our overall environmental impact.

Our selection of diamonds adheres to the highest ethical and responsible sourcing standards, with every brilliant-cut stone in our collection being either recycled or sustainably created in a laboratory. We go well beyond standard industry regulations to ensure that every gem meets our rigorous criteria, providing us with the confidence to stand behind the origin of every stone we use. Similarly, our gold sourcing is handled through vendors who are equally committed to minimizing ecological disturbance. By working with partners who blend recycled metals with ethically obtained materials, we maintain tight control over the alloy process, effectively removing unnecessary intermediaries from the supply chain.

When it comes to other materials, our commitment to excellence only grows stronger with each new project. We hold every new design to the most stringent requirements, constantly evaluating the marketplace to ensure we are utilizing the most beautiful and least harmful natural elements available. For example, our pearls are sourced from a family-run farm in the Hubei Province of China that prioritizes clean water practices, and our colored stones are acquired from mines that uphold the highest possible human rights and environmental standards. Our focus on a limited, carefully curated palette of stones ensures that we can guarantee the integrity of every material that enters our studio.

Because we manage the production of our jewelry internally, we are able to provide exceptional quality at accessible prices. By eliminating unnecessary layers in the supply chain and selling directly to you, we ensure that the value remains in the craftsmanship rather than inflated markups. Furthermore, our dedication to giving back has been a core principle since the company was established. Through our charitable fund, we donate at least one percent of all total sales—not just profits—to nonprofit organizations that align with our values of equality and social welfare. Our employees are integral to this process, frequently suggesting and helping to select the causes that matter most to our community. Having already contributed over one million dollars to these vital initiatives, we remain fully committed to this mission. Should you have any questions or wish to learn more about these practices, please reach out to us at ‪(408) 800-5702‬ or contact our team via email at catbirdnycusa@outlook.com.