1. People
SUPPLY CHAIN TRANSPARENCY
Over 7 years we have developed a trusting network of suppliers and artisans. Through these relationships we work closely with each supplier in our chain to ensure they align with our values and implement responsible business, social welfare and environmental practices. Temple of the Sun jewellery is created in our family owned and run Bangkok studio, certified by the Thailand Trust Mark – a seal supported by the Royal Thai Government recognising world-class environmental standards and fair treatment of the artisans. Select styles are created in our secondary family run artisan studio located just outside of Bangkok, this studio is certified by RJC, SMETA and BSCI.
COMMUNITY
We regularly give back to our local and worldwide community and have provided ongoing support to various charities and organisations such as NSW Rural Fire Service and WIRES during the Australian bushfire crises of 2019, Childrens Ground, Mullumbimby & District Neighbourhood Centre, Black Duck Foods and WWF during the Wildfire Emergency in Turkey.
DIVERSITY
We are committed to running a diverse business with an inclusive and empowering culture. We believe everyone should be welcomed and honoured at Temple of the Sun, and our differences celebrated across all touch points and areas of the business, both internal and external.
2. Planet
CIRCULAR PRODUCTION
Temple of the Sun pieces are designed with intention, referencing antiquities with contemporary influence to create jewellery that is timeless and transcends seasons or fashion trends. We challenge the culture created by fast fashion and jewellery brands and wish for our pieces to accompany our wearers throughout their journey, year after year. We encourage conscious consumption and support the longevityof our pieces by offering a replating and repair service to extend the life of their treasured pieces instead of replacing. Any pieces that are unable to be repaired are recycled and given a new life. To avoid over-production, we create in small runs released in trans seasonal collections and small capsule injections with pieces based on feedback from our community. All Temple of the Sun pieces can be layered and worn together, regardless of collection.
PACKAGING
Our packing is carefully selected and made from recyclable, compostable & reusable materials and FSC-approved paper products. FSC stands for 'Forest StewardshipCouncil' and certifies forests all over the world to ensure they meet the highest environmental and social standards. In our ongoing commitment to responsible practices, we've transitioned from biodegradable bubble wrap to a more eco-friendly alternative, recycled cardboard wrap. Our jewellery pouches are reusable, and all orders are sent in home compostable courier satchels – ensuring every element of our packaging is free of plastic, recyclable or reusable.
To minimise use of virgin plastics, any soft plastics that are required by industry standards in the import or export of products are circularly recycled by us; used in a closed loop between us and our suppliers as packaging. We also offer all wholesale accounts the option to return the soft plastics from their order to us to be recycled within our closed loop. Once this packaging reaches an unusable condition it is taken to a facility to be responsibly recycled.
POWER
Behaving thoughtfully and considering all the ways we touch the planet means we are committed to reducing our contribution to climate change. All our shipping methods are selected to be carbon neutral and our design headquarters and showroom in Byron Bay is powered by the sun.
3. Materials
QUALITY
Here at Temple of the Sun we pride ourselves on the quality of our pieces, we carefully select materials that are durable so each piece can be loved longer. We also offer our wearers a re-plating and repair service should they wish to refresh their pieces, instead of needing to replace them. Our gold pieces are expertly created by our skilled artisans to achieve quality to withstand the test of time using 18K gold vermeil that is 2.5 microns thick. This method is more durable than traditional plating and gives each piece a long-lasting golden lustre.
SUPPLY CHAIN & PRODUCT TRANSPARENCY
In addition to their quality, the impact the materials we use have on the planet and socialwelfare of our supply partners plays a factor in what we work with (read more about the social welfare of our supply chain in People). We encourage waste-free production, except for broken gems that are unable to be used, any materials from pieces that don’t meet our quality standards are melted down to be recycled and given a new life.Our 925 sterling silver is certified to be ethically sourced or recycled. We actively source gemstones that are conflict free and always look to source gems that are ethically certified. Gemstone supply chain transparency is an area that is still under development globally and is an area we are passionate about driving change within. We are constantlyworking closely with our suppliers to improve their processes and transparency.
SOLID GOLD
Our 9K solid gold jewellery is ethically hand-crafted in our Byron Bay, Australia studio using recycled and responsibly sourced gold. Our gold suppliers are accredited and independently audited against the RJC Code of Practices – an international standard on responsible business practices for diamonds, gold and platinum group metals. The Code of Practices addresses human rights, labour rights, environmental impact, mining practices, product disclosure and many more important topics in the jewellery supply chain.
CONFLICT-FREE DIAMONDS
We only source Black and White Diamonds that are accredited with the Kimberley Process (KPCS), a certification set up by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution to ensure transparency in the diamond trade and that all diamonds sourced are conflict-free.
