Studio & Ethos

STUDIO

M. Hisae is a portfolio of fine jewelry evoking inner landscapes, unspoken languages, nuance, balance, and the inherent wisdom in metal, gemstones, and ancient craft.

The M. Hisae studio is constantly evolving to encourage sustainable, Earth-forward practices. At its core is a made-to-order production style and low-waste studio practice. The studio is set up for proper ventilation and dust collection. I use fluoride- and chloride-free soldering flux, citric acid pickle, and biodegradable ultrasonic and tumbling solutions.

My shipping materials are either 100% recycled or 100% recyclable, and jewelry boxes are FSC certified. Each order includes a branded M. Hisae jewelry pouch to reuse as safe storage.

By incorporating and building upon these earth-friendly practices, my processes, though sometimes slower, are undoubtedly healthier and more environmentally supportive.

Sourcing

Emphasis on responsible sourcing is a core pillar of M. Hisae. This means consciously choosing and developing relationships with sourcing partners whose values align with my own. In this exists a value chain of trust. Our industry is slow-moving, but there is a strong and swift undercurrent of ethically-minded individuals and organizations dedicated to challenging the status quo and providing alternate sourcing methods to the clouded supply chain that currently exists. Sourcing responsibly is a long-term commitment to learning, assessing, and, sometimes, pivoting. While perfection is not possible, I am dedicated to continued growth in these efforts. I have a smaller pool of resources as a result, but it is worth it to relay in good faith that M. Hisae strives toward sound ethics environmentally and socially, in design and in business.

DIAMONDS, DEFINED

Post-Consumer and Antique |  Stones retrieved from previously-owned, period, and estate jewelry, purchased and resold at auction or from personal collections. Antique is considered 100 years old or more.

Recycled  |  Stones cut from material that would otherwise be discarded.

I have chosen to use only Certified Post-Consumer, Antique, and Recycled Diamonds in my designs. I do not work with newly-mined diamonds unless mined in Canada or Australia. I do not work with lab grown diamonds.

This is an intricate stance that I have thought a great deal about. Though the recycled diamonds I use are sourced under ethical business contracts and purchased from vetted sources that I trust, it is true that the vast majority of recycled diamonds cannot be traced to their location origins or be determined conflict-free with certainty. However, with sustainability in mind, I choose to avoid further depletion of natural resources via the diamond industry's mining, transportation, and cutting facilities. This feels like the most sensible path, given the substantive pool of diamonds already in circulation. While there is so much nuance to the conversation of ethical sourcing and sustainability, this is where I've comfortably landed.

COLORED STONES

There is a rich supply of beautiful gemstones on our planet, and I believe in the power of giving each stone life and showcasing its transformative ways. I do use newly mined colored stones in my work. I only design with colored stones that have origin traceability, as location adds to its story and identity. I have strong relationships with vendors who source directly from miners or brokers all around the globe. All colored stones are meticulously inspected for quality and character. Origins are freely provided within each product listing, in support of transparency and empowered buying.

METALS

Castings are produced in New York City by an experienced casting house dedicated to reducing environmental impact through the use of refined, SCS Certified 100% recycled metals. Any milled wire used is 100% recycled as well. Though the availability of recycled chains and findings is limited, about 50% of what I design with are made from recycled metals.

Inclusivity & Inclusive Sizing

At the heart of M. Hisae is inclusion and compassion. I am in full support of LGBTQIA+ rights and expression. All ethnicities, gender identities, sexualities, faiths, and people with disabilities are welcome and embraced under the presence of dignity and respect.

M. Hisae welcomes everyone, and that means every body. I can create most all ring styles in sizes 2 through 13, including quarter and half sizes. Necklaces reflect a range of lengths. You get to decide how you want it to fit. Designing and producing with everyone in mind, precious materials in hand, is a responsibility I do not take lightly.