Studio & Ethos
STUDIO
M. Hisae is a portfolio of fine jewelry evoking unspoken languages, nuance, balance, and the inherent wisdom in metal, gemstones, and ancient craft.
The M. Hisae studio is constantly evolving to support 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. We use fluoride- and chloride-free soldering flux, citric acid pickle, and biodegradable ultrasonic and tumbling solutions.
Our shipping materials are either 100% recycled or 100% recyclable. Our necklace and earring boxes are made from the invasive species water hyacinth. And each order includes a branded M. Hisae jewelry pouch to reuse as safe storage.
By incorporating these earth-friendly practices, our processes, though sometimes slower, are undoubtedly healthier and more environmentally supportive.
Proud Member of Ethical Metalsmiths
Ethical Metalsmiths is a community committed to responsible, environmentally-sound practices for all facets of the Jewelry Industry, striving to connect and educate people globally from mine to market. See M. Hisae's profile and EM Self Assessment here.
Sourcing
It is a core principle of M. Hisae that diamonds and colored gemstones are guaranteed responsibly-sourced. This means consciously choosing and developing relationships with sourcing partners whose values align with our own. In this exists a value chain of trust. This also means asking the right questions, every time. 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. We are dedicated to these efforts. As a result, we have a smaller pool of resources, but it is worth relaying in good faith that our designs are of the highest quality, both environmentally, socially, and structurally.
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.
We have chosen to use only Certified Post-Consumer, Antique, and Recycled Diamonds in our designs. This is an intricate stance that we have thought a great deal about. While industry-changing opportunities exist in supporting newly-mined material, it is our personal belief that recycling is the more environmentally and socially beneficial choice. Though the recycled diamonds we use are sourced under ethical business contracts and purchased from vetted sources that we 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, as sustainability is defined, we choose to avoid further depletion of natural and social 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. We feel the most pride knowing that our products are consciously avoiding waste and pollution.
COLORED STONES
There is a rich supply of beautiful gemstones on our planet, and we believe in the power of giving each stone life and showcasing its transformative ways. We only design with colored stones that have origin certainty, as location adds to its story and identity. We have strong relationships with and trust in our vendors who source directly from miners 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. We are currently working to transition chains and findings over to recycled metals as well.
Inclusivity & Inclusive Sizing
At the heart of the M. Hisae ethos is inclusion and compassion. Michelle is 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 invites everyone, and that means every body. M. Hisae does not discriminate based on weight, height, or build. We've sized a 2.75 ring finger and a 10.5 ring finger on two radiant ladies. They're both rocking the heck out of MH pieces and making us proud!
Size inclusivity has always been a given for us. One size does not fit all. Designing and producing with everyone in mind, precious materials in hand, is a responsibility we do not take lightly.
We can create almost all ring styles in sizes 2 through 13, including quarter and half sizes. Necklaces and bracelets reflect a range of lengths. You get to decide how you want it to fit.
Here's to celebrating who we are, as we are.