MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

SARAH & SEBASTIAN is an independent, Australian jewellery brand, founded on the values and principles of our founders and respective Creative Director Sarah Munro and Managing Director Robert Sebastian Grynkofki.

Having grown up by the ocean, Sarah has an inherent love for its inhabitants, fostered by her recreational diving. Since the release of our Tidal collection in 2008 inspired by Great Barrier Reef coral, the ocean has been a dominant inspiration for our brand and a driving force for our social and environmental responsibility. 

Since day one, Sarah and Robert Sebastian have committed to operating a responsible company, transparent about SARAH & SEBASTIAN’s business practices and ensuring sound ethical standards across our manufacturing and sourcing.

MANUFACTURING 

Made to order in Australia 

SARAH & SEBASTIAN handcrafts to order over ninety percent of our products at our in-house workshop in Sydney, including our seasonal and bridal collections. Operating a low inventory business model enables us to effectively scale our production and reject unnecessary waste traditionally seen in mass production.

Our workshop and headquarters are located in a sun-filled warehouse and employs twenty jewellers, polishers, and laser welders, each recognized for their diverse experience and skill-set. Our jeweller team is governed by the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020 which ensures fair and safe work conditions in accordance with Australian law, however, many of our jewellers are remunerated well above this award. 

At SARAH & SEBASTIAN, the health and safety of our manufacturing team is our primary concern and we have implemented state-of-the-art safety equipment and technology including air filtration systems, x and x. 

Responsible International Manufacturing

To support the capacity of our in-house workshop, SARAH & SEBASTIAN also partners with trusted international manufacturers to handcraft some of our best-selling products. Each manufacturer has been handpicked for the quality of their craftsmanship and is an accredited member of the Responsible Jewellery Council.

Our primary international manufacturer is held to the highest, standards by its parent company and is certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council and the Fair Labor Association, UL, SEDEX and numerous social audits.

The Responsible Jewellery Council has created a Code of Practices to which all members must adhere, defining a common standard for ethical, social, human rights, and environmental practices. 

As part of the Code of Practices, members are required to comply with applicable laws on working hours and wages, including overtime, not engage in any child labour, forced labour, and provide safe and healthy working conditions for all employees in accordance with applicable law and other relevant industry standards. 

All RJC members must establish an environmental management system, identify significant wastes and emissions to air, water, and land generated in their business processes and drive continuous improvement in environmental performance. RJC members must also monitor energy and water use in their business, establish energy and water efficiency initiatives and work towards using renewable energy in alignment with national frameworks, targets and/or legislation.

Read the Responsible Jewellery Council’s full Code of Practices at https://www.responsiblejewellery.com/