As part of Journey to Zero, Sponsored by Polestar, Skydiamond & Yves Delorme
The Future Icons Awards celebrate the pioneering brands which are transforming the luxury sector through transparent and ethical sourcing, eco-friendly materials, and responsible craftsmanship. From innovative approaches to recycling precious metals to ensuring fair labour practices in the supply chain, these are the brands worth watching.
Monica Vinader is committed to being the most responsible version of itself and redefining the industry to being more transparent and traceable. They push boundaries and demand higher standards across their entire value chain and have a mission to craft conscious design that cultivates meaningful connection between its makers, its wearers, and the world.
What the judges said: ‘Their commitment to sustainability extends beyond products to include biodiversity projects, staff wellbeing, and community engagement, setting a new standard for responsibility and traceability in the jewellery industry.’
Boodles’ sustainability journey gained momentum in 2018 when they joined a Human Rights Watch initiative alongside global luxury brands like Tiffany, Cartier, and Bulgari. This was a turning point for the brand, which is committed to sustainable practices, including responsible sourcing, climate action, inclusive growth, and charitable giving. They obtained their Responsible Jewellery Council certification in 2019.
What the judges said: ‘Boodles is committed to making steady progress towards its sustainability goals and sharing updates transparently. The “Peace of Mind” collection reflects this focus on traceability and ethical sourcing.’
La Maison Couture champions ethically sourced and positive impact brands, allowing discerning consumers to buy better. Today, LMC is a multi-award winning jewellery e-tailer, ecognised for its curation of unique contemporary jewellery and its dedication to promoting sustainable practices within the jewellery industry.
What the judges said: ‘Under Tania McNab’s visionary leadership, this award-winning e-tailer has become a global leader, inspiring consumers to choose sustainable luxury and proving that responsible practices can reshape the future of jewellery.’
Monica Vinader launched an industry-first Product Passport program, allowing customers to see the journey from design to doorstep, verified by tamper-proof Blockchain technology. They are also the only brand in the sector to offer a five-year warranty on all pieces and a five-star lifetime repair service.
What the judges said: ‘Monica Vinader offers a customer experience that reflects their dedication to quality and sustainability, with a no-questions-asked 5-year warranty and a lifetime repair service.’
886 by The Royal Mint uses 100 percent responsibly sourced precious metals, developing world first solutions and working with innovative partners in the precious metals industry to create jewellery collections using e-waste gold and traceable silver recovered from surplus X-ray films.
What the judges said: ‘Royal Mint has made huge investments in fixing its own energy supply with its LEC powering its manufacturing site demonstrating above and beyond commitment and innovation.’
Oushaba was founded in 2023 by a trio of art lovers and collectors who shared a vision to create beautiful designs that elevate recycled materials, whilst championing and sustaining global artisanal crafts. Their mission is to breathe new life into pieces of e-waste and transform these into timeless pieces of wearable art.
What the judges said: ‘Oushaba has a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and a mission to address the growing e-waste crisis, integrating artistic innovation into its strategy for lasting environmental and social impact.’
Stephen Webster is known for its powerful aesthetic and its instantly recognisable collections. In 2019, they introduced RESET, its in-house recycling service. RESET is an initiative that repurposes unworn or unloved items of jewellery; turning them into modern pieces, reusing as many different parts as possible; and adding a touch of Stephen Webster flair in the process. Additionally, they offer repair services, guides on Jewellery and Homeware care and complimentary ring re-sizing.
What the judges said: ‘Widly original designs underpinned by initiatives that allow customers to repurpose old pieces to breathe new life into them, as well as repair services – just lovely.’
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The Rock Hound is known for using responsibly sourced raw materials to create striking design-led jewellery. They’ve recently discovered a new source of traceable recycled silver and the founder, Susi Smith, is passionate about sharing her knowledge wildly at worldwide events such as COP28.
What the judges said: ‘With The Rock House, at the helm there is a vocal thought leader aiming to disrupt the industry via international platforms.’
Oushaba sources the e-waste from a local electronics repair shop close to the workshop. They only use pieces that cannot be repaired or are obsolete. Then, mobile phone circuit boards, charging cables, USB sticks and plugs are reimagined as rings, necklaces, earrings, cuffs and cufflinks, in unisex designs inspired by archaeological treasures. Any excess metal is swept up by the workshop and reused in future pieces.
What the judges said: ‘You can actually see the circuits in their designs, and it’s locally sourced from electronic shops so it’s not only repurposing a larger percentage of the e-waste, it’s a conversation-starter for the wearers to take out into the world.’
The Royal Mint has invested in a multi-million-pound Precious Metals Recovery Plant at their site in South Wales and, partnering with clean-tech company Excir, they have developed world-first patented chemistry to selectively extract gold from printed circuit boards at ambient temperatures for use in their jewellery collections – a sustainable and circular solution for this growing problem.
What the judges said: ‘They have a clear strategy rooted in sustainability. 886 showcases strong commitments to environmental responsibility and skills’ preservation.’
Boodles aims to be the leader in traceability in the jewellery industry by ensuring that the gemstones and precious metals used in our jewellery are responsibly sourced. Their longstanding support for charitable initiatives includes a partnership with Street Child, aiding women and children in mining communities across Africa. Boodles’ donations have helped set up two ‘Boodles Community Schools’ in Eastern Sierra Leone, supporting 9,000 students and 2,500 caregivers in the last five years.
What the judges said: ‘Massive impact both locally and within their supply chain – for a legacy brand they should be delivering big results and I’m pleased to see that they are.’
In 2022, Monica Vinader created ‘Monica’s Meadow’, a regeneration project to improve biodiversity, capture carbon, and educate local communities – once a year they hold an annual work experience programme for underprivileged school pupils, with support available for those pupils beyond that week. The brand has also invested in an enhanced human rights due diligence programme with an independent expert to ensure worker protection in its supply chain.
What the judges said: ‘This brand was founded and led by women and is dedicated to supporting and uplifting those less privileged.’
We are delighted to be partnering with POLESTAR, SKYDIAMOND and YVES DELORME for this year's Journey to Zero Future Icons Awards and Power People from Country & Town House.
