Price Points: Ethical sustainable jewellery

Ethical sustainable jewellery

In the past few decades, we’ve become aware of ethical and/or sustainable food and fashion; but what about ethical sustainable jewellery?

We’ve heard of the many thousands of litres of water that it takes to manufacture a single pair of jeans, but what about the amount of greenhouse gas it takes to mine a diamond? Or what about the use of child labour? Or the profits from the mining and sale of precious metals & gemstones going towards funding civil wars?

The pieces listed below are certain to have been created without negative impact on the environment or local communities.

  1. Annie Oak – Bee Geometric gold necklace: £25.99, Ecomodo

    £1.00 from every purchase goes to The Bumblebee Conservation Trust, so investing in this beautiful necklace goes that little bit further.

  2. 18kt Gold Vermeil PSTM Afghanistan Armaan lapis earrings: £270.00, Pippa Small

    Hand cut Lapis Lazuli gems set in gold plated silver settings by the men and women artisans of the Turquoise Mountain Foundation in Kabul. Training and employing young people in meaningful creative jobs is vitally important now in Afghanistan when the young desperately need hope and a sense of purpose in a beautiful country tragically caught up in violence and conflict.

  3. 1.08 carat pear Skydiamond: £8,301.92, SkyDiamond

    Each carat of mined diamond has a footprint of over 100kg of carbon dioxide and over 500kg of greenhouse gases in total. In contrast, a one-carat Skydiamond has a footprint of minus 4g of CO₂.We take rain water and split it into oxygen and hydrogen using electrolysis – powered by the wind and sun of course. We then combine these gases to create methane, which we feed into our Diamond Mills.

shop ethical sustainable jewellery

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Prices & links correct at time of publication.

1.08 carat pear Skydiamond
1.08 carat pear Skydiamond
£8,301.92
18kt Gold Vermeil PSTM Afghanistan Armaan lapis earrings
18kt Gold Vermeil PSTM Afghanistan Armaan lapis earrings
£270.00
Annie Oak – Bee Geometric gold necklace
Annie Oak – Bee Geometric gold necklace
£25.99
1.08 carat pear Skydiamond
1.08 carat pear Skydiamond
£8,301.92
18kt Gold Vermeil PSTM Afghanistan Armaan lapis earrings
18kt Gold Vermeil PSTM Afghanistan Armaan lapis earrings
£270.00
Annie Oak – Bee Geometric gold necklace
Annie Oak – Bee Geometric gold necklace
£25.99
1.08 carat pear Skydiamond
1.08 carat pear Skydiamond
£8,301.92
18kt Gold Vermeil PSTM Afghanistan Armaan lapis earrings
18kt Gold Vermeil PSTM Afghanistan Armaan lapis earrings
£270.00
Annie Oak – Bee Geometric gold necklace
Annie Oak – Bee Geometric gold necklace
£25.99
1.08 carat pear Skydiamond
1.08 carat pear Skydiamond
£8,301.92
18kt Gold Vermeil PSTM Afghanistan Armaan lapis earrings
18kt Gold Vermeil PSTM Afghanistan Armaan lapis earrings
£270.00
Annie Oak – Bee Geometric gold necklace
Annie Oak – Bee Geometric gold necklace
£25.99
1.08 carat pear Skydiamond
1.08 carat pear Skydiamond
£8,301.92
18kt Gold Vermeil PSTM Afghanistan Armaan lapis earrings
18kt Gold Vermeil PSTM Afghanistan Armaan lapis earrings
£270.00
Annie Oak – Bee Geometric gold necklace
Annie Oak – Bee Geometric gold necklace
£25.99

Common home water problems and what they mean

Common home water problems and what they mean

Is there something odd going on with your home’s water supply? Below are a few common home water problems and what they could possibly mean.

No hot water

A lack of hot water is one of the most common home water problems – and it can be due to a myriad of different reasons. The cause could be something as simple as having too small a water heater and using too much hot water. Alternatively, the boiler could be worn and faulty, or there could be a problem with the thermostat. A plumber that deals with hot water will hopefully be able to find the root cause.

Low pressure

Noticed a reduction in the amount of water coming out of your taps? Low pressure can also be due to many reasons. Pumps in your pipes may not be functioning properly – it’s possible that you may have to look into replacement pumps from a company such as Davey Pumps. Another possible issue could be furred up or corroded pipes – a blockage such as limescale could be restricting water flow, or there could be a leak. A plumber will usually be able to diagnose this problem for you.

Strange sounds

Pipes and boilers can create all kinds of unusual sounds. A banging sound may be the result of a problem called water hammer in which water slams against closed valves when you turn off the tap suddenly. Gurgling in radiators meanwhile may be due to trapped air bubbles, which may require ‘bleeding’ your radiator (check out this DIY guide at Homebuilding & Renovating). Rattling and squealing sounds could be due to incorrectly fitted pipes and may, again, be worth getting inspected by a plumber.

Strange smell/taste

If your tap water tastes strange or has an odd smell, this is usually a sign that it has become contaminated. Mould, rust, chemicals or even sewerage can end up finding its way into pipes – this could be due to pipes being unused for a while, pipes being corroded, overflow problems or a local water source being contaminated. Check with neighbours if they’re having a similar problem, as it may be a water provider issue. If they’re not experiencing problems, the source of the issue is in your home, and you may want to hire a plumber to rectify the situation.

Discoloured water

Discolouration may be accompanied by a strange taste or smell and is similarly a sign of water contamination. You should avoid consuming water if it’s not clear – especially if it has a dark red or brown hue. Talk to your neighbours to see if they’re experiencing the same issue. If their water is flowing clearly, it’s likely a problem limited to your home and you should call a plumber to investigate.

Water bill spike

If you’re on a meter, is your water bill unusually high? If you haven’t been using that much more water than usual recently, it’s possible that you may have a leak. While some leaks are obvious, others can go undetected – particularly external pipes or pipes under the ground. Contact a plumber to arrange a home visit.

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Five of the best gaming chairs for your games room

Five of the best gaming chairs for your games room

Whether you’re creating a vintage feel or a clean, modern look in your home, adding a games room somewhere alongside it is vitally important for gamers. While you might need to consult with your partner or other family members before creating it, it’ll all be worth it in the end. When you’re ready to put your games room together, picking the perfect gaming chair is one of your most important tasks.

For most games, a gaming chair is the vital ingredient needed for a comfortable gaming environment. While sitting on the floor with a controller in hand will suffice for some, a gaming chair provides the comfort and the elevation required to master any game. Even if you’re reading up on the latest gaming news or looking into a casino’s terms and conditions before diving in for a mobile gaming session, a gaming chair is most definitely required. After all, you want to treat your posterior well, don’t you? Slouching on a lumpy, uncomfortable sofa for hours at a time certainly isn’t going to provide that. Additionally, many modern-day gaming chairs boast a range of impressive features in addition to the comfortability and solid back support for which most people are looking. Let’s assess five of the best gaming chairs below.

NeueChair

If you’re aiming to use your games room as an office from time to time, then look no further than the NeueChair. An adaptable product that is used by both office workers and gamers, this well-made chair is sturdy, offers the comfort and support people need and it’s highly adjustable. While its design divides opinion, it does exactly what it promises and provides a comfortable seat that is built to last. For many, the NeueChair simply does the job.

Secretlab Titan Evo 2022

A go-to chair for many gamers in 2022, the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 has everything that you’d want in a gaming chair. From its magnetic cushion and all-round comfort to its minor curve to the seat base that’s said to provide a healthy sitting posture, this chair has clearly been designed with comfort in mind. Alongside the aforementioned features, it also has highly adjustable built-in back support, 4D armrests, adjustable lumbar support and a slick all-round design. This particular chair comes in three sizes too, with small, regular and extra-large on offer.

Corsair T3 Rush

Offering breathable soft fabric, 4D armrests that provide ultimate comfort, a fantastic memory foam lumbar pillow, and featuring 180º recline, the Corsair T3 Rush is a more than capable gaming chair. It’s incredibly affordable too.

Razer Iskur X

While this is a cheaper option compared to many of the other gaming chairs on this list, the Razer Iskur X is still an excellent gaming chair for many players. Razer’s flagship product from this particular gaming space has a solid steel-reinforced body, extremely comfortable high-density foam cushions and a sturdy frame and design that will make it last for years. While it doesn’t possess some of the additional features that many of the other chairs boast, it’s still an excellent gaming chair.

Herman Miller Embody gaming chair

A favoured option for many avid gamers right now, the Herman Miller Embody gaming chair is arguably the most comfortable gaming chair ever created. With comfortability clearly being at the forefront of any design plans, this particular product will make sure any aches and pains simply don’t occur during a mammoth gaming session. While its price may put some people off, you most definitely get what you pay for in terms of quality. It comes with a lengthy 12-year warranty too, making this particular gaming chair a solid investment for the future.

Auction alert: Modern & 20th Century Arts, Vintage Fashion and Textiles

Vintage Danish handmade wooden rocking horse by Kay Bojesen

Cotswold Auction‘s Modern & 20th Century Arts, Vintage Fashion and Textiles sale takes place
at their Cheltenham branch on Tuesday 9th Aug 2022, from 10am. There are 376 lots – a little bit of everything nice; vintage fashion, art glass, studio ceramics, mid century furniture and a good selection of fine art.

Bid live or leave bids via the Cotswold Auction’s website – Buyer’s premium of 22% +VAT with an online commission of 3%. Alternatively, bid via EasyLiveAuction or The Saleroom – check their websites for online commission charges.

The auctioneer doesn’t provide a packaging or shipping service – however, they recommend delivery companies on their website.

Alfred Daniels - Oil and alkyd on board "The Blue Boat, Hastings"

Lot 45: Alfred Daniels RBA RWA ARCA (1924-2015) Oil and alkyd on board
“The Blue Boat, Hastings”, coastal scene depicting fishermen fixing nets with blue boat in background, signed and dated 1994 lower left, bears Wood Hay Picture Gallery label verso, 54.5cm x 64cm and Wood Hay Picture Gallery Exhibition notes detailing the painting and an Alfred Daniels information pamphlet from Rona Gallery, London
Estimate: £500 – £800

Rosenthal Studio Line vase, bowl and plate

Lot 70: Rosenthal Studio Line
Porcelaine Noire “Goddess” bowl designed by Bjorn Wiinblad (h. 14.5cm, diam. 23.5cm), a Rosenthal, Bjorn Wiinblad studio line vase from “1001 Nights” series (h. 22.5cm) and a Rosenthal, Bjorn Wiinblad studio line dish from the “Aladdin and his Magic Lamp” series (3)
Estimate: £60 – £100

Bitossi Rimini Blu rectangular slab vase by Aldo Londi

Lot 121: Bitossi Rimini Blu rectangular slab vase by Aldo Londi
Signed “Italy” and numbered 727/21 to base (h. 22cm)
Estimate: £30 – £50

Orrefors clear crystal decanter designed by Edward Hald

Lot 132: Orrefors clear crystal decanter designed by Edward Hald
Of shouldered rectangular form with silver collar, signed and no’d to base, retains foil label (h.28.5cm) together with another Orrefors clear crystal decanter designed by Sven Palmqvist, long neck and faceted body, signed and no’d to base.  (h.33.5cm) (2)
Estimate: £50 – £80

V Nason & C. Murano glass model of a bull

Lot 134: V Nason & C. Murano glass model of a bull
In graduated brown colourway (height.14cm, length 23cm)
Estimate: £50 – £80

Mid-century rocket floor lamp

Lot 168: Mid-century rocket floor lamp
Possibly by Novoplast, teak tripod frame with fiberglass shade, 112cm high
Estimate: £50 – £80

Clark Eaton asymmetrical teak framed mirror

Lot 170: Clark Eaton asymmetrical teak framed mirror
Bears label verso, together with a rounded rectangular teak framed mirror (2)
Estimate: £30 – £50

Vintage Danish handmade wooden rocking horse by Kay Bojesen

Lot 176: Vintage Danish handmade wooden rocking horse by Kay Bojesen
1950/60s, stamped to base of seat “Kay Bojesen, Copyright, Denmark”, approx 47cm high (we named him ‘Slipnir, the name of Odin’s horse!)
Estimate: £200 – £400

Mary Quant orange wool mini dress

Lot 299: Mary Quant orange wool mini dress
Breast pocket, belt with circular buckle, full length sleeves, labelled Mary Quant’s Ginger Group, made in England, back zip fastening, one belt loop unstitched, invisible repair on the back close to the zip, a small hole to left shoulder and a little wear to the belt
Estimate: £80 – £120

French 1920's museum quality black net flapper dress

Lot 337: French 1920s museum quality black net flapper dress
Embroidered with tiny beads in pink, red, cream and black, with sequin edges sleeveless, no slip, scalloped hem – this dress was originally purchased by the vendor from Antiquarius in the Kings Road, SW3  in 1979 and has been in her collection ever since.
Estimate: £400 – £600