Sustainable materials. Exquisite craftsmanship. Durable.
What do we use and why
In Switchroom, we believe that sustainability is not just a choice, but a commitment. We carefully select each material, not only for its aesthetic value, but also for its environmental and social impact. From recycled precious metals to lab-grown diamonds, each of our jewelry pieces represents respect for the earth and humanity. We transparently share our sourcing stories because our customers deserve to know the stories behind their jewelry. We work with certified suppliers to ensure that every material meets the highest standards of sustainability and quality.
Our materials
Every material is carefully selected to represent our commitment to quality and sustainability.
♻️ Recycled Metals
We use high-quality recycled gold, platinum, and silver. These metals come from trusted recyclers, undergo rigorous industrial processes in purification to ensure the same purity and quality as newly mined metals.
Key Benefits:
- Reduce the environmental damage caused by mining.
- Use existing metal resources and save underground resources.
- Has the same purity and performance as newly mined metal
- Support circular economy model
Certifications: RCS (Recycled Claim Standard), ISO 14001
💎 Cultivate diamonds (Lab-Grown Diamonds)
We create cultivated diamonds in controlled environments through high temperature and high pressure techniques or chemical vapor deposition technology. These diamonds are identical to mined diamonds in physical, chemical, and optical properties, but with a 99.5% smaller environmental footprint.
Key Benefits:
- Environmental protection: carbon emissions related to mining reduced by 99.5%
- Ethical sourcing: no conflict diamond issues
- Economical: 30-50% cheaper than mining diamonds.
- Same aesthetic and durability (Mohs hardness 10)
- Optical characteristics identical to traditional diamonds
Certifications: IGI (International Gemological Institute), GIA Lab-Grown Certification
✨ Natural Gemstones
Our natural gemstones (including sapphires, rubies, emeralds, etc.) come from ethically sourced suppliers. We prioritize purchasing gemstones with fair trade certificates or from environmentally friendly mining locations.
Key Benefits:
- Unique natural changes and features
- Sourcing from transparent and ethical supply chains
- Compared with fostering gemstones, it has historical and geological significance.
- Mohs hardness 8-9, very durable.
- Support communities that engage in responsible mining operations.
Certifications: CIBJO (International Jewellery Confederation), FairTrade Certified (when applicable)
⚙️ Stainless Steel
Medical-grade gold-plated stainless steel offers durability, luster, and versatility. It does not rust, does not fade, and is perfect for daily wear. Stainless steel is fully recyclable and has a similar aesthetic to precious metals.
Key Benefits:
- Extremely resistant to corrosion and durable.
- durable gold plating layer
- Low allergenic (medical grade)
- Fully recyclable
- Easy to clean and maintain
Certifications: ISO 5832-1 (Medical grade stainless steel)
✨ Cubic Zirconia
Cubic zirconia is an affordable alternative to diamonds. This lab-grown crystal visually resembles diamonds, providing brilliant shine. It is completely ethical and environmentally friendly, making it perfect for everyday jewelry.
Key Benefits:
- Extremely visually appealing and shining light.
- Much cheaper than diamonds
- Completely ethical and environmentally friendly
- Consistent supply of different sizes and qualities.
- Perfect daily jewelry or trying styles.
Certifications: No conflict, 100% environmentally friendly
Star Gold Vermeil
Our gold plating is made up of at least 92.5% silver base layer, with at least 2.5 microns of 14K or 18K gold plated on top. This provides the elegance and luxury of gold jewelry, but at a more affordable price.
Key Benefits:
- The precious metal value of silver, together with the elegance of gold.
- Solid gold is cheaper.
- Durable with proper care
- Beautiful luster and appearance
- You can replate with professional electroplating.
Certifications: 925 White Silver Standards, Hallmarked
Why sustainable materials are important.
Protect our planet.
Mining is one of the most destructive industries in the world. By choosing to recycle metals and cultivate diamonds, we reduce mining, deforestation, and water pollution. Our choices directly decrease the environmental footprint of the jewelry industry.
Respect human rights
Traditional mining is often associated with labor exploitation and unsafe working conditions. We work with suppliers committed to fair trade and safe workplaces to ensure that everyone behind our jewelry is treated fairly.
Quality and durability
Sustainability does not mean sacrificing quality. Our materials are tested and certified to ensure that each piece of jewelry is durable. We believe that the true value lies in jewelry that stands the test of time.
Transparency and trust
We maintain transparency in every step of our procurement. From mining sites to final products, you can trace the story of your jewelry. Trust is the foundation of any brand, and we take pride in that.
Traceability and certification
Transparency is at the core of our business model. Each Switchroom jewelry piece comes with a certificate or supply chain record, showing the origin and certification of its materials. For cultivated diamonds, we provide certificates from either the International Gemological Institute (IGI) or the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) confirming their laboratory-grown origin. For recycled metals, we have vendor documentation tracing them from their recycling source to final form. For natural gemstones, we provide certificates that comply with CIBJO standards. We believe you should know exactly what you are buying and where it comes from. That’s why we make our supply chain accessible and verifiable. If you have any questions about the origin of any jewelry piece, our team is ready to share its complete history at any time.
Nursing, maintenance, and recycling
Investing in sustainable jewelry means thinking long term. With proper care, your jewelry can stay beautiful for a lifetime, and even be passed down to the next generation.
Nursing guidelines by material
Recycle gold and platinum.
- Clean with warm water and mild soap.
- Gently brush away residue with a soft bristle toothbrush.
- Wipe dry with a soft cloth to avoid water spots.
- Regularly visit the jewelry store for professional cleaning and polishing.
Diamonds (mining or cultivation)
- Soak in warm soapy water for 10 minutes.
- Gently brush the inlays and back with a soft brush.
- Rinse in clear water
- wipe dry with non-fluffy cloth
- Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners at home.
Natural gemstones
- Clean with warm water and mild soap.
- Avoid using ultrasonic and steam cleaning for certain gemstones.
- Check if the setting is secure, especially for softer gemstones such as emeralds.
- Professional cleaning is carried out once a year.
Stainless steel
- Clean with warm soapy water
- Dry with a soft cloth.
- Use microfiber cloth to polish and restore the shine.
- Avoid contact with irritating chemicals.
Cubic zirconia
- Clean with warm soapy water.
- Gently wipe with a soft cloth.
- Avoid contact with hard objects.
- Regular cleaning to maintain shine.
Gilding
- Wipe gently with a soft cloth, do not rub.
- Avoid contact with water, sweat, and chemicals.
- Store in a dry place.
- Avoid using ultrasonic cleaning.
- Gold plating may need to be redone every 1-2 years.
Maintenance service
All Switchroom jewellery can be repaired and resized. If your jewellery is damaged or needs adjustment, please contact us. We offer: • Adjustment and resizing • Stone replacement • Inlay repair • Replating (for gold-plated pieces) • Cleaning and polishing Many repairs are provided for free as part of our quality guarantee.
Recycling and reusing
When you no longer want your jewelry, there are several sustainable options: ✨ Recycling program: We accept old jewelry for recycling. We recycle precious metals and sustainably process other materials. 💝 Trade-in program: Consider trading in your beloved old jewelry for new styles. 🔄 Donation: Many organizations accept jewelry donations for charitable purposes. We are committed to ensuring that Switchroom jewelry is as environmentally friendly as possible at every stage of its life.
Common issues
How is cultivating diamonds different from real diamonds?
Cultivating diamonds is completely identical to mining diamonds in terms of physics, chemistry, and optics. The only difference is their origin – cultivated diamonds are created in a laboratory, while mined diamonds come from the earth’s interior. Both are real, permanent diamonds. Gemologists cannot distinguish between them, but cultivated diamonds have 99.5% fewer environmental footprints.
Is recycling metal as good as new metal?
Yes. Recycled metals go through the same industrial process for purification to achieve the same purity as newly mined metals (e.g. 14K or 18K). From a performance, aesthetic, and durability perspective, they are the same. The only difference is that recycled metals do not require mining, therefore having less environmental impact.
Will cubic zirconia fade or wear out?
Cubic zirconia is softer than diamond (Mohs hardness of 8-8.5 compared to 10), so it may be more prone to minor scratches. With proper care and avoiding contact with hard objects, cubic zirconia jewelry can last for many years. When it eventually starts to show wear, it can be relatively inexpensive to replace.
Is your gem conflict-free?
Yes. All of our natural gemstones are either sourced from certified ethical suppliers or from sources with a Fair Trade certificate. We prioritize gemstones from responsible mining sites. Our supply chain documents record the source of each gemstone.
How often should I clean my jewelry?
It depends on how often you wear it and the material. For daily wear jewelry, we recommend a gentle cleaning every two weeks. You can do this at home with warm soapy water. For professional cleaning and polishing, we recommend doing it every 6 months to 1 year, depending on use. For gold-plated jewelry, more frequent care will be helpful.
Can I wear gold-plated jewelry in daily attire?
Gold-plated jewelry can be worn daily, but requires more careful handling than other materials. Avoid contact with water, sweat, and chemicals (such as perfume and skincare products). Avoid wearing during sleep or exercise, and store properly when not wearing. With proper care, gold-plated jewelry can maintain its beauty for a long time.
Can your jewelry be resized or repaired?
Yes! All Switchroom jewelry can be repaired and resized. We offer free adjustments and many other repairs as part of our quality guarantee. Just contact us for a quote and more details.
What is the price difference between cultivating diamonds and mining diamonds?
Cultivated diamonds are usually cheaper by 30-50%. The price difference depends on carat weight, color, clarity, and cut—similar factors to mined diamonds. Many customers choose cultivated diamonds to save costs or for environmental reasons, while obtaining the same visual and physical qualities.
Every piece tells a story…