Melinda, a qualified gemmologist, is the founder and driving force behind Ethical Jewellery Australia (EJA) and The Promised Ring.
After several years of designing and selling her own range of jewellery, Melinda created EJA when she realised that no one in Australia offered an environmentally- and socially-friendly product. In other words, consumers (until now) have never had the opportunity to purchase jewellery that is guaranteed to have caused minimal harm to the environment and its’ people.
It all began when Melinda learned of Oxfam’s ‘no dirty gold’ campaign. She signed the ‘no dirty gold’ pledge in early 2007 and Ethical Jewellery Australia was born.
Her resolve to provide an environmentally responsible alternative strengthened even further when, through her gemmology studies, she began to realise that the cost of mining and processing gemstones can be very high on workers and environment.
Importantly, Melinda discovered that it is possible to make socially responsible buying decisions in the diamond and gemstone industry — even though no one had previously demanded it. It is possible to insist that there is no child labour used, that all workers experience fair working conditions, that they have the right to not be exposed to toxic chemicals and that communities should directly benefit from the sale of their natural resources.
Eventually a handful of suppliers were found who could meet her company’s stringent criteria.
At this time Melinda was also a co-owner of a retail and manufacturing jewellery business in Brisbane. Through her unique experiences in dealing with customers in the engagement ring market, the idea for ‘The Promised Ring’ emerged.
Many of her customers were men looking for engagement rings or special gifts but didn’t know what they should buy and were really concerned about getting something their partner wouldn’t love.
She also met a lot of women whose partner’s had bought them something they didn’t like that much — either wanted to have the piece of jewellery remodelled or to buy something ‘better’.
Almost by accident, Melinda suggested to one of her customers that he simply buy some gold and diamonds (or platinum, as was his ultimate choice) and present that to his partner, then come back with her to work out the design and have the ring made.
He loved the idea, and so did his partner ...
Another customer, looking for a meaningful birth gift for her new granddaughter, was delighted with the idea of presenting her with her birthstone ...
Then there was the anniversary present for another customer’s wife ... and so, The Promised Ring was born.
With ever growing public interest in environmentally and socially responsible alternatives, Melinda made the decision to sell her interest in the retail jewellery shop and, with her partner, Benn Harvey-Walker, now concentrates solely on Ethical Jewellery Australia and The Promised Ring.
As a qualified gemmologist, jewellery designer and experienced businesswoman, Melinda manages all the gem and diamond related tasks in the business and looks after day-to-day operations.
Benn has spent 17 years as a marketing and management consultant. He is also interested in design, construction and photography. Benn has created the 3D and other imaging for the website, and worked closely with the web designer to create the website. Benn now manages the marketing and promotional side of the business. He has also provided invaluable insight into ‘bloke speak’.
Benn and Melinda are ably supported by an assortment of children and animals and other family and friends who are roped in to help during busy times — well ... the animals don’t help that much.
Melinda and Benn have recently welcomed South Sea Pearl specialist and Diamond consultant, Symantha Ledger to the EJA fold. Symantha, a soon to be qualified Gemmologist, is based in North Queensland.