nunchi

Year Founded

2021

Galaxy Discount

25%

Online Store?

This company operates primarily through their online store. Visit their website for more information.

Yes

Business Description

nunchi manifests the Korean concept (an innate awareness and connection to society) to build a brand that is sustainable in theory and practice. That includes everything from sustainable materials such as recycled gold and lab grown diamonds to sustainable business practices of body inclusivity, diverse representation throughout their production pipeline, and equity for people of color. nunchi believes consumers deserve the right to know the impact their purchasing has, because retail activism and social activism are one in the same.

nunchi’s sustainable fine jewelry line is not only timeless luxury, it is thoughtfully crafted with earth conscious materials. Named after Greek, Spanish, Latin, and African languages and cultures, the collection is 100% recycled gold and sterling silver, as well as lab-grown diamonds and gemstones. Gold mining itself generates 44,000 pounds of waste for every 9 grams of gold mined while mined diamonds are plagued with human rights violations and devastating environmental impacts. Lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as mined diamonds, but are conflict-free. All of nunchi’s products down to the packaging cause zero mineral waste and do not threaten the environment or biodiversity. 

“What we wear is so much more than what we buy,” explains co-founders Jane Dua and Michelle Williams. “It’s about the businesses we support, the communities we uplift through our actions, and the pursuit of a just and fair society.” There is increasing pressure on fashion brands to eradicate bad practices but little action to commit to environmental and social causes: the current fine jewelry is notoriously exclusionary, damages the global environment, and exploits marginalized communities. nunchi unequivocally addresses systemic change over greenwashing marketing efforts. Among top fine jewelry players, women and BIPOC make up less than 30% of senior executives (The Business of Fashion and McKinsey & Company, 2021). nunchi’s supply chain consists of BIPOC, family-owned, and immigrant-owned suppliers and they implement diversity & inclusivity efforts in both their marketing efforts and internal hires. As women of color with immigrant roots, co-founders Jane and Michelle are not only creating an inclusive space for BIPOC, they are also reclaiming physical space in the notoriously exclusionary jewelry industry.