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 Laibach
"Eco-Locally-Gathered".
The cost of precious
stones set in intricate metalwork is traditionally reflected in
the substantial prices paid for bespoke jewellery, particularly
that of the Nouveau / Deco period. The detail similarly found
in Laibach pieces interlaced with naturally-formed surface-stones,
instead means that the price of each piece is calculated through
alternative cost principles. For example, what we call "gathering
costs" means that expenses incurred through gathering our materials
are reflected in the end value of a piece.
Our ecologically-balanced evaluation methods in slow, ethical
jewellery creation (see below) are in stark contrast to adding
on current market values of environmentally damaging fresh-mined
stones. So although a Laibach piece may be a little cheaper (because
a centre-stone is made from eco-safe materials) the end cost reflects
the following:
- Expenses incurred during the
careful gathering process. (To instinctively recognise how
a stone can look and feel perfect for a centrepiece is a gathering
skill itself.)
- Research and ecological liaison
with conservation and wildlife organisations, to determine
how a percentage of the sold piece will benefit the environment
/ wildlife from where (for example) the centre stone was gathered.
- Time: The design process and
elaborate hand-craftsmanship of bespoke Laibach designs.
You may wonder if
there are environmental consequences when gathering beach stones.
Beach stones may seem to be in abundance - sometimes many billions
along a few miles of coast. But on an industrial scale there can
of course be an adverse effect on beach environments when stones
are removed by the ton to cover patios and driveways or for other
building purposes. Some local authorities, in Great Britain for
example, do not encourage excessive pebble collecting from beaches.
However, a small handful of pebbles for a keepsake memory or creative
use is usually considered environmentally acceptable. Keeping
within this tolerance level, Laibach collects just a handful of
stones from relevant areas during a gathering trip - an acceptable
amount on an ecological level. Stones gathered from particularly
environmentally sensitive areas are often done so under arrangement
with local conservation organisations that subsequently benefit
from donations through sales of Laibach pieces, and because a
percentage of the sale of each Laibach piece goes back into conservation
projects in the gathering areas, the environment actually benefits:
- Laibach never digs or breaks
rocks to reveal usable stones.
- Approximately one hundred stones
per year from each gathering area are collected.
- Stones not used are always
returned back to the same gathering spot.
Where
are the stones Eco-Locally-Gathered?
The primary regions
where stones are sourced are nearly always close to where each
Laibach atelier is based: South West England and Baden Württemberg
in South West Germany. Other stones may be gathered from elsewhere
in the event of essential or customary travel, (Combined Gathering).
With all aspects of travel, Laibach gathering is undertaken using
the most environmentally friendly transport options whenever possible.
We also occasionally create pieces or small collections made from
surface gathered stones sent to us by friends and colleagues from
other regions of the world. These stones are gathered and transported
strictly in accordance with our principles. A percentage of the
sale of pieces made from these stones is awarded to relevant wildlife
/ environmental protection or humanitarian-based organisations
near the gathering regions.
If you are thinking of gathering your own stones for a keep-sake
memory - or for us to make a special piece, you can find
out more here
What
is "Eco-Locally-Gathered"?
"Eco-Locally Gathered"
is a principle of the Looking-Glass philosophy (Eco-Local), actively
adopted by Kerstin Laibach as the preferred choice to source raw
creative materials. Here is an extract from Looking-Glass and
VeggieGlobal:
"Eco-Locally-Gathered
(ELG) is essentially the same ethos as "locally produced" or
locally grown; describing consumables and goods sourced or manufactured
from the immediate area where you live thus reducing product
mileage. Eco-Local can apply to anything which can be locally
sourced with absolute minimal environmental impact. For example,
wild vegetation and fungi for food - fallen trees or driftwood
for carpentry - even discarded non-toxic junk from neighbours
or local industries, which you can turn into something useful.
Like all locally gathered, grown, or manufactured instances,
the less miles involved the greener the product, because the
carbon footprint that would otherwise be generated by the movement
of materials through long-distance transportation is greatly
reduced ...".
Laibach's ELG stones
are often sourced from a local sea or lake shore. This dramatically
reduces the production miles involved in making a piece. In stark
contrast, the production miles involved with the mining and transportation
of precious stones, the cutting of them and subsequent journeys
from one dealer worldwide to another amounts to a huge carbon
footprint.
NOTE: Never take large
quantities of pebbles from sea, river or lake shores ... only
a small handful for keepsake or craft use. Always return those
which you have no further use for.
Laibach can also create
bespoke pieces from stones which you have gathered yourself.
Find out More
 MORE
INFORMATION ...
A
Creation from Your Own Gathering Memory
The
Laibach Principle
Contact
and Discuss Your Piece
Atelier
Laibach's commitment to wildlife and the environment
About
the Dorset Area of England
About
the Baden-Württemberg area (Lake Constance)
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