BRUNA The Label: Sustainable Jewellery from Styria

Sustainability is more important than ever, and it's time for every company to address it in various aspects of their corporate philosophy - because our planet is far too precious to rob it of every resource and energy.

Founded in 2019 by Helena Milchrahm and Simon Rupp, the BRUNA jewellery label stands for a timelessly elegant design that sees nature as a source of inspiration for its sustainable genuine jewellery. Pearls, shells and gemstones from local artisans in Italy and Thailand are the essential components of the jewellery, alongside materials such as 100% recycled gold and sterling silver. Production occurs in small, ethically run family businesses, and BRUNA, as part of the 1% For The Planet organization, donates one per cent of its sales annually to environmental organizations worldwide.

In addition, on April 22, 2021, Earth Day, BRUNA announced its certified climate neutrality with Climate Neutral Certified.  A big step to measure, reduce and ultimately offset the company's own CO2 emissions by supporting climate protection projects. No wonder BRUNA's jewellery is so popular: the combination of timeless design and sustainability is an absolute hit with stars like Emily Ratajkowski, Debby Ryan and Reese Witherspoon.

BRUNA is a company from Styria. What does production look like for you? Do you support local initiatives to build sustainable infrastructures?

Helena Milchrahm: "We are a Styrian company on paper, but we have worked remotely from the beginning, and all our team members and ourselves work from various home offices.  We have most of our jewellery made in our manufactory in Italy; currently, we don't have any production facilities in Styria yet. However, year after year, we support local projects and social institutions that are particularly close to our hearts, such as this year the Sterntalerhof as part of our Charity Jewellery Collection. We were able to donate an incredible 12,500 euros."

Sustainability plays a major role at BRUNA. Can you explain to us how attention is paid to this in the company?

Helena Milchrahm: "Sustainability is not only part of our DNA but was also one of the reasons for founding our company (because there were and still are hardly any sustainable jewellery labels on the market). All BRUNA jewellery is handmade from 100 % recycled 18k gold and 925 sterling silver, which we are very proud of. Our manufacturers are members of the Responsible Jewellery Council, a non-profit certification organization that monitors human rights, labour rights, environmental impact and mining practices in the jewellery industry. Companies established it in the gold and diamond end industries to promote ethical, socially and environmentally responsible, and human rights compliant corporate policies throughout the supply chain. We are one of the few jewellery companies in the world to work exclusively with recycled gold and silver, which is melted from conflict-free scrap gold and silver, certified by TÜV Rheinland. For us, sustainability means the use of recycled materials and sustainable & ethical manufacturing of products throughout the supply chain and the sustainable handling of emissions and waste, the avoidance of conflict diamonds and conflict gemstones, sustainable packaging and avoidance of single-use plastic and much more."

How or has the Corona crisis greatly affected your company and production?

Helena Milchrahm: "Our manufacturing plant in Italy was at a complete standstill from March to almost May last year. Our customers had to wait almost 2 months for their jewellery. This was, of course, a tough situation for a company as young as ours (we had only been on the market for 8 months at that time). Our second collection was therefore delayed by a few months and also, of course, we couldn't hire any more team members, because we didn't know how things would go on either. On the one hand, slipping directly into a global pandemic as a startup is, of course, an enormous challenge. Still, on the other hand, it also brought us out of our infancy more quickly as a company, allowed us to mature and weld us even closer together as a team."

You have been inspired for your jewellery collections by your travels; where do you currently get the inspiration for new collections?

Helena Milchrahm: "My inspiration is only partly composed of my travels. I get inspired by so many things like old movies, books, women on the street, international trends, nature. It all adds up to my vision of a BRUNA jewellery piece in the end."

What will the jewellery trends be this year? What styles can we look forward to at BRUNA?

Helena Milchrahm: "Necklace layering is absolutely on-trend this year. Because several necklaces are worn on top of each other enhance every outfit, and it works without any rules. Statement rings and earrings are also a must this summer. According to the motto 'Mixed Metals', gold and silver can be combined and worn together. Pearls are a classic and are again at the forefront this season."

Pictures: Shutterstock & PR

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