Alkemie is family-owned and operated- therefore the process of inspiration and design often comes from a mutual dialogue of teaching and learning from their daughters:  “We were at the beach exploring tide pools with our kids, and our older daughter picked up this huge starfish which we flipped for.  The texture, and the gorgeous natural form, was amazing and seeing the contrast against her hand gave us the inspiration for a new design.

Years of experience in the jewelry industry made Dara and Ashley weary of the toxic working conditions and environmental impacts of the gem and fine metal industries.  It was then that Ashley and Dara, combining their shared knowledge of the industry collaborated to create Alkemie- a brand that would immediately pioneer and change the jewelry industry due to its social and environmentally responsible practices.

Alkemie promotes fair trade, local living wage, and eco-sustainable business practices to combat the existing harmful effects and conditions of the metal and gemstone industry; including social issues such as children working in dangerous conditions to mine and mount stones, as well as environmental issues, like toxic chemicals from mines seeping into the surrounding land and severely damaging precious watersheds. Dara and Ashley knew they could continue to create beautiful jewelry within the framework of ethically and socially responsible standards, and working with 100% reclaimed metals, they have successfully merged eco with art.