In the heart of Bali, amid the lively culture and lush settings, is where you can find Michael Sode, the visionary behind Nusa, a brand that not only produces exquisite and sustainable silver jewelry but also champions traditional techniques and supports local artisans. What sets Nusa apart is not just the aesthetic appeal of their designs, but a deep commitment to environmental sustainability, ethical practices, and the well-being of their craftsmen.
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Jewelry that is a Symphony of Sustainability Raw Materials: Recycling Silver for a Greener Future Michael began our conversation by shedding light on Nusa’s commitment to sustainability in crafting their jewelry pieces. “Recycling silver has become a cornerstone of our commitment to sustainability,” he emphasized. The brand adopts a holistic approach to incorporate recycled silver into their designs, sourcing it from various channels, including products with defects, discontinued styles, and scrap from production. This dedication to recycled silver goes beyond mere environmental responsibility; it’s a conscious choice aligned with Nusa’s values. By giving new life to previously unused or discarded silver, the brand helps reduce the strain on the planet’s resources, making a positive impact on the environment. Michael showed the environmental benefits of recycling silver when compared to traditional silver mining and smelting. The latter involves significant energy consumption, habitat disruption, and environmental damage. Recycling silver, on the other hand, requires less energy and fewer resources, making it a more sustainable choice. However, Michael acknowledged the subtle aspect of their commitment. While recycling silver may not directly increase its overall availability, it significantly reduces the need for new silver mining operations. This choice reflects Nusa’s dedication to responsible sourcing and their commitment to reducing the environmental impact of the jewelry industry. “Our adopt of recycled silver symbolizes our unwavering dedication to sustainable jewelry. It’s a small yet meaningful step in the right direction, aligning with our core values and contributing to the global effort to protect our environment,” Michael added, inviting customers to be part of this sustainability journey with every piece they wear.
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Silversmith Production: Past, Present and Future
Borax: A Natural Marvel in Silversmithing Moving on to the production process, Michael shed light on the use of borax, a naturally occurring mineral, in environmentally friendly silver jewelry production. Borax, composed of sodium, boron, oxygen, and water, plays a key role as a flux in the manufacturing process. Its eco-friendliness extends to its sourcing; primarily mined from ancient lake and sea beds, borax mining has a relatively low environmental impact compared to other chemicals used in metalwork. “Borax serves as a flux, facilitating the soldering and brazing processes without emitting harmful pollutants or greenhouse gases,” Michael explained. The use of borax reduces oxidation during heating, is non-fuming, and lowers the melting temperature, resulting in lower energy consumption. Furthermore, borax is non-toxic and biodegradable, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Safety is a vital concern, and Michael assured that borax is generally considered safe. In fact, it has been used in some parts of the world in food products. The versatility of borax extends beyond jewelry production. Nusa employs it for cleaning, as a natural anti-mold solution, and even to enhance plant health in deficient soils. Tamarind, another locally sourced element, plays a key role in the production process. The fruit’s tartaric acid naturally removes tarnish from silver, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals. Tamarind has found a sustainable purpose in keeping Nusa’s silver jewelry looking its best.
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