From Queensland's Earth to Your Hand: An Ethical Journey with Melanie Katsalidis

When we talk about ethical and sustainable sourcing in the world of jewellery, we often think of far-flung locations. But for Melbourne jeweller Melanie Katsalidis, the most meaningful treasures are found much closer to home. On her trips to Queensland’s gem fields, Melanie is not just sourcing beautiful Australian parti sapphires; she is fostering a deeper connection to the gems she works with, the people who find them, and the Australian land itself.

The Ethical Heart of Australian Mining

One of the cornerstones of Melanie’s practice is her strong belief in supporting local industry. Australia's sapphire mines, particularly in Queensland, operate under stringent regulations and environmental standards. This provides a transparent and ethical framework for sourcing. Unlike the complex, often opaque supply chains of other gemstone industries, Melanie's approach is direct and personal. She travels to the heart of Queensland's sapphire country, in particular to the towns of Rubyvale and Sapphire, where she can meet with small-scale miners and family-run operations. This direct connection ensures that she knows exactly where her gems come from, allowing for complete control over the entire process, from rough material to finished piece.

Building Relationships, One Gem at a Time

For Melanie, the journey is as important as the destination. Her trips are not just business transactions, they are opportunities to build long-standing relationships with miners and gem cutters. This personal connection is a core value of her work. She has spent years building a network of trusted contacts, which provides her with access to unique, hand-selected gems. A great example of this is her meeting with an elderly miner named Norman, who had mined and cut a specific parti sapphire himself. This personal story adds immeasurable value to the gem, transforming it from a simple stone into a treasured piece with its own rich history.

The Beauty of Supporting Local 

By focusing on Australian parti sapphires, Melanie champions the unique beauty of these stones, which can display a stunning mix of blue, green, and golden colours, reminiscent of the Australian landscape. This choice also reinforces the importance of supporting local industry and talent. In a world of globalised supply chains, Melanie’s dedication to sourcing locally helps to sustain the livelihoods of Australian miners and ensures that the skills and stories of this unique industry continue to thrive. It’s a practice that speaks to the integrity of her brand and allows her clients to wear a piece of Australia with pride.

Discover Melanie's Australian Parti Sapphire Collections