Ethical Jewellery Design with Guya Merkle
In the summer of 2023, we teamed up with SEEK, Berlin’s leading trade show for high-quality, urban fashion, and PREMIUM, the trend and event platform, for a special live podcast recording with fine jewellery designer Guya Merkle, the entrepreneur whose mission is to redefine luxury by combining ethical behaviour with high-end design.
For decades, the luxury jewelry industry has been synonymous with exclusivity and glamor. However, a seismic shift is occurring as consumers increasingly prioritize ethical practices and responsible production in the face of environmental and social concerns. In this evolving landscape, a new definition of luxury is taking shape – one that seamlessly blends high-end design with ethical behavior.
“Luxury of course will always be there, but as consumers we are longing for more individuality and transparency".
Guya Merkle, the visionary entrepreneur, found herself at the helm of her family's jewelry business at a young age, only to witness its bankruptcy. This pivotal moment sparked a personal quest for Merkle, leading her to embark on a mission to redefine luxury in the jewelry industry. Inspired by a life-changing trip to a gold mine in Peru, where she witnessed firsthand the industry's challenges, Merkle founded VIERI in 2015. The brand is committed to using only urban-mined gold and ethically sourced gemstones, setting a new standard for responsible jewelry production.
The candid conversation saw WAA Podcast founder Daria Suvorova and Guya discuss themes such as transparency in luxury, how to embrace ethical sourcing and what the future holds for sustainable jewelry design.