Ingle & Rhode, a jewelry brand that offers certified Fairtrade and conflict-free fine jewelry direct to the consumer, is now seeking £300,000 through its equity crowdfunding campaign on Crowdcube. Founded in 2007, Ingle & Rhode creates engagement rings set with ethical diamonds and gems along with custom-made wedding rings and eternity rings. It also offers earrings, bracelets, necklace, and other types of jewelry.
“Our story began in 2006, when David Rhode was looking for an engagement ring but couldn’t find a jeweller who could tell him where their diamonds had come from, or the conditions under which their jewellery was produced. The more he looked into the industry, the more compromises he discovered he was being asked to make. From blood diamonds, to dirty gold, to sweatshops and child labour. Together David and his friend Tim Ingle launched Ingle & Rhode in 2007 to offer an ethical alternative to the traditional luxury brands.”
Ingle & Rhode also noted that it sells directly to customers from premises in central London, through a “clicks and mortar”business model. This round of funding is focused on increasing marketing spend, and enhancements to the website to improve conversion rates. The company also reported:
“Human and environmental exploitation are rife within the jewellery industry, including conflict diamonds, child labour, and environmental destruction. Ingle & Rhode addresses these problems by making fine jewellery (principally engagement rings and wedding rings) using certified Fairtrade gold, recycled platinum, and conflict-free traceable diamonds and gemstones. All of their jewellery is made in the UK.”
Funds from the Crowdcube round will be used to continue Ingle & Rhode’s expansion. So far, the funding round has successfully raised more than £150,000 from nearly 30 investors. It is set to close mid-July.
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