Baleen
It all started in 2008 when friends Billy and Leah met while working in a Seattle retail shop together. They began dating soon after and knew they wanted to work together for the rest of their lives. Billy and Leah have backgrounds in creative industries and they soon realized their joint passion for jewelry making as well. Billy's background was in jewelry making and graphic design and Leah's was in apparel design. Their passion for thoughtful and well-designed products allowed them to create timeless styles that appeal to many people. Under the shared belief that quality, sustainable, and affordable jewelry handmade in the US was their path forward together, they started Baleen Jewelry in 2013 and have grown the company together ever since.
In 2015, the couple opened their first brick and mortar shop in Seattle. To this day, half of their shop is dedicated to retail, while the other half is used for production, packing, inventory, and shipping. With a small space, Baleen only needs 7 talented employees to produce and sell their handmade jewelry.
In 2015, the couple opened their first brick and mortar shop in Seattle. To this day, half of their shop is dedicated to retail, while the other half is used for production, packing, inventory, and shipping. With a small space, Baleen only needs 7 talented employees to produce and sell their handmade jewelry.
Responsible Handmade Jewelry
The team at Baleen truly believes that they have an inherent responsibility to take care of the planet. Sustainability is baked into their operations and they are constantly working to achieve the most eco-mindful business practices possible. All of the jewelry that Baleen makes uses sustainable, recycled materials. Their cast items have recycled metals that are then dipped in gold for both protection and aesthetics. Any resin pieces are comprised of plant-based cellulose acetate, a biodegradable plastic that comes out looking unique and chic.
Even more impressive is that Baleen's production studio is zero-waste! This means that they are not only employing recycled materials for their jewelry but that they also make sure to properly dispose of any scrap metals and other materials that they don't end up using. Much of their scrap metal is either repurposed by other manufacturers or donated to schools that teach the art of handmade jewelry.
Eco-packaging is also an important facet of Baleen's commitment to the planet. For starters, all tags are printed on recycled paper in a facility that utilizes renewable energy instead of fossil fuels. All shipping boxes are also made out of 100% recycled materials and are manufactured in the United States, cutting down on carbon emissions.
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