Our Materials

Craft And Materials

The materials we work with are shaped by time, earth, and place. Our work is to thoughtfully continue their stories. We work exclusively with natural diamonds and gemstones, each formed over millions of years and carrying the unique conditions of their origin. These are materials shaped by time, not manufactured, valued not only for their beauty, but for the histories they hold and the paths they have traveled.

Our pieces are locally made using either Fairmined gold or certified recycled gold. We prioritize materials that support social impact at the source, working with mining communities we know and partners who uphold responsible labor practices. When these materials cannot provide the consistency a collection requires, we turn to what already exists: recycled metals, antique diamonds, and heritage stones, extending the life of materials already in circulation.

Every material carries a history, where it formed, how it moved through the world, and what it means to work with it now. Our role is to shape that history forward, with care, intention, and respect for every hand it has passed through.

Gold is one of the least reactive elements on the periodic table: it does not rust, tarnish, or corrode. Because it cannot degrade, it has become the material humans trust to hold value across time; the same gold can pass through thousands of hands without losing any material. The oldest worked gold, dated 4600 BCE, predates both Mesopotamia and the pyramids.

What kind of gold does WWAKE use?[+] [-]

We work with both Fairmined gold and certified recycled gold. Fairmined gold supports responsible mining communities through fair wages and reinvestment at the source, while recycled gold extends the life of existing material already in circulation. We choose between the two based on what best supports both the integrity of the design and our sourcing values.

Will gold tarnish or change over time?[+] [-]

Solid gold does not rust or corrode. Over time, it may develop a soft patina through wear, which many choose to keep as part of the piece’s character. If preferred, it can always be polished back to its original finish.

How should I care for my gold jewelry?[+] [-]

Gold is durable but benefits from thoughtful care. We recommend removing your pieces during heavy activity and storing them separately to avoid scratches. To clean, use warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth. For deeper care, our team can professionally clean and restore your piece over time.

Diamonds

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Most diamonds are between one and three billion years old; older than life on Earth. They form 100 miles beneath the surface, under pressure 50,000 times that of sea level, and are one of the few direct samples we have of the planet's mantle. A diamond's brilliance is structural: light slows when it enters, bends sharply, and reflects internally.

What makes a diamond unique?[+] [-]

Diamonds are formed deep within the earth over billions of years. Their brilliance comes from how they interact with light, and their origin makes each stone a direct record of the conditions in which it formed. At WWAKE, we exclusively work with natural diamonds, often through circular sourcing such as antique and post-consumer stones.

Are diamonds suitable for everyday wear?[+] [-]

Yes. Diamonds are the hardest natural material, making them well-suited for daily wear. Their durability, combined with the way they hold light, has made them a lasting choice for engagement and lifelong pieces.

How should I care for my diamond?[+] [-]

Diamonds are durable but can attract oils that reduce their brilliance. Clean with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush, and consider occasional professional cleaning to maintain their clarity.

Sapphires

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One of our most beloved stones, sapphire is known for its remarkable range of color. As an allochromatic gem, it takes its hue from the specific minerals in the landscape where it forms: iron, titanium, chromium. A sapphire's color is, in a literal sense, a record of its home.

Are sapphires only blue?[+] [-]

No. While blue is the most well-known, sapphires occur in a wide range of colors, from soft pinks and greens to yellows, violets, and near colorless tones. Each hue reflects the specific minerals present where the stone formed, making every sapphire distinct.

Are sapphires suitable for engagement rings?[+] [-]

Yes. Sapphires are a durable stone, well-suited for everyday wear, and offer a more personal approach to engagement. Their range of color allows for a ring that feels individual, while still carrying the longevity expected of a lifelong piece.

How should I care for my sapphire?[+] [-]

Sapphires are durable but benefit from regular care. We recommend cleaning with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and remove your jewelry during activities that may expose the stone to impact. For long-term care, our team can assist with professional cleaning and inspection.

Each opal holds its own internal weather: fiery greens, blues, and reds that shift with angle and light. This phenomenon, called play of color, comes from the stone's unusual structure: microscopic silica spheres, deposited over millions of years as mineral-rich water seeped into rock and slowly evaporated.

What is “play of color” in opals?[+] [-]

Play of color refers to the shifting flashes of color seen within an opal as it moves in light. This effect is created by the stone’s internal structure, where microscopic silica spheres refract light, producing changing tones of green, blue, red, and beyond. Each opal’s pattern is entirely unique.

Are all opals the same?[+] [-]

No, opals vary widely in tone, color play, and pattern. Some display bright, high-contrast flashes, while others are more subtle and diffused. These variations are part of the stone’s character, making each opal distinct and impossible to replicate exactly.

How should I care for my opal?[+] [-]

Opals are softer and more sensitive than many gemstones. We recommend avoiding prolonged exposure to water, heat, or sudden temperature changes. Store them separately and handle with care to preserve their surface and internal structure over time.

Pearls are one of the only gemstones made by a living animal. Their color depends on the mollusk: a pink shell yields a pink pearl, a white shell a white one. Each is built like a tiny fortress: microscopic aragonite crystals bound by protein, layered in a structure scientists compare to brick and mortar.

What determines a pearl’s value?[+] [-]

A pearl’s value is shaped by its luster, surface quality, shape, and size. Luster is the most important factor, it refers to the way light reflects from the surface and moves through its layers, giving the pearl its depth and glow. Natural variations are expected and contribute to each pearl’s individuality.

Are your pearls natural or cultured?[+] [-]

All pearls are formed by living mollusks. Most pearls used in jewelry today are cultured, meaning the process is initiated with human care but completed entirely by the mollusk. We select pearls for their luster, character, and overall harmony within each piece.

How should I care for my pearls?[+] [-]

Pearls are more delicate than other gemstones and benefit from mindful wear. We recommend putting them on last, after perfumes or cosmetics, and storing them separately to avoid scratching. After wearing, gently wipe them with a soft cloth to preserve their natural luster over time.

Emeralds

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The Egyptians mined emeralds in the mountains above the Red Sea as early as 1500 BCE, pulling from the earth a stone the color of jungle canopy, of moss in shade. Emerald is beryl colored by the element chromium, and nearly every emerald crystal carries inclusions; in French these tiny fractures are called jardin, or gardens, as if each stone holds something living inside.

Why do emeralds have inclusions?[+] [-]

Emeralds almost always contain natural inclusions, known as jardin. These internal formations are a result of how the stone forms and are considered part of its character rather than a flaw.

Are emeralds durable for everyday wear?[+] [-]

Emeralds are softer than diamonds and sapphires, making them better suited to more mindful wear. With proper care, they can be worn daily, but should be protected from impact.

How should I care for my emerald?[+] [-]

Emeralds should be handled gently. Avoid ultrasonic cleaning and harsh chemicals. Clean with warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth, and store separately to prevent scratching.

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What is WWAKE’s ethos?[+] [-]

We believe that our jewelry is a connection to the earth and every hand in between. Our materials are sourced as sustainably as possible, driven by a commitment to social impact at the source and to the responsible mining communities we work with.

In collections where development projects cannot scale, we integrate circular design thinking, giving new life to recycled metals, diamonds, and heritage rough. Our jewelry is shaped by an entire chain of people, through careful sourcing, planning, and ongoing learning, a process we continue to refine every day.

To learn more, we invite you to explore our Ethos page.

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What are your sustainability practices?[+] [-]

Our approach to sustainability is rooted in responsible sourcing, circular design, and long-term partnerships. We prioritize local production to maintain oversight of quality and processes, while supporting the community around our Brooklyn studio.

In sourcing, we focus on transparency, fair labor, and positive social impact. We work with trusted suppliers and artisanal mining communities that uphold responsible labor practices and are committed to ongoing environmental progress. The premiums we pay for materials support this progress directly, helping fund access to clean water, equipment, and long-term development within these communities.

A core part of our approach is circular sourcing. Whenever possible, we design around existing materials, including recycled gold, recycled diamonds, antique stones, and heritage rough. This allows us to extend the life cycle of materials that are already in circulation while maintaining the integrity of our designs.

We also employ minimal-waste strategies, often building collections around the full yield of available material. Stones that are not suited to repeatable designs are repurposed into One of a Kind pieces or custom projects, ensuring thoughtful use of every resource.

To learn more, we invite you to explore our Ethos page.

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Where are your diamonds sourced from?[+] [-]

Our sourcing varies by collection, but the through-line is the same: we prioritize traceability, history, and responsible sourcing.

For our One of a Kind pieces, we work primarily with recycled diamonds, including antique, vintage, and post-consumer stones that have been given new life. These are sourced through trusted dealers who specialize in identifying and dating each stone.

For Bridal and Choose Your Diamond pieces, we source natural diamonds through partners worldwide who meet established industry standards and our own requirements for traceability and responsible practices. In select cases, we also work with traceable diamond programs that provide detailed origin information and support artisanal mining communities.

To learn more, we invite you to explore our Diamond Guide and Materials page. For more tailored guidance, our team and stone sourcing specialist are always available to assist at customerservice@wwake.com.

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Do you work with lab-grown diamonds or moissanite?[+] [-]

WWAKE works exclusively with natural diamonds and gemstones. Our approach is rooted in a connection to the earth and in supporting the communities at the source of our materials. We prioritize traceable natural stones, with a strong focus on circular sourcing through recycled and antique diamonds.

When newly mined stones are used, they are sourced through trusted partners in regions such as Canada, Australia, Southern Africa, and Namibia, with an emphasis on traceability, responsible labor practices, and positive community impact. We believe many extraordinary stones already exist, and we are committed to giving these materials new life through thoughtful design.

If you would like to learn more, you can explore our Diamond Guide and Materials page. our team and stone sourcing specialist are always available to assist at customerservice@wwake.com.

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What does "post-consumer diamonds" or "reclaimed diamonds" mean?[+] [-]

Post-consumer diamonds are stones that have previously been set in jewelry and are given new life in a new piece. As part of our broader approach to circular sourcing, we work with recycled diamonds that already exist in circulation. This includes stones recovered from earlier jewelry, which are carefully selected and reset into new designs. We partner with trusted dealers who specialize in identifying and dating diamonds, ensuring the authenticity and history of each stone.

Our recycled diamond sourcing also includes:
-Antique diamonds: cut before the 1930s by hand, with distinctive faceting and softer proportions.
-Vintage diamonds: cut between the 1930s and 1990s, before modern precision cutting.

Each stone carries its own history, reflecting our belief that many extraordinary diamonds already exist and can be thoughtfully reintroduced through new design.

If you would like to learn more, you can explore our Diamond Guide and Materials page. our team and stone sourcing specialist are always available to assist at customerservice@wwake.com.

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What is the difference between recycled and Fairmined gold?[+] [-]

Recycled gold is identical in quality, purity, and durability to newly mined gold. Because gold does not degrade, it can be refined and repurposed indefinitely without losing its integrity. At WWAKE, recycled gold is sourced from previously existing materials such as jewelry and objects, and refined into new material for our pieces. This approach reflects our commitment to circular sourcing, working with materials already in circulation.

Fairmined gold is sourced from certified artisanal mining communities that follow responsible practices. The Fairmined certification ensures fair trading conditions and provides a premium that supports community development, including access to healthcare, education, equipment, and infrastructure.

All diamond engagement rings from our Ceremonial collection are made using Fairmined gold. To learn more, we invite you to explore our Materials page.

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What programs or initiatives do you support?[+] [-]

Giving back is an ongoing part of our practice. Since our founding, WWAKE has supported organizations that uplift communities both locally and at the source of our materials. To date, we have raised over $200,000 for WIN NYC, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women and families experiencing homelessness. We have also contributed to initiatives focused on responsible mining, education, and community development, reflecting our broader commitment to social impact.

To learn more, we invite you to explore our Ethos page.

Support Our client care team is available Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm EDT

Email customerservice@wwake.com

General info@wwake.com