Go Green February 2014

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION OF THE BERMUDA SUN • FEBRUARY 28, 2014

Jeweller creates unique, ethical pieces

BY ROBYN BARDGETT rbardgett@bermudasun.bm

Gems sparkle and shine but can you be assured that the ring on your finger hasn’t financed a war?

While more awareness has been made about “blood diamonds”, particularly after the 2006 movie of the same name, the situation is an ongoing battle.

Blood diamonds, or conflict diamonds, fuel wars and have huge impact on the people living in areas where these gems are extracted.

Along with poor work environments and low wages, people caught up in the conflicts over these precious stones have seen many lives destroyed.

According to Amnesty International, the blood diamond trade has resulted in the deaths of over 4 million people, mainly in the African countries of Angola, Sierra Leone, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia and the Ivory Coast.

‘When we started Davidrose, we wanted to ensure that we would be socially and environmentally conscious with everything we do.’

Awareness

And while efforts have been put in place to stem the flow of blood diamonds, there is still work to be done and awareness to be raised among consumers.

While relatively new to the jewellery industry in Bermuda, the owners of Davidrose Jewelry, based in St George’s, is doing its part to supply island jewellery lovers with a

conscious choice.

“We use ethically sourced diamonds and gemstones for all our pieces and use GIA-certified diamonds for our Bridal collection and all our custom Bridal pieces,” explains Avrel Rose Fernandes-Zuill, who founded Davidrose with her jeweller husband, David, in 2009. The couple opened their flagship store in December 2012.

“Ethically sourced means acquiring stones from countries with mines that not only protect human rights –– child labour, forced labour, murder, torture are a few issues faced –– but are also improving the livelihoods and empower the people within those communities.

Offering fair wages, education, skilled job training and a safe working environment for the diamond miners helps to make a difference,” adds Mrs Fernandes-Zuill, who is a third generation jeweller.

All of the diamonds sourced by Davidrose

SHINE: Pieces from Davidrose Jewelery. n PHOTOS SUPPLIED

EVERY SATURDAY PIER SIX LOWER LEVEL, FRONT ST., HAMILTON

8AM - 1PM

MID NOVEMBER TO JUNE

adhere to the Kimberley process. The initiative was put in place to stem the flow of conflict diamonds.

“We have seen and acknowledge the dark side of our industry and wanted to do our part to make it better,” says Mrs Fernandes-Zuill. “When we started Davidrose, we wanted to ensure that we would be socially and environmentally conscious with everything we do.”

The jewellery designed and created by the couple is also stunning.

“Our designs and styles are unlike anything else found on the island. We love making statement pieces, or conversation starters as we like to call it,” says Mrs Fernandes-

Zuill.

The design team at Davidrose can work with clients to create that perfect piece and the meticulous work means that the product will suit the wearer perfectly.

“When a client sees their custom piece or engagement ring for the first time it’s like watching a

kid at Christmas,” says Mrs Fernandes-Zuill. “The colour and cut of the stone pops out at them immediately.”

DAVIDROSE is located at 20 Water Street in St George’s.

For more information, call 293-7673 or visit www.davidrose.bm.

n CITY CORNER

A healthy and happy atmosphere in the City

BY ROBYN BARDGETT rbardgett@bermudasun.bm

Every Saturday from mid-November until June (with a little break over Christmas) vendors can be found selling their goods and services at the City Market.

And, yes, the healthy and delicious fruit and vegetables are available, as are health-minded goods and services, such as organic products, homemade bread, handmade soaps and jewellery.

popular organic and/or non-gmo products and has also found the new venue has provided better exposure.

He says: “Shopping at local markets is good for a number of reasons. You are supporting the local economy insofar as we have local farmers and local artists. The produce at the market is much fresher than what is brought in

on a ship travelling sometimes a great distance before it reaches Bermuda –– you actually know where your food comes from. Markets are a good opportunity to support new local businesses. At the City Market, you can buy just about anything from your produce, fresh flowers, handmade items to organic health products and specialty items.” n

Venture

But what makes the City Market a place to venture for the perfect mind, body and soul treatment comes from the atmosphere.

“I will see someone early on when the City Market opens and then they are still there talking away by the time we wrap things up,” says Kevin Smith, events and marketing manager for the Corporation of Hamilton and one of the coordinators of the City Market. “It’s a really social environment.”

The Market reopened last November in its brand-new location at Pier 6 – a newly renovated space that has offered up some advantages for the sellers.

Scott Pitcher, owner of East End Organics, adds: “We feel the atmosphere is more upbeat. We are fortunate that we have a great group of people and the Corporation staff is very helpful and accommodating.”

At his stall he sells his

n PHOTO SUPPLIED

BOUNTY: Locally grown produce is just one of the many items on offer at the City Market.

BELCO 2013 Energy Efficiency Final Go Green Ad fp.:BELCO Energy Efficiency Guide

7/8/13

3:56 PM

Page 1

Find the right setting

Pull the plug to save

Don’t make your fridge too cold and always

Even when electronics are turned off,

use the energy-saver setting. Maintain

they still use energy in standby mode, drawing “phantom

according to manufacturer’s instructions. If you have a fridge

load”. Put electronics on power strips and turn off the strips.

or freezer that is not fully used, unplug it or dispose of it.

Turn off lights and TVs when you leave rooms. When you travel, unplug everything possible at home.

Control your water heaters carefully

Switch to CFLs and LEDs A big energy saver is the small bulb. Switch to light-emitting

Water heaters use a lot of

diode (LED) or compact fluorescent

electricity. Setting them no higher

lightbulbs (CFLs). They last a long

than 120° F, or according to

time and suit most applications.

manufacturer’s instructions, will

Put the pieces

save money and be ample for your dishwasher, washing machine and shower. When travelling, unplug your home water heater.

Put timers everywhere

together to save energy, money and

Look for the smallest appliance Microwave ovens cook food quickly

the environment.

and with relatively little energy. Toaster

Timers on water heaters can save hundreds of dollars a year. Timers also save energy when used with other appliances, lighting and electronic items.

Get the AC to fit your bill Air conditioning can make energy bills soar.

ovens use less energy than full-size ovens and produce less heat. Use lids with pots and pans to keep heat in and use the smallest pot and burner.

Use appliances efficiently Use dishwashers, washing machines and dryers only when they are full, and use the shortest, coolest or most energy-efficient settings.

Turning the AC on when you come home and off when you leave costs less than leaving the AC running continually. You don’t use energy when the air conditioner is off. Choose fans and open windows when you can.

Watch the size of your TV

Choose “Energy Star” Appliances with the Energy Star label use less energy, save money and help protect the environment.

When buying home appliances or electronics, choose highly rated Energy Star models.

The bigger the TV screen, the more energy is used. Some TVs consume more energy than others. LEDs are the most energy efficient, while plasma TVs are energy hogs.

For further information visit

www.belco.bm