As Creative Director of Foundrae, Beth Bugdaycay’s artistic hand can be seen in every piece of jewelry the company creates. Bugdaycay and her husband Murat founded Foundrae in 2015 with the intention of crafting modern heirlooms that can sustain through generations. At the heart of Foundrae’s designs is a collection of carefully curated symbols and talismans, each with its own intention and purpose.

Bugdaycay will lend her perspective to the CFDA’s ‘The Gold Standard’ virtual panel this April 21st, joining experts in the industry in providing an inside view of the world of ethical sourcing and the production of sustainable jewelry. 

We sat down with her to hear more about Foundrae.

What initially inspired you to use recycled gold and re-refined precious metals for your pieces?

About six months into starting Foundrae, I saw a documentary about destructive gold mining practices that was very alarming.  

Can you talk more about your production and sourcing process?

We select our supplier partners  based on their capabilities and innovation.  All of the suppliers are RJC certified and have plans to support sustainability. We work with artisans globally, there are techniques and talent everywhere in the world and that is truly what guides our supplier decision making. We also believe in partnerships, we only start relationships we feel will serve us for years to come. Most of our suppliers are family businesses just like us. 

Can you tell us more about the Earth Day recycled gold initiative? 

We thought this initiative could start to prompt people to think about where gold is sourced from and whether their purchase power is aligned with their sentiments. I also love how satisfying it feels to take the detritus of our jewelry boxes and convert it into something that will be loved and worn. I think watching the whole melting process and then the transformation into something new could be cathartic. 

You are speaking in the CFDA Conversation around sustainable and ethical jewelry production and design on April 21st. What critical issues facing people and planet do you think the jewelry industry needs to be discussing now? 

Everyone should be focused on continuous improvement. It takes real commitment to conscious sourcing, and you may not be able to knock it all out at once…a plan and a commitment to continuous improvement. 

What organizations or initiatives are inspiring you lately? 

Ethical Metalsmiths

Responsible Jewelry Council