Origins of animal materials


Onetribe utilizes an array of different animal materials in the production of many styles of jewelry. Some of these materials include domesticated Indonesian water buffalo horn and bone, deer and moose antler, African antelope horn, porcupine quills, and teeth and horns from many other exotic and domestic animals.

We do not mass purchase or waste these materials, nor do we ever utilize any illegal or endangered animal material. We go to great lengths to ensure our animal material comes from responsible sources, and we make it a point to obtain paperwork where necessary and comply with all applicable rules and regulations for imported materials.

Every material we utilize is a byproduct: of hunting in some cultures, domesticated farm animal work in others, accidents, or is found (such as deer antlers in the woodland areas of the US). In many instances the animals are being used for farming plants such as rice which makes up 50%+ of the culture's diet, or are being used to feed people in instances where there are no alternatives like shopping at a market. No animal is ever harmed with the sole intent of usage for our work. All of these materials are carved into beautiful objects to celebrate life and fully use each animal that passes away.

Origins of plant materials


Where possible, Onetribe wood products are made of woods harvested from plots engaged in controlled reforestation. This means that for every tree that is cut, at least one is replanted. The use of these controlled plots means the wood becomes a less limited, more easily renewable resource, jobs are created, and there is no reason to needlessly destroy our precious old-growth forests.

We sometimes have the good fortune to stumble across unique wood sources found on private land, held in private stock, old stock (antique wood) held in sample collections, or that have been salvaged from other crafts or industries. We analyze the usability of each of these on a case by case basis and select the best materials for use in our art. We will not use any wood which has been commercially processed, chemically impregnated, painted, stained or has come into contact with any potentially hazardous substances. We sometimes go through the effort of drying our own stock, which can take years.

We always work to ensure that we use only legal, safe and responsible sources and aim to comply with all applicable import and export paperwork involved in the trading of plant materials. All of our wood and bamboo (grass) products are vegan friendly and many of the natural essential oils used in our finishing blends are third-party certified organic.

Origins of stone materials


We make serious efforts to verify the sources of all stone we use for ethical reasons. We both find and source our stone and gems, and we always gain permission from property owners and/or verify the permissions when stone is not mined. We also refrain from sourcing stone which may have prevented erosion or where obtaining the sample may have caused property damage. We sometimes utilize precious gemstones for decoration in our pieces. We only use certified origin natural gemstones from a trustworthy, verified source, and we absolutely do not under any circumstances ever posses or endorse possession of conflict gemstones, such as "blood diamonds," from military controlled mines.

Origins of labor


In addition to being an environmentally responsible business, we are also a socially responsible one. We encourage our employees to utilize alternative transportation to and from work and provide incentives in the form of bike repairs & upgrades and reimbursement for mass transit. This keeps us and our environment healthy and gives us time to reflect on our day to day lives and appreciate what's going on around us. Onetribe participates in and encourages charity and non-profit donations and work, and all employees regularly participate in such events. This interaction with each other and the public is humbling and betters us all. One of the most important things we can do is care about, and take care of, our employees and their families. We are very adamant about corporate responsibility to employees and society as a whole, and we offer a 100% paid benefits package that proves even a very small business can have a big effect on the world around it.

We have two workshops: one in Richmond, Virginia USA and one in Bali, Indonesia. Jared Karnes (Onetribe's founder) makes a considerable amount of jewelry in our Virginia workshop, including virtually all of our custom pieces and much of the wood, antler and amber jewelry we carry.

While there are many companies that outsource labor for carving jewelry, particularly to South-East Asia, there are very few that take the steps that we do to ensure the best for our employees abroad. Employees both domestically and abroad are paid a living wage, which is always considerably above the "minimum" wage sanctioned by government bodies in each area. We employ a very good friend of Jared's named Koming who is Indonesian, along with his older brother and other friends and family members exclusively. They are "in house" work, our labor is not "outsourced" and we do not price compete - they set prices for their labor depending on the efforts for every material and style they help us bring to you. Koming is permitted to manage his team however he wishes since they are his friends and family, and it is a very open and communicative work environment. The business provides or purchases virtually all materials and most tools, so that it is not necessary for individuals to use their personal funds to complete projects. Obviously with cultural differences, time conflicts have the opportunity to arise, so we allow our team to take off all the time they require for religious ceremonies and holidays. Jared visits Indonesia regularly to pursue his anthropological interests in South East Asian culture, and to work closely with our friends on developing exclusive new designs and utilizing new materials.