There are pieces of jewelry that you wear on special occasions, pieces that you wear every day, and pieces that make your life more colorful and serve as a kind of talisman. I’m sure that everyone has their own special piece of jewelry. TOM WOOD jewelry is characterized by its minimalist design, its functional beauty that blends gently with the skin, and its items that have an essence that appeals to the hearts of adults. These genderless items, which are chosen by those who pursue style regardless of whether they are male or female, are loved by fashionistas of all ages. We will take a closer look at the appeal of TOM WOOD, which captivates so many people.
TOM WOOD was established in Oslo, Norway in 2013 by Mona Jansen, who is the founder and creative director. It is located at the tip of a fjord, and is one of the beautiful cities that coexist with the great nature of the sea and greenery. As you can associate with the big keyword “Northern Europe”, it is cold and long in winter. For this reason, functionality is a very important point for her. TOM WOOD’s jewelry is simple and easy to use, so it can be enjoyed over a long period of time, in a variety of situations, and by a single consumer. The items, which are inorganic but somehow have a sense of warmth, give a sense of Scandinavianness. The jewelry, which was born in such a nature-rich place, is made on the premise of being sustainable.
Environmentally friendly, people-friendly
Issues facing the jewelry industry, which has been attracting attention in recent years, include water pollution and greenhouse gases, but TOM WOOD has been dealing with environmental issues since its founding. They don’t think of sustainability as a fashion sense that flows with the times. Behind the jewelry industry, large amounts of water and dynamite (which emits CO2) are consumed when mining precious metals and gems. In addition, it is a fact that there are people and children who are paid low wages and work in dangerous and harsh environments at such sites. While there are some brands that have managed to avoid such problems by clarifying the production areas, the fact still exists in the jewelry industry, where it is difficult to ensure transparency. However, the precious metals used in TOM WOOD are 100% recycled. The goal is to make 100% of the diamonds and 30% of the colored stones traceable by 2024. These gems are purchased from suppliers that are certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC). The fact that all data is quantified and transparent for consumers is a great reassurance when choosing products.
The three “Ps” for Product, People, and Planet
TOM WOOD’s jewelry, which places importance on sustainability, has arrived at a method of jewelry production that does not break with its own traditions. While taking responsibility for the “production” process and thoroughly pursuing sustainable manufacturing, they are also combining craftsmanship and the latest technology to create innovative techniques while protecting traditional culture. An example of this is the investment in an atelier equipped with 3D printers and laser engraving machines. Using 3D printers allows for efficient completion of work from design to sample creation. By incorporating traditional casting methods (a method of pouring liquid metal heated to a temperature higher than its melting point into a mold), jewelry can be created in a more streamlined way. By actively incorporating the latest technology and innovative creations, TOM WOOD’s workshop inevitably leads to a focus on a good working environment. The team, which is made up of people from 10 different nationalities, is a harmonious blend of a workforce with diverse backgrounds, and this leads to the creation of more creative and better ideas. The company’s founder, Mona Jansen, and 53% of the management team are women, and the company aims to maintain gender equality in the future. It has also been decided that 1/3 of the board members will be women from 2024 onwards. All employees are given equal opportunities, and the team, which is mutually enhancing each other, has infinite possibilities, and the future growth is immeasurable. At TOM WOOD, the team is working together to tackle environmental issues. The total greenhouse gas emissions for 2023 were 356 tCO2e, which is a 22% reduction compared to the previous year. The greenhouse gas emissions from jewelry production were reduced by 79%. The use of recycled metals was a major factor in achieving this reduction.
The only store outside Japan is an oasis in Minami Aoyama that runs on renewable energy.
TOM WOOD has its only store outside of its home country in Minami Aoyama, Tokyo. The modern space is filled with the attention to detail of its founder, Mona Jansen. The store uses renewable energy from solar panels. The silver fixtures that stand out in the pure white space are made from recyclable, long-lasting materials such as aluminum. The store is made up of two floors, with the first floor housing items exclusive to the Aoyama store and archive products. The second floor is like a secret garden that only invited guests can enter, and it is lined with furniture and art works selected by Mona Janssen. The space, which features furniture by Daisuke Yamamoto and dining tables made from reclaimed wood, has a completely different feel to the first floor. “I want to create a space where we can share not only products, but also culture and energy.” This flagship store, which is sustainable, functional and full of style, will give guests a new perspective on the world.
The ideas of TOM WOOD really get to us. In an age where mass production and mass disposal have become the norm, his approach is like a cry of “What are you doing?”. It’s an attempt to change the world, not as someone else’s problem, but as something we can do ourselves. If each of us takes responsibility and seriously faces up to the issues, even small things can be transformed into big changes.
writer
Atsushi Nakayama
Born in 1995. Born in Kochi Prefecture. After studying abroad in the U.S., he went to Australia for a working holiday and joined the 2024 Tender Party. She is in charge of sustainability and fashion related issues. Sometimes modeling. Occasional cat sitter.
BRAND NAME
Tom Wood
Tom Wood
COMPANY NAME
SHOWROOM: Steady Study
SHOWROOM: Steady Study
INFORMATION
It has people from 93 countries, with 77% of its employees and 36% of its leadership positions held by women.
Transition packaging to fully certified or recycled materials by 30 years and make it fully recyclable or compostable.
2024/11/06
BRAND NAME
WOLFORD
WOLFORD
COMPANY NAME
SHOEROOM: LITTLE LEAGUE INC.
SHOEROOM: LITTLE LEAGUE INC.
INFORMATION
The company aims to achieve biological or scientific recycling of half of its products by 2025. 2015 Bluesign certified. In our own factories, we use groundwater for dyeing and cooling systems, which is reused after scientific treatment. Creating an environment that protects worker safety.
2024/11/05
BRAND NAME
MYKITA
マイキータ
COMPANY NAME
SHOWROOM: Pred PR
ショールーム: プレッドピーアール
INFORMATION
フレームは全てベルリンのMYKITA HAUSで手作り。素材のステンレススチールは90%がリサイクル素材。2022年にアイウェア業界で初めて、従来のアセテートからサステナブルな『アセテート・リニュー』に完全移行。ISCC認証
2024/11/06
BRAND NAME
SERGIO ROSSI
SERGIO ROSSI
COMPANY NAME
SHOEROOM: Steady Study
SHOEROOM: Steady Study
INFORMATION
63% of its employees are women, 37% are men, and 61% of its technicians and craftsmen have been with the company for more than 10 years. 100% of electricity in Italian factories, facilities, and stores is produced from renewable sources, saving more than 1,260 tons of CO (as of 23 years)
2024/11/05
BRAND NAME
SWAROVSKI JEWELRY
SWAROVSKI JEWELRY
COMPANY NAME
SHOWROOM: Steady Study
SHOWROOM: Steady Study
INFORMATION
22% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. 53% renewable energy used in the production process.
100% recycled gold and silver, achieving 100% traceability.
50% of the management team is female.
2024/11/06