Sustainable Custom Jewelry Company Thrives in Down Economy

(3BLMedia/theCSRfeed) Oakland, CA -April 28, 2010 -  Like most industries, the jewelry sector has been hit hard by the down economy. Hundreds of jewelry retailers have been forced to close their doors while other, well-known companies have filed for bankruptcy protection. Despite this, C5 company, which launched in the spring of 2008 as a sustainable custom jewelry business, has just had its best quarter to date.

Meghan Connolly Haupt started the company after realizing (when shopping for her engagement ring) that traditional jewelry retailers were failing consumers who wanted more than just sparkle. Offering exceptional personal service with the opportunity for clients to create their own unique rings, coupled with a mission to provide beautiful jewelry with minimal social and environmental impact, has helped propel C5. They are attracting clients who recognize that the value of the piece includes the experience of purchasing it as well as the story associated with it. Just as the ring will likely be passed down for generations to come, so too will be the positive story of commitment and responsibility behind it.

Meghan, whose background ranges from violence prevention efforts in East Los Angeles to marketing consulting with solar energy companies, has developed a collaborative process that allows the client to take on the role of designer. “We provide guidance and education empowering our clients to create exactly what they want, not what we want to sell them,” said Meghan.

C5 has tapped into the emerging consumer zeitgeist of personal service and a connection to the product.  “My engagement ring means so much more knowing that it was designed specifically for me by my fiancé and that it was made from ethically sourced diamonds and recycled metal,” said C5 client, Jaime Bruner.

C5 is attracting consumers and celebrities alike. Actors Ed Begley, Jr. and Rachelle Carson-Begley, well regarded as Hollywood’s environmental leaders, approached C5 in late 2009 and just signed on as spokespersons.

Personalization can be as simple as custom engraving, or in most cases, a uniquely designed setting. One of the more interesting pieces C5 has created had petite custom filigree in the shape of music notes to reflect the recipient’s love of music. C5 is currently working on a three-stone ring with a setting inspired by a world-famous bridge, the location of where the couple met.

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About C5 company C5 company, based in Oakland, California, specializes in sustainable, custom jewelry. All jewelry is manufactured in the United States from 100% reclaimed precious metals and ethically sourced gems that have been traced from mine to market. www.C5company.com   C56290