As you all know, when Katie and I opened Mint Collective in 2020, we got a lot of our inspiration from the shops in Duck, North Carolina, while quarantining with the family!

As with any business, we are constantly evolving, dropping lines that don’t work, and adding new ones! Adding the new is what’s the most fun for us!

Fast forward to 2022, and I am visiting one of our favorite shops in Duck, you know, just trying to support local… when I discovered this fabulous new dainty jewelry line! I fell in love with the Mama ring and treated myself! I chatted with the owner a bit (the boys just LOVE when I do this) about this new line. Once I learned the story behind the brand, I knew we needed to bring these beauties to Alexandria. Keep reading - I think you’ll agree that Ella Stein is a perfect fit for Mint Collective.

Woman-Owned, Affordable, Sustainable, Eco-Friendly

The philosophy behind this women-owned brand is to bring diamond jewelry to the market that is as affordable as it is sustainable. Ella Stein’s jewelry is created using certified recycled sterling silver and sustainable diamonds. All of the pieces are available in 14k gold plated sterling silver, and each piece comes wrapped in reusable packaging made from recycled materials. How adorable is that box?

Did you know that when an engagement ring is cut, an average of 60 percent of the stone is thrown away? Ella Stein sorts and uses these tiny symbols of love in their jewelry, reducing environmental waste and making their jewelry completely sustainable.

The diamonds in the jewelry are hand cut and polished by self-employed women in Gujarat, India. They work alongside their children and friends in their homes to lift their families out of poverty and give themselves a better life. Each piece of their jewelry is then handcrafted by talented female artisans in Mumbai, India. They work together in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility where they receive fair wages, retirement and medical benefits, and six months of maternity leave.

We couldn’t be more excited for this line to arrive! Check out @shopmintcollective on Instagram for more information!