Is Connemara Marble Sustainable?

At Connemara Marble, we believe that in sharing the beauty of Ireland’s national gemstone with the world, it is our duty to protect that beauty. Our resident Connemara sheep wouldn’t have it any other way!

From quarry to finished piece, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. For us, crafting authentic Irish jewelry is not only about celebrating heritage but also about caring for the land that gives us this rare and precious stone.

Gentle Quarrying – Respecting the Land

Our marble is hand-lifted from our quarry in Lissoughter, Recess, Co. Galway, with as little disturbance to the land as possible. We never use chemicals or harsh treatments. Each piece of marble is polished simply with natural beeswax, allowing the stone’s natural beauty to shine through.

When a section of the quarry has been worked, we leave it to reseed naturally. Connemara’s unique ecosystem is best restored by Mother Nature herself — wildflowers, grasses, and mosses return in their own time, protecting the delicate balance of the land.

Even the water that flows through our quarry is protected. It passes through a three-chamber natural filtration system, ensuring that only pure mountain water reaches the watershed below. In our Dublin workshop, we use grey water recycling systems to further reduce waste.

A Heritage of Careful Craftsmanship

Our methods are inspired by history. Quarrying began here in the 19th century, and traditional techniques, first developed by the ancient Greeks, were used. Known as line drilling or plugging and feathering, it involves carefully drilling a line of small holes into the rock and then easing the block free using steel plugs and feathers.

It is a slow and painstaking process, but it allows us to lift the marble with minimal impact. Even today, we still use a combination of these traditional methods, guided by patience and respect for the stone that has lain in the ground for over 900 million years.

Ethical Jewelry – No Waste, No Compromise

Every crumb of marble we lift is used — nothing is wasted. To discard it would be to disrespect the gift we’ve been given. Many of our smaller marble gifts, such as Shamrock keyrings or worry stones, are created from offcuts, ensuring every piece of marble finds a purpose.

Most of our jewelry is set in sterling silver or gold — metals that can be melted and reformed infinitely without losing their quality. From an environmental perspective, this means beauty without waste.

Supporting Local Communities

Sustainability isn’t just about the environment — it’s about people too. Connemara Marble is a third-generation family business, and community has always been at the core of what we do. This year we are celebrating our 80^th anniversary!

Back in the 1940s, John Walsh, the second generation of our family business, began training local craftspeople so they could work from home, creating rosary beads and jewelry from Connemara Marble and wood. This flexible approach meant less travel, reduced emissions, and, most importantly, a better balance for family life.

We still follow this tradition today. Many of our skilled homeworkers handcraft pieces in their own homes — from jewelry to rosaries and marble gifts. This not only lowers our carbon footprint but also preserves craft skills and provides stable work. The proof? The average length of service among our team is more than 20 years!

Our Promise

At Connemara Marble, we live by the motto:

“There is no greater designer than Mother Nature Herself.”

By respecting the land, using traditional methods, supporting our community, and embracing renewable energy, we are proud to say that Connemara Marble is sustainable, ethical, and timeless.

When you choose a piece from our collection — whether it’s a Connemara Marble bracelet, a pendant, or one of our Irish gifts — you’re not just wearing Ireland’s rare green gemstone. You’re wearing a story of heritage, sustainability, and respect for nature.

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