Foundrae’s Ingot Program Transforms Sentimental Jewelry Into Modern Heirlooms
Founded by Beth Hutchens in 2015, Foundrae is celebrated for its jewelry that weaves mythological and personal symbols into wearable pieces. The post Foundrae’s Ingot Program Transforms Sentimental Jewelry Into Modern Heirlooms appeared first on Haute Living.
Foundrae is a brand that has always held a special place in my heart. Founded by Beth Hutchens in 2015, Foundrae is celebrated for its jewelry that weaves mythological and personal symbols into wearable narratives, from medallions adorned with stars (for dreams) to snakes (for rejuvenation). For me, jewelry is already so personal, but Hutchens has taken it a step further, allowing jewelry to transcend beyond the stunning piece into a story.
Photo Credit: Courtesy
Case in point: this April, Foundrae relaunched its transformative Ingot Program at its Lispenard Street flagship in Tribeca and its Miami boutique. The Ingot Program takes the brand’s ethos further, allowing clients to witness the alchemy of gold as it’s melted, poured into an ingot loaf pan, and milled into a sleek, engravable pendant. Requiring just 8–10 grams of metal (think broken chains, single earrings, or outdated charms), the process transforms sentimental pieces—engagement bands, Sweet Sixteen charms, or mismatched earrings—into a new form without any loss of gold’s inherent quality, as gold can be recycled infinitely without degradation. By blending sustainability, personalization, and craftsmanship, Foundrae’s Ingot Program offers a deeply meaningful experience, turning forgotten treasures into modern talismans that tell a unique story.
Photo Credit: Courtesy
For me, as a soon-to-be first-time mother, this experience was incredibly intimate. To be able to take something old—and candidly, meaningless—and transform it into something with a pure, new sentiment created a newfound connection to jewelry I had not experienced.
Photo Credit: Courtesy
Clients book appointments at Foundrae’s Tribeca or Miami locations to experience this metamorphosis firsthand. The process begins with a consultation, where a skilled artisan melts the client’s metal in a crucible, pours it into the signature loaf pan shape, and polishes it to perfection. The pendant can be engraved with 3–18 letters, such as initials, a date, or a meaningful phrase, making it a deeply personal keepsake. All proceeds benefit the Ethical Metalsmiths Organization, which advocates for responsible jewelry practices. Any additional gold needed is sourced from Fairmined, small-scale mining organizations adhering to rigorous ethical standards.
Photo Credit: Courtesy
The Ingot Program aligns with Foundrae’s commitment to sustainability, using 100% recycled or Fairmined gold and re-refined precious metals, ensuring no environmental harm from new mining. “This is a wonderful opportunity for customers to witness the infinitely recyclable capability of gold and the alchemy of transformation,” says Monica Stephenson, president of Ethical Metalsmiths. The program not only breathes new life into unworn jewelry but also educates clients on the importance of ethical sourcing, asking, “Where is your gold from?”
Photo Credit: Courtesy
“It’s about giving your gold a new life,” Hutchens explains, emphasizing the emotional weight of the experience as each pendant is hand-engraved to reflect the wearer’s narrative.
The post Foundrae’s Ingot Program Transforms Sentimental Jewelry Into Modern Heirlooms appeared first on Haute Living.
