AURUM ETHOS
Beauty with a Conscience
Aurum Ethos began with a simple belief: that beauty should never come at the expense of people, planet, or truth. Most goods come with marketing, but not much truth. We exist to change that.
We are a small, independent brand offering ethically sourced artisan-crafted goods, built for thoughtful buyers who care about where things come from and what they represent. From handmade candles to textiles, every item we offer is grounded in dignity, story, and intention.
Our founder, Ben Marcus, started this business to support people who add value to our lives through their hands and hard work. We offer beautiful, ethically made items that honor people, place, and process, and to make education part of the experience.
Our Values
The Aurum Ethos Standard
10% of every purchase goes to support the domestic artisan-made market through partnership with nonprofits and direct grants to makers. We look to help budding artisans grow their craft and businesses. The Maker Fund is our way of reinvesting directly into the ecosystem we rely on. By giving back, we help ensure that the next generation of artisans can build sustainable livelihoods and carry forward their craft. Visit the Maker Fund page for more information. Your purchase is both a gift to yourself and a seed for future makers.
We work with small-scale artisans and studios whose practices reflect care, safety, and human dignity. That means no exploitation and no supply chains that rely on secrecy or harm. Only real people doing honest work with skill and pride. Fair labor is not just a principle for us, it is a safeguard for preserving traditions, communities, and livelihoods. When you purchase from us, you are investing in makers who can thrive with integrity. We believe dignity in work should be visible in every finished piece.
Whenever possible, we partner with operations that tread lightly. Those that minimize environmental disruption and work in harmony with the land and their communities. We know that every product leaves a footprint, so our goal is to make sure that footprint is as gentle as possible. By supporting responsible harvesting, renewable practices, and ecological balance, we honor the land that sustains both makers and buyers. Every purchase is a step toward a marketplace that values balance over depletion.
We keep our collections small and intentional. Every offering is chosen with care, not churned for volume. Every vendor is chosen for their skill and story. Purposeful curation allows us to highlight meaning over excess and ensure each piece has a reason to be here. We want our customers to feel not just ownership, but connection, with the things they choose. Our collections are designed to bring fewer, better things into everyday life.
We only carry goods that come with a known place of origin and a sourcing path we can speak to. If we cannot trace where something came from, who made it, or how it got to us, we do not offer it, no matter how beautiful it is. Transparency builds trust, and we believe that customers deserve to know the story behind what they bring into their homes. By choosing traceable goods, we help strengthen a culture of accountability in the artisan economy. It is our promise that every item comes with a clear and honest story of origin.
How We Source
We focus on domestic sourcing because we believe in building real relationships with artisans and supporting their families and the communities they live in.
We avoid vague bulk inventory. We avoid pricing that feels too good to be true. And we avoid faceless brands with iffy origin.
Our guiding questions are always:
- Who made it?
- Do we feel comfortable standing behind it?
- Can we tell its story with honesty and care?
If the answers are yes, it may become part of our collection. If not, we move on to find the right match for you.
Sourced with Dignity
Every item begins with people. Responsibly sourced, respectfully crafted, and transparently shared.
Crafted in the U.S.
We partner with small-batch artisans across the country to honor skill, heritage, and story.
A Story in Every Piece
Your order includes printed narratives and provenance details, because meaning matters.
Fair Shipping & Returns
Free domestic shipping for all orders over $75. Inexpensive returns up to 45 days after purchase.