Affiliate Disclosure
Last updated: 8 October 2026
The short version
Some articles and newsletters from The Gem contain affiliate links. If you click one and buy something, we may receive a small commission from the retailer at no extra cost to you. Affiliate relationships never decide which pieces, makers or brands we cover.
How we choose what to feature
Editorial decisions on The Gem are made independently. We choose pieces, makers and stories on craft, design, history and what we think readers will find worth their time. Whether a retailer runs an affiliate programme plays no part. A piece is not more likely to be featured because a commission is attached, and it is not left out because there isn't one.
Where an affiliate link is available, we use it. Where one is not, we link to the maker or retailer directly. The recommendation is the same either way.
Where you'll find affiliate links
Any article containing affiliate links carries a short notice near the top of the page, before the first link. We do not bury it.
The Edit and Guides are where affiliate links most often appear: curated selections and buying advice. Stories, our house histories and cultural pieces, generally do not contain them.
The newsletter
The Friday newsletter may also contain affiliate links. When it does, the letter says so.
Affiliate networks we work with
We work with Awin and with selected retailers directly, and may add other established networks over time. When you click an affiliate link, the retailer may set its own cookies to attribute the referral. We do not receive personal data about you from these transactions, only an aggregate commission report.
Sponsored content
Sponsored content is a different thing entirely. Where a brand or maker has paid for a piece, it is clearly labelled Sponsored or Partner content at the top of the article. Sponsored content is rare on The Gem and is always editorially reviewed.
Gifts and press samples
From time to time, makers and brands send pieces for review or photography. Receiving a sample does not guarantee coverage, and we disclose when a piece featured in an article was provided by the maker. We do not accept paid placement disguised as editorial.
Questions
If you have any questions about affiliate links, sponsored content or our editorial independence, please use the contact page. We are happy to answer.