Sustainable Jewellery

As a jewellery student in Plymouth, I learned to be wary of using traditionally mined gemstones, which often pollute the air and water, erode soil, and destroy habitats. It is usually hard to tell where a stone originates and whether the workers had safe and fair working conditions.

I set out to find an alternative, which would have the beautiful colours and shine of traditional stones but without the damaging impact on the environment. Down a precarious overgrown path, a little hidden Plymouth beach gave me the answer.

The labour intensive process of breaking down, melting, shaping, sanding and polishing genuine sea glass for each droplet produces a sparkling gem reminiscent of a traditionally mined stone cut to the same cabochon shape. Each piece of glass (many created hundreds of years ago) react differently, sometimes creating swirls and tiny bubbles - even changing colour entirely. most of my sea glass comes from Plymouth, Lyme Regis and South Wales. I use only recycled silver and present my creations in plastic free packaging.