Welcome
I create unique, handcrafted contemporary jewellery from beautiful recycled silver which is made for giving, without excessive cost to the earth.
Wrapping is sustainably sourced, recycled, and, wherever possible, biodegradable.
Buying recycled silver jewellery is an environmentally good choice to make.
"Outstanding service, beautiful quality, stunning design, very reasonably priced. One delighted daughter. We’ll be back. Thank you so much x"
“The whole experience was gift-giving as it should be: a very special product, and efficient and personal service, and the added bonus of ethically sourced sustainable materials.”
collections
Each piece in the Lunaria collection uniquely reflects the delicacy of a seedpod. In the main, the inspiration for these pieces has come specifically from the seedpod of Lunaria Annua, or as it’s commonly known: Honesty.
Some of my earliest designs were achieved by forming spirals of silver, and these have continued to be very popular. There’s something about a spiral, or a twirl of silver when it catches the light that is both inviting and intriguing. This collection includes rings, earrings, pins, and bangles which are all defined in some way by the spiral.
A labour of love, sustainability and sparkle. Each piece has been handmade using recycled silver, vintage lace and, for some, a unique ancient Korean technique that adds a touch of 24ct gold magic. The result is a beautiful fusion of heritage and contemporary design,
The pieces in this collection have all been created by imprinting genuine Nottingham lace onto recycled silver and then coaxing the metal into shapes that reflect the flowing movement of heavy lace. The collection celebrates the historic craftsmanship associated with the trade that was so important for the local area.
COMMISSIONS
A lot of my jewellery is made after a specific request from someone who knows the kind of thing they want, but can’t quite find it anywhere to buy. Some people have a very fixed idea about what it should look like, others have a less well-formed plan, but love the idea of having something made that is completely unique.
If one of my pieces catches your eye, but would like to vary some part of it – maybe the type of gemstone, or the texture on a ring, or the length of some earrings, then just get in touch. Or you may just fancy something completely different and need help thinking through a design.
Either way, I’d love to hear from you.
sustainability
When I launched Susannah Brookes Sustainable Jewellery Design, I was keen to ensure that I made environmentally and ethically sound choices in all parts of my business – not just in the materials I use to craft the pieces, but also in the methods I use and in my broader decisions about what I do.
ethical considerations
I have committed to using 100% recycled silver rather than silver that is newly mined. This means there is a significant reduction, for example, in the carbon emissions and water usage associated with the metal I am using. I am currently exploring the best ways to source stones which have traceable supply chains and are fairly traded.
waste-less
It’s important that your jewellery is well protected as it travels to you, and this part of the process has probably been the most challenging to ensure properly eco-friendly choices are made. I use recycled and recyclable postal boxes with plastic and acid-free tape and sometimes recyclable tissue. But the stars of the show are the hemp wraps and bamboo silk ribbon I use to swaddle the jewellery. Hemp and bamboo are two of the most sustainable materials on earth – and are both biodegradable – so you could even put them in the compost bin if you can bear to throw them away!
community contribution
As well as using environmentally-kind materials, I am also trying to address some wider sustainable development goals in my business. For me this means being ethically responsible about things like water usage, single-use plastic and energy consumption. It also means making decisions that champion other small businesses, contribute to the local community, and support charitable enterprise. I am always interested in exploring other ways of promoting these values. For example, all the pieces in the Solitude Collection will arrive gift-wrapped in beautiful sari silk ribbon which has been produced using waste fabric left over from sari manufacturing, and supplied by Yarn Yarn, a small company which works to support women in isolated communities of northern India.
I’m committing to donating 10% of the future profits from my business to a local and sustainable charity, which I am currently exploring. Let me know if you have a great recommendation!
the mindful maker
I am proud to be part of the Mindful Maker Directory, curated by Ford and Guy (check out their gorgeous handmade sustainable and ethical clothing range). Together we celebrate the many wonderful small businesses that are really serious about reducing their impact on the environment. We encourage you to start with one of those, rather than shopping with larger companies with hidden supply chains.
every cloud has a silver lining
Read my musings on the inspiration behind my work and my ambition to run an eco-conscious and sustainable jewellery business.
