Jewellery can have a back story- some romance, humour and a sense of drama.

Most of the pieces in Liz Sherborne's collection fit into a stand, frame or box, so that they will never again be hidden or forgotten. Many pieces come with the poem, song or legend that inspired them originally and all are individual composites of social history. The collection is made locally without exploitation of individuals or the environment. All recycled shell, ivory and coral is over 100 years old and the making of these pieces does not perpetuate the demand for natural gems, animal products or metals/ mining, hunting or harvesting.

"When we were nomads adorning one's self in jewels was quite smart, it meant that you could fight or flee danger without going back for the valuables. From this practical and sound beginning, jewellery emerged, grew and transformed into many other things- a way to communicate status or religious beliefs; an artistic display; a way to separate or conform; a way to communicate ones political views or marital status; even to reach out secretly with coded love messages.

In search of the perfect gem, many have died, species of animals have been driven to extinction, child labour has been exploited and eco systems have been devastated. Gold mining goes hand in hand with devastating cyanide spills. Silver mining is synonymous with child labour and cave-ins. The Mediterranean Red Coral is all but extinct and elephants and turtles fight for survival.

In an attempt to create ethical jewellery, I have sourced all of my materials from antiques and antiquities. The gold and silver I use comes from old metal refined and recast. There is value in all that was once a prized thing of beauty- Lalique vases, Meissen bowls, Ivory hand mirrors and roman glass fragments. I use these to sculpt new pieces of jewellery and try to retain as much of the original as I can whilst making something contemporary and wearable." Liz Sherborne

liz sherbourne.