Circular by Design
Upcycled jewelry of unexpected materials and combinations. Designs made to be taken apart and reimagined again and again. For those who believe the future of fashion is slow and beautiful, and that beauty and care for the planet belong together.
Upcycled jewelry, explained
Upcycled jewelry is made from materials that already exist, given a new design rather than thrown away or melted down. Sustainability is part of how I create, not a look you have to wear. Circular by Design means breathing new life into outdated or forgotten jewelry. Most designs come with their own Environmental Impact Statement, with modelled estimates of the carbon emissions and water impacts avoided by reusing existing materials.
Flaming Heart joins old stock coral with an antique heart pendant, vintage metal beads from Afghanistan and Nepali capped coral. Nest of Dreams sets six rare vintage turquoise beads among vintage Berber and Afghan metal beads. Berber Symphony gathers antique Berber enamel beads with recycled-metal bicone beads from Mali.
Questions about upcycled jewelry
Is upcycled jewelry really sustainable?
Reusing what already exists avoids producing the same materials new, and a design's Environmental Impact Statement estimates the carbon and water that reuse avoids. The figures are modelled estimates from a model developed by Oxia Initiative, not direct measurements.
Is upcycled jewelry the same as recycled jewelry?
Not quite. Recycling breaks a material down to make something new; upcycling keeps the bead, pearl or pendant as it is and gives it a new design. Some metal beads here are recycled; the antique and vintage beads are upcycled.
Can a piece be redesigned again later?
Yes. A redesign begins with a private consultation by appointment; together we explore a new design while preserving the elements you want to keep.
Can the length be changed, or matching earrings added?
Yes. A length or clasp change is $20 CAD plus materials, and matching earrings are $25 CAD. Write to me before you order and I will tell you what the piece allows.