Sustainability is a hot topic among consumers these days, with conscious buying top of mind. But it’s also filled with mixed messages, gray areas, and misinformation, which can make it difficult for shoppers to feel they’re making purchases that align with their values.
Recycled or reused materials, conflict-free gems or lab-grown ones—customers have plenty of choices, all of which have ways of showing their lesser impact on the environment and its communities. Ultimately, it’s up to the consumer to make their purchases with a brand they feel they can trust. One option for some, though less conventional, is to buy jewelry made with found materials, because they offer the (often true) perception that their use has less impact on the environment.
It’s not always going to be perfect; these materials often are going to accompanied by gold, and other gemstones, and conscious shoppers might want to know the sources of those materials. But the found items can also tell a story that won’t be found anywhere else.
Take the necklace pictured above—with a shark’s tooth dangling from a bezel-set opal in gold—from the California-based Morgan Patricia Designs.
“For as long as I can remember, my mom has been up with the sun for walks along the shoreline to collect her treasures. It’s something we’ve always done as a family, whether we are wandering the beaches of South Florida or New Jersey,” says Carlie Matthews, founder and creator of Morgan Patricia Designs.
“Creating with the shells and shark teeth she finds for me is really special, even more so now that I live across the country. I hope my clients can feel that lighthearted joy and childlike sense of wonder in each piece! They’re always one-of-a-kind and capture the essence of the sea—its power, beauty, and sparkle.”
While sentimentally significant, a connection to nature infuses the brand’s creations, too. “Using found materials has always been important to me as a way to connect with nature and share that connection with others,” Ring says. “I strive to amplify their natural beauty because it reminds me that we’re truly part of something greater than ourselves. I am so grateful to find myself in this sea-inspired niche; each day at my workbench with these ocean treasures feels like coming home.”
“Repurposing found objects, like the antique shotgun barrels we use, keeps these things out of the landfills,” says Chris Ploof, owner and designer of his eponymous brand. “We are taking gun barrels that otherwise would be discarded or—even worse—turned into weapons, and making beautiful long-lasting rings out of them. It’s swords to plowshares. It satisfies our human desire for the newest, latest, and greatest, while respecting the planet and reducing waste. It’s a win-win! And my clients really love it. They respect the artistry and the craftsmanship, for sure, but they value the commitment to sustainability as well. It helps them feel great about their purchase.”
Below, some more of these special jewels made using found materials like wood and shell.
Top: Mini totem necklace in 14k yellow gold with Australian opal and fossilized shark tooth, $540; Morgan Patricia Designs
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