Caroline Brogden - Contemporary Jewellery South Yorkshire, United Kingdom

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Caroline creates bold, contemporary jewellery using Surfite, a by-product of surfboard manufacturing, and recycled precious metals. The Surfite is all sourced from British board shapers and purchased as part of a circular economy. Her work is inspired by her coastal life, aiming to evoke the wearers memories of days by the sea while promoting sustainability.

Sustainability is the driving story behind my jewellery collection and the showcase would be a brilliant chance to demonstrate to individuals that art and sustainability can co-exist and thrive together. The primary element of my jewellery is a waste material originating from the surfboard manufacturing process. From this “surfite” I carve unique forms to create rings, necklaces and earrings. I have spent a number of years developing partnerships with British surfboard shapers to create a circular economy by purchasing their waste and working on ways to reduce the environmental impact of the raw material. Each piece of Surfite is carved by hand under water using a self-built lapidary wheel made from repurposed components (the motor was originally part of a wood lathe; another section is an old axel and the outside casing is built from old conservatory panels). The electricity to power the wheel is generated via solar panels and the water used comes from our home water harvesting system. The Surfite is often combined with elements of recycled Sterling Silver. The precious metal elements are soldered using a hydrogen torch to limit the use of fossil fuels. Lifestyle shots taken on location on my local beaches are always done alongside a beach clean. The marine debris is then sorted, recycled and repurposed where possible. Finally, packaging is kept to a minimum and is made from recycled FSC assured pulp. My jewellery collection aims to not only highlight the beauty in slow, thoughtful craftmanship but also act as a reminder of the beauty and potential of sustainable design. Through my work I hope to inspire a shift in how we view waste and underscore the need for mindful consumption.