It’s an exciting time to rethink jewellery materials, this is why! ⬇️
With gold and silver at extraordinarily high prices, many jewellery designers are adapting how they work. While global markets sit outside our control, material choice is something designers can control.
This guide focuses on practical, creative responses, not abandoning precious metals, but using materials more intentionally to stay flexible and confident during uncertain times.
Alternative materials allow designers to keep making and testing ideas without the heavy financial pressure of high precious metal costs, either on their own, or thoughtfully combined with silver, gold or gemstones.
💡 Why designers explore alternative materials
• Reduce material risk when testing ideas
• Keep collections moving without heavy upfront costs
• Explore colour, texture and form beyond metal alone
• Use precious metals more selectively
✨How alternative materials are used
• As the primary material, with precious metal details
• Combined with silver, gold or gemstones
• For prototyping and limited runs
• To create strong material narratives
🔍 Featured jewellery by designers currently exhibiting at FORGE:
• Lynne Bartlet — anodised titanium
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@selinijewellery — lab-grown gems & stainless steel
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@yuzepan0456 — anodised aluminium
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@lizwillisjewellery — found objects & textiles
•
@freefoldstudio — specialist paper
•
@shaneisfullname — PVD-coated titanium
⚒️ If you’d like to explore alternative materials in your own practice, we’re hosting hands-on workshops throughout the year, including:
🌈 Anodising niobium - Mon 9 Feb, £200
📿Pearl stringing - Mon 23 Feb, £165
🪵Wood, silver & pearl inlay - Fri 25 Sep, £165
🎨 Colouring anodising aluminium, Mon 11 May, £145
Enamelling - Various workshops throughout the year.
💬 Comment “workshops” to receive more details and booking links.
📌 Save this post to refer back to for inspiration!
🔄 Feel free to share & repost to explain why you are using or exploring new materials 😊
👉 Follow FORGE for more guides, insights, tips, events and workshops.
#jewellerymaking #alternativejewellery #jewellerydesigner #hattongarden contemporaryjewellery
