Contemporary jewellery with sustainability at its core.

I create unique pieces of jewellery and small editions, from found and reclaimed materials, especially plastics, usually combined with recycled silver.

My work derives from a fascination with different types of materials, which I find and scavenge for use in my work. Often, my starting point will be the shape, colour or texture of something I have found; sea-worn plastics from the beach or scraps of waste sheet materials, which would otherwise be discarded.

Continuing the journey which I started as a mature student at Edinburgh College of Art, I am committed to the ethos of circular economy and environmental sustainability.

My work is a response to materials which have had a ‘former life’ and I am intrigued by the histories of the materials I find or salvage. A fascination with ‘stuff’ and the origins, properties and potential of different materials drives my practice.

I aim to make jewellery which is beautiful and intriguing, rather than purely decorative, questioning the nature of ‘preciousness’ and disposability. 

Eleanor Symms at her desk

Sustainability

I am committed to making work which is ethical and sustainable. Along with using reclaimed non-precious materials, I also use 100% recycled silver. As more eco options in other metals become available, I am switching to these. I minimise waste, reusing as much as I possibly can and recycling what I am not able to re-use. I am working towards removing or minimising processes and materials which have a negative environmental impact. I no longer purchase new precious and semi-precious stones and beads when I have no evidence of ethical provenance and reuse and recycle stones and beads wherever possible. I also use eco-friendly and recycled packaging and display materials.

I graduated from Edinburgh College of Art with Distinction in 2012. I exhibit in the UK and internationally and I am a Professional Member of Applied Arts Scotland, a member of the Association for Contemporary Jewellery , Precious Collective, Closing the Loop Research Group, the Crafts Council Directory , Tea Green Maker Directory and Craft Scotland Directory of Makers. I am also a member of the Green Crafts Initiative.