Shifting to more ethical and intelligent ways of working is the zeitgeist of fashion in 2019. Slowly but surely, more brands are placing an emphasis on environmental consciousness and, as ardent supporters of sustainable efforts, we’re celebrating the brands doing just that. Each week, we’ll be meeting the brands fashioning beautiful goods with the greater good in mind.


Making jewellery in the most ethical of ways is part of the DNA of the brand, and woman, that is Pippa Small. The London-based jeweller - who was awarded an MBE by the Queen for her services for ethical jewellery production in 2013 - has an ongoing list of accolades proving her commitment to socially responsible production. Her latest partnership with charitable foundation Turquoise Mountain is a natural step.



“In 2008 I was approached by a mutual friend to design a collection of jewellery in Afghanistan, to compliment a touring exhibition of the famous ‘Bactrian Gold’” explains Pippa, when asked about how the partnership started. “The trade of goods, materials and design aesthetics was extraordinary. I said yes before she had even finished explaining the proposal.” Turquoise Mountain's goal of regenerating countries - like Afghanistan, Myanmar and Jordan - through the revival of traditional crafts since 2006, means creation of jobs in their communities. In 2018, Pippa and Turquoise Mountain celebrated 10 years of working together in Afghanistan, re-educating and engaging previously lost artistic skills. “From beautifully restoring the historic old city's architecture and creating an infrastructure, health clinic and school, as well as a school for traditional craft - wood work, miniature painting, calligraphy and jewellery... I am so proud to be working with them.”



Pippa has taken pains to practice what she preaches, incorporating the traditional craft of Afghan artisanship through her jewellery designs. Afghanistan’s ancient design influences are shown through the shapes and structures of the pieces, while the use of locally-sourced precious stones, such as Panshir Emerald and Lapis lazuli from the ancient mines of Badakshan features strongly. Along with her appreciation of the country's gemstones and mined materials, Pippa’s devotion to her collaboration with Turquoise Mountain lies with a heartfelt desire to help the country from within. “Afghanistan has some beautiful precious gems but so many are smuggled out of the country with no benefit to the country,” states Pippa. “So now the teaching of master stone cutting and goldsmithing allows finished pieces to be sold from within the country and add value to Afghanistan.” 



With over 6000 artisans fully trained up, Pippa’s aim to helping communities continue their craft grows. “I am working with Turquoise Mountain now in Myanmar and Jordan where we are working with refugees from many surrounding countries,” Pippa shares. “My hope for the future is to continue to work with more communities affected by climate change and conflict to provide both jobs and a sense of heritage and pride in their creations.” And as Pippa Small continues to keep artisanal craft alive, we’ll continue to support Pippa.

Shop the rest of the collection below: