about us
WORKSHOP one80 designs and makes simple contemporary jewellery for men and women. We specialise in using recycled materials such as brass, glass and pewter and we are passionate about traditional skills from around the world. Nothing about our pieces feels mass produced and we love the imperfections that come from some of these ancient techniques.
All our distinctive elements are designed by us and made by small family groups of artisans from West Africa to the tip of Cornwall. Each different production has it’s own story so do keep reading if you’d like to know more….
Recycled Brass
The recycled brass is from West Africa and comes from old plumbing fittings, collected and transformed using the ancient Asante Lost Wax Process. With no electricity available this is then fired in an earth kiln. The whole process gives the metal a wonderful worn quality and minor ‘imperfections’ are an integral part of the design.
Recycled Glass
Also from West Africa our recycled glass beads have a wonderful sea worn quality. Individually handmade using clay molds fired in an earth kiln, each piece is completely unique and all the lovely colours are produced purely from the original glass with no added chemicals.
Pewter
The pewter elements are made by a father and son team in Cornwall just before it drops into the Celtic Sea. The pewter is 100% lead free and the tin and copper content is sourced from recycled electronics.
Recycled Bronze
Also from our Cornish workshop, our 100% recycled bronze elements are individually moulded and cast using the lost wax process. Discarded electonics are melted down and the makers tool marks are clearly visible on each piece.
Discarded Coconut
The coconut charms are made by a small group of disabled crafts people on a remote island in the Indian Ocean. The cream colour comes from coconuts that are immature.
.....And finally
All these wonderful elements arrive at our small workshop in Stroud where we use them to make and hand stamp each piece to order. This whole process is what gives everyone of our pieces it’s own unique identity that is all about traditional artsian skills and good clean design.
We hope you will love our range as much as we enjoy making it.
WORKSHOP one80 only works with groups with the highest work standards and fair trade credentials.