Day In The Life Of Cornish Eco Jeweller Sarah Drew Jewellery

Sarah Drew is a Cornish jeweller who makes stunning, contemporary eclectic jewellery. Sarah's designs are so inspirational to us and we think they will be to any jeweller looking to create unique, one-off designs that stand out from the crowd. Using materials such as driftwood, sea plastic, sea glass and pebbles, Sarah uses her surrounding environment to make eco-friendly and ethical jewellery. Discover Sarah's designs and learn more about her inspiration and processes below.

Watch Sarah's day in the life of a jeweller

We asked Sarah to share a day in the life of a jeweller, sharing a tour of her St Austell workshop, her design processes with a peek into making a batch of silver earrings as well as a bezel setting for sea glass. We hope it inspires you to try something new and that you learn new ways to incorporate environmentally friendly practices into your craft.

Day In The Life Of Cornish Eco Jeweller, Sarah Drew Jewellery

Learn more about the techniques Sarah uses...

Learn sea glass stone setting

Read our guide on drilling sea glass and making your own settings from scratch! Includes tutorials on making a claw setting, bezel set pendant and ring.

Watch riveting tutorials

In Kim's 12 Months Of Metal series, she shares incredible tutorials on cold connections, with projects like creating a beach pebble rivet ring and a fancy rivet sea glass spinning necklace.

The start of Sarah's journey...

"Making things has always been a passion of mine - I started making jewellery when I was 14, selling 80's style earrings to my friends and teachers at school! I went travelling to Australia and would sell my handmade jewellery to the shops and markets in Sydney. When I returned to the UK I decided to complete a silversmithing jewellery course. I would attend this in the evenings, whilst temping in the day. I then set up my business in 2000. I sell my jewellery through my website, at design fairs, galleries, boutiques and bridal shops. I now also run recycled jewellery workshops."

Finding inspiration

"Jewellery is such a personal expression, it can transform any outfit and really enhance your day. It has the power to represent a memory like a special day out, or be associated with someone you love. I also like to use materials that challenge conceptions of preciousness. If something has a personal meaning to the owner e.g. something a child gives you or your grandmother's pendant melted down ad re-made, then they have been worn and aged - with so many memories already attached to them. Colour and collage are also a big inspiration to me - I feel lucky to live in Cornwall, surrounded by colour. Beautiful big skies, gorgeous gardens, aqua or moody dark blue seas and vibrant woods - appreciating your surroundings will always allow you to feel inspired."

Re-using materials

Sarah uses many natural found materials to make her jewellery, everything from driftwood, to shells, twigs and pebbles. As well as weathered man-made materials such as sea-plastic, sea-string and sea-glass. Sarah combines these finds with chunky, old-looking handmade chains made from recycled silver and gold.

Don't forget to check out our range of recycled silver wire and sheet for your handmade jewellery designs with Kernowcraft.

Shop Recycled Metal

Sourcing materials to re-use can be a challenge, and making jewellery with them can be even harder, we asked Sarah how she does it!

"I spend a lot of time outdoors in Cornwall. I collect curious things and have come to know different areas for different kinds of treasures. For example I get driftwood and sea-glass from Pentewan, sea plastic and sea string from Watergate Bay or Mawgan Porth. As well as using the environment to find recycled materials, I am a keen jumble sale forager and eager car-booter always on the look out for antique jewellery pieces. I use silver and wirework techniques to combine vintage brooches and chains with old glass beads, fused old silver or gold and semi-precious stones. The idea for the design starts with the piece I've found. By laying out colours I can see what may work well together. For example, I might put 3-5 pieces of sea-plastic down in a circle, with my favourite in the middle. I'll then see what stones fo well the palette and plan what silver pieces to make and put with them. Sometimes I do have a design in mind, and in that case I will go out looking for specific materials in specific sizes."

"When working with the materials I often crochet settings around sea glass or wire wrap it to avoid having to drill it - as that is a tricky job. The sea plastic and driftwood however are easy to drill and then connect to wire!"

Discover drill bits

Twist drill bits

These twist drill bits are made from HSS (high speed steel) so they are perfect for drilling holes in metals but you can also use these for other materials such as plastic like Sarah has. Available in a range of diameters.

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Diamond coated drill bits

These quality twist drills are electroplated with diamond particles, they are the ultimate for drilling glass, gemstones, sea glass, pearls or ceramics. The technique for drilling is slightly different from the drilling metals; they need to be used at a slow speed and water must be used as a lubricant. Available in a variety of diameters.

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Explore Opals

"Recently I have started setting boulder opals as they sit well with the types of materials I find. The opals from Kernowcraft are especially ones that I keep my eye on!"

Follow Sarah Drew

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Photography: Lucy Turnbull Photography

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What Our Customers Say...

Eve

The stones are excellent quality, and the special request I put in for dark citrines and paired malachites has been met perfectly. I am delighted with Kernowcraft, and will be back!

Deborah Roberts-Barter

I have sent a couple of email enquiries today, which have been really quickly answered. This customer service is what made me order with you straight away!

Helen

Just wanted to say thank you for picking such beautiful stones for my order. I'm halfway through making a ring for my daughter and the rose cut rainbow moonstones are particularly yummy. Thank you!

Marshal

Thank you to the lady who went to a great deal of trouble to find a very small opal that fitted a bezel cup. The work is now complete and looks very nice - my wife is delighted with the result.

Sarah Tiley

Whenever I feel unsure as to where to purchase any stones or jewellery requirements I always go back to what is familiar. Thank you Kernowcraft for being true to your customers.

Dorota Todd

I just wanted to say how impressed I am with the quality of pearls in my recent order! Thank you so much for taking time and matching them into pairs, it's very appreciated. Thank you and I am definitely going to buy at your store in the future.

Gloria Williams

I just came across your online shop and my first reaction was wow! It has everything i need to carry on with my jewellery making. I've seen things that i have been looking for and couldn't find in so many other shops!

Joel Martin

Great, easy to navigate website with wonderful clear photographs. I look forward to receiving my order... it's going to be like Christmas!

Claire

I just wanted to say a big thank you for the beautiful sapphires that arrived today. Hannah picked out just what I wanted and I’m over the moon with them.

Jenny Kirkwood

Love the service you get and appreciate the range of products on offer. I just used the alligator tape for the first time and found myself asking - where have you been all my life?

Claire Hall

Kernowcraft is my go to for all my gemstones! Their stones are the first ones I show when offering my clients stone choices and I can't recommend their customer service enough! This is a company that cares!

Lenna

Hi, just a quick email to thank you for my cross and chain - I love it. What a speedy service - ordered it yesterday and wearing it tonight. Thank you very much.

Rhiannon Piper

The opal I received is absolutely amazing and just perfect. Its such a beautiful stone and I tried it with my wedding dress yesterday and its just set it off so well.

Vivienne Sadler

Always too many temptations, but a joy to look through. Thank you for such good service. I have to be very strict with myself when I visit your website!

Lynn Carson

I bought the sand dollar charm to make a holiday bracelet. It’s really lovely, subtle and pretty detail. Perfect piece and exactly as described.

Kim Thomson

I have been using Kernowcraft since 1997 and still regularly recommend them to all my students.

I added a special request for moonstones with strong blue/green flashes and received 3 briolettes which were exactly that - some of the prettiest moonstones I’ve seen. Thank you!

Frank Wilson

It is always a joy to deal with your Company and your hints and tips always help me to improve my skills and encourage my interests. Thank you for caring about us small enthusiastic silversmiths!

Lydia Farrow

Just to say that I have always had the best possible results for every order - however small and all your products are of excellent quality.

Julia Schofield

I’ve used Kernowcraft as a supplier for findings and pearls since beginning my business 8 years ago, because I know I can absolutely rely on the quality I get. The service is pretty impeccable too.

Jaquie

It can be difficult to order gemstones online - no such worries with Kernowcraft - you really do care about your products & clients and it shows.

Janice Scragg

Your website is easy to use, your products excellent, nice friendly service on the phone and delivery quick, excellent. Thank you and well done Kernowcraft. Gold star!

Maggi Henman

I’ve just had my first order from you and I am so pleased with the fast delivery and the quality of the products. The satin cords and the findings really finished off my ceramic jewellery.

Catriona

Thank you for my recent order as I'm blown away by all the lovely pieces. I don't really know what to start work on first. Thank you for supplying top quality items on a easy to use website.

George Inglis

Great looking website, one of the best I've seen and used. Good search function, good range of products, good prices and great advice for jewellery makers of all abilities. All-in-all a great site and one I'll use again and again.

Christine Wood

Just want to say a very big thank you for your quick delivery and excellent service. The stones I ordered arrived this morning, the quality and price are second to none. I was delighted with my purchase. Thank you so much.

Mihaela Ciubotaru

I am very happy with my products... it is wonderful to have a reliable source of materials and gems with a fast delivery and a lot of tips on how to use the tools we buy.

April Luescher

Beautiful quality and colours - I rarely buy semi-precious stones anywhere else these days. Very helpful, superb service, speedy delivery. What more could anyone want?

Frank Wilson

I have grown as a jewellery maker over the last year or so due to the encouragement the team have given me - they are all experienced jewellery makers or keen crafters. They have helped to guide me through my inventory, offered helpful tips and advice on all manner of silver working.

Hayley Meredith

I just wanted to say thank you for the amazing service from Kernowcraft. I find your website easy to navigate, products good quality and the delivery is second to none!

Lauren Jodie Piercy

Beautiful gemstones and a lot of choice. Running competitions and being interactive as well really sets them apart. Keep up the interesting content.

Catherine Warwick

Just received my order that I placed only yesterday. I wanted to say thank you! I am delighted with the choice of cabochon, setting and books. Now I have to read up on how to set it! FABULOUS SERVICE - Thank you!

Jill Hammersely

I just wanted to say a massive thank you to the team, particularly the ladies that helped me yesterday. Delivery took less than 24hrs, that's amazing. The quality of both cabochons and settings are stunning.

Daniel Coe

The customer service I have received from you and the help has been second to none. If only all companies were so helpful and understanding that i am a complete newbie. The retail world would be a better place.

Denise Mountain Pike

I recently ordered a couple of replacement stones from you and I'd just like to say how happy I am with my purchase and very impressed with the friendly helpful service you gave. Thank you very much.

Helen Bowles

I felt compelled to write to you, as I'm so impressed with your quick service! I've been a Kernowcraft customer for years and have never had anything but reliable, efficient service from you.