Pippa Small was described by the Sunday Times in December 2012 as “the glamorous bohemian’s rock purveyor of choice”, this description captures the growing clientele who visit her shops in London and Los Angeles seeking jewellery that is different, organic, ethnic and ethical. By wearing one of Pippa’s pieces – whether radiant tourmaline earrings or a ring of chunky amethyst nestling in a warm gold setting – you are carrying with you a story, a culture from afar and, perhaps, an example of the ancient skills handed on to an indigenous or tribal craftsperson.
London-based jewellery designer Pippa has worked for more than 20 years to pioneer a style of jewellery that respects the shape of the stones she uses. She works around their natural contours, rather than cutting, polishing and reworking them. It is this determination to retain the natural organic feel to her jewellery that sets her apart from others.
When you own a necklace, ring or earrings from Pippa, you know that she has personally chosen the stones, taken inspiration from them to work on their setting and had long conversations with craftspersons to produce a piece that is beautiful, clean and close to nature.
Pippa has also worked closely with indigenous, tribal and traditional crafts persons to develop lines of jewellery and other art works that draw on their traditions and yet help them to reach a new and demanding world market. It has resulted in projects with the Kuna Indians of Panama, the Batwa of Rwanda, the San Bushmen of Botswana, slum dwellers in Kenya, Afghan artisans and Aymara goldsmiths in Bolivia. Her work with indigenous peoples was honoured in 2008 by the human rights organization Survival International which named her as its Ambassador.