Pippa Small believes the art of jewellery making can enhance life and help alleviate poverty and protect precious traditions, helping to grow the confidence of crafts people around the world and reverse the tradition of exploitation associated with the gem industry over the centuries.
Her jewellery is collected and coveted by many who appreciate the rough organic, hand made feel of the jewellery. Using precious and semi precious stones, playing with colour and allowing the natural feel of the stones to harmonise with high karat warm yellow gold. Pippa’s pieces are full of stories and inspired by ancient, tribal jewellery and the harmonious shapes found in nature.
In May of 2009 Turquoise Mountain asked her to come to Kabul to design a collection of jewellery working with Afghan craftspeople to create a collection to promote the work the Foundation was doing, as well as raising an income to help support schools started by Turquoise Mountain.
The collection is inspired by different traditional techniques and designs from around the country. Working with beautiful minerals found in Afghanistan, the stunning deep blue Lapis Lazuli, the sparkling green emeralds, rough rubies, aquamarines and multicolored tourmalines. Pippa’s collections with Turquoise Mountain includes large tribal torques with pendants of smooth lapis pebbles, delicate rings with uncut chunks of emerald, chains with charms of birds, gold wrapped pebbles, dangling charms and long necklaces with gems that cascade like waterfalls.
Pippa is a storyteller, and her love for people and memories has influenced her entire life. She has been named an ambassador for Survival International, a movement to support tribal communities. Currently Pippa Small Jewellery has projects inspired by the talents of indigenous people in underprivileged countries around the globe.
Pippa is Director of Jewellery Design for Turquoise Mountain.