I use a range of materials but here are a few of my favourites. You'll see these used in many of the pieces listed on this site
Keshi Pearls
These are amazing. They are getting harder and harder to buy so I confess to a bit of hoarding! Keshi are non-nucleated pearls which are 100% natural but are actually an unintended by-product of the cultured pearl industry. They have the beauty, luster and toughness of real pearls and come in shapes that, I think, perfectly complement my designs. I love them! I buy these un-drilled so that I can control the way they hang
I don't use silver clay and it's rare for me to use manufactured catches. Almost everything I sell has been made from scratch using sterling silver sheet or wire, or from my own re-cycled silver
Sterling Silver
Gemstones
I use faceted and cabochon stones in a range of colours. Wherever possible I choose lab grown stones including sapphires, rubies, spinels and emeralds. These are real stones but laboratory created rather than being dug out of the ground. They are consistently better quality with a more perfect cut and fewer flaws. They are also cheaper, have less environmental impact and fewer concerns over workers' rights! So what's not to like?
For real sparkle I use high quality Cubic Zirconia (Made by Swarovski or Preciosa). Or sometimes Moissanite or lab grown Diamonds