about seraglia (se-ra-lee-a)

seraglia (se-ra-lee-a) is an couture house that designs and produces ethical hand made jewellery and adornments to order and in very limited editions.

The gallery pieces, although for sale, are only single examples of what we can create. Please see the services page for details of our seraglia couture, or join our mailing list to be notified of when new pieces become available.

Inspired by the decadent globe trotting that exploded during the 19th and the early 20th century, seraglia also represents a return to the romance and attention to detail of the works made during this time. Folk and tribal art and the east-meets-west culture of the seraglios of Byzantium have also been major inspirations.

We use a wide range of materials including antique, vintage and Swarovski beads, Czech glass beads, faceted semi-precious stones and 'one off' pendants. We combine these with reclaimed and otherwise unwearable old parts, to create new and lasting treasures. This approach provides an alternative to today's disposable fashions, and to the use of unethical gold and conflict diamonds.

seraglia is a member of the Eco Design Network and a founder member of we all reuse.

When sourcing our components we try to ensure that we only buy those that do not harm the environment and are produced under good working conditions.As an example, all the coral we use in our designs is from old broken necklaces, and it is used sparingly, as red and black coral are fast becoming endangered species. Unless a client has proven antique pieces, we do not use elephant ivory or fur. We have used 10,000 year old Siberian mammoth ivory for some of our painted pendants. Read more about our ethical policy here.

We try to ensure that every component is of the highest quality and durability. The exquisite beads and vintage pieces are offset with fittings and filigrees of rich gold, raw brass and gunmetal. Chains and pendants are made of wired links, which give the pieces a wonderful fluidity and movement. Necklaces fasten with a hook, allowing the length to be altered from chest piece to choker, as desired. Matching earrings can be made with either vintage-style screw or modern pierced fittings.

Many precious and semi precious stones are reputed to have healing powers. Many of our pieces contain such stones, and we are always delighted to accept commissions with such a purpose.

Seraglia gems come gift boxed and with an information card listing the materials used, their origins and any care instructions.