Rachel Darbourne

Rachel trained at Middlesex University, gaining a degree in 3D/Jewellery in 1994. Since graduating she has refined the techniques developed while at college enabling her to use both pre and post recycled materials in a unique way.

Her approach combines elements of both jewellery and textiles, creating highly wearable, tactile pieces that are distinctive, eye-catching and yet address contemporary issues of consumerism and how we assign value to the things we use and wear.

“It is satisfying and a little ironic, to take a material that would normally be disregarded, transforming it into a desirable piece of jewellery. I especially like working with polythene, which comes in a fantastic range of colours, subverting it to challenge the usual perception of what constitutes preciousness”.

Rachel’s pieces are all individually handcrafted and rely on the time-consuming precision with which the material is worked. She is continually expanding her range of applications for her technique and is committed to presenting novel ways for us to value, what we are all now coming to realise, are precious resources.