Based in Brighton, goldsmith Rebekah Ann has a deservedly big name in ECO aware and Sustainable Jewellery. This week, we sat down with her to dive into her background, jewellery, and what she gets up to in the workshop!
What was the first piece of jewellery you made and would you wear it now?
"The first piece of jewellery I ever made hangs on my bench, quietly reminding me of how far I’ve come. It’s a wide copper ring, the very first ring I crafted during an evening class—a class that completely transformed my life. That ring represents the beginning of a journey that started over two decades ago, and though I’ve never worn it, it holds a deep significance for me. It’s the only piece I’ve kept from those early days, whether from my evening classes or even university.
Sometimes, I find myself holding it, reflecting on the journey—how it began with curiosity and grew into something I couldn’t have imagined back then. To anyone else, it may just look like a simple copper ring, but for me, it’s a symbol of everything that’s shaped my path. Seeing it hanging there reminds me of where it all started, and that quiet sense of nostalgia is incredibly special."
What’s your favourite material to work with?
"My favourite material to work with, without a doubt, is yellow gold. I exclusively work with yellow golds, but my heart truly lies with 18ct yellow gold. There’s something incredibly special about its gorgeous richness of colour—it has a warmth and depth that feels timeless and grounding. Beyond its beauty, it’s how it feels when I’m working with it that draws me in. There’s a softness and fluidity to the metal that makes the crafting process almost meditative. Every time I shape, hammer, or polish it, I feel a deep connection to centuries of goldsmithing tradition.
For me, 18ct yellow gold embodies everything I value in jewellery: elegance, permanence, and a sense of heritage. And it always brings out the best in my designs."
What part of making jewellery is your favourite?
"My favourite part of making jewellery is watching an idea come into being. Whether it’s working with my lovely customers to bring their vision to life or creating a new design from scratch, there’s a magic in seeing something evolve from a simple concept into a finished piece. Jewellery goes through its own little lifecycle, transforming at each stage of the process—what starts as raw materials slowly takes shape, and it always surprises me how different it can look at the very moment it’s finished.
There’s something deeply satisfying about getting lost in the making. It’s an immersive process, where time almost stands still, and I can simply flow with the work. Making jewellery began as a hobby for me 21 years ago, and that sense of joy and wonder has never left. Every piece I create feels like a unique journey."
What’s your favourite country that you’ve visited?
"My favourite country that I’ve visited would have to be Thailand. I went on a solo trip through some of the quieter parts of the country, and it was truly a magical experience. With only my flights and the first night’s accommodation booked, I had no set plans—just a desire to explore—and that sense of freedom made the trip even more special. Island hopping was incredible, and I was lucky enough to have Mia Beach to myself one evening, which felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, something so few get to have.
Beyond the breathtaking scenery, what stayed with me most was the warmth and kindness of the people. Whether it was staying in local homes, rock climbing, or getting a tattoo in a treehouse, every moment was filled with adventure and connection. Thailand left such an impression on me, and now I’m eager to go back and explore other areas. It’s a place that holds a special corner of my heart."
Be honest, do you watch Netflix while at the bench?
"Honestly. No Netflix here. For me, creating jewellery is such an immersive process that I prefer having music or podcasts in the background rather than anything visual. I’ll often pick an album and listen to it while working on a customer’s commission—it helps me get into a flow, almost like the rhythm of the music becomes part of the process. One of the most special experiences I’ve had was exclusively listening to a local artist’s music while creating a bespoke piece for them. It felt as though a part of them was entwined in the jewellery as I worked. That kind of connection is something I treasure in my craft.
When it comes to podcasts, I do enjoy listening to ‘Diary of a CEO.’ It’s a great way to keep my mind engaged and inspired while my hands are busy. Music and podcasts bring a different kind of energy into the studio, and they really enhance the whole experience of making for me."
Do you prefer designing or making jewellery?
"To me, designing and making jewellery are inseparable—two sides of the same coin. My creative process is deeply intuitive; it often begins with the raw materials laid out in front of me, allowing their unique shapes, textures, and qualities to inspire what comes to mind’s eye. It’s a very organic and fluid approach, where I work in a flow state, letting the design emerge naturally as I craft.
At times, I do sit down to sketch and draw designs, but even then, the real magic happens when I translate those ideas into tangible pieces. Many of my designs come from a deeply internal place, guided by a sense of balance, beauty, and imperfection—qualities that are central to my philosophy and reflect the essence of wabi-sabi. I find joy in both dreaming up designs and bringing them to life, and I believe the harmony between these two aspects is what makes each piece so personal and meaningful."
Rebekah Ann® Jewellery is the purposeful, sustainable and eco focus jewellery brand celebrating the beauty of imperfection and timeless design. She handcrafts each piece using SMO or recycled gold, responsibly sourced or repurposed gemstones, and sustainable practices. Visit her Boutee storefront here.
