How Sonder Chooses Its Materials: Crafting with Purpose and Meaning
How Sonder Chooses Its Materials: A Focus on Hemp, Silver, Brass, African Glass Beads, and Mother of Pearl
At Sonder, we don’t just create jewelry—we craft stories. Every piece we design is made with a blend of materials that are not only visually stunning but also purposeful. Our commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and ethical sourcing is reflected in the materials we choose. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the five core materials we use at Sonder—hemp, silver, brass, African glass beads, and mother of pearl—and explain why each one is integral to the jewelry we create.
1. Hemp: Natural, Sustainable, and Versatile
Hemp is a fiber that has been used for thousands of years and is known for its strength and sustainability. It’s a key material in our jewelry designs, often used for cords, accents, and even woven elements in some of our pieces. Hemp is incredibly eco-friendly, requiring minimal water and pesticides to grow. It’s also biodegradable, making it a fantastic option for sustainable design.
Why We Choose Hemp:
- Eco-friendly: Hemp is one of the most sustainable fibers available. It grows quickly and requires very little water or chemical pesticides.
- Durable: Hemp is incredibly strong and can withstand wear and tear, making it ideal for jewelry that lasts.
- Unique Texture: The natural texture of hemp adds an earthy, organic vibe to our designs, creating a beautiful contrast with metals and beads.
Fun Fact: Hemp is 100% biodegradable, ensuring that our pieces don’t contribute to long-term waste.
2. Silver: Timeless Elegance and Sustainable Luxury
Silver has long been celebrated for its beauty and versatility in jewelry design. At Sonder, we choose recycled silver to reduce the environmental impact of mining, making it a more sustainable option. Silver’s natural luster and durability make it a staple in our collections, adding both elegance and timeless appeal to each piece.
Why We Choose Silver:
- Sustainability: We use recycled silver, which helps reduce the demand for newly mined silver and minimizes the environmental footprint.
- Durable and Hypoallergenic: Silver is long-lasting and gentle on the skin, perfect for those with sensitive skin.
- Versatile: Silver complements a wide range of materials, from the natural textures of hemp to the vibrant colors of African glass beads.
Fun Fact: Silver naturally develops a patina over time, giving each piece a unique, personalized look.
3. Brass: Affordable Luxury with a Rich Patina
Brass is an alloy made from copper and zinc, known for its warm golden hue and rich, textured appearance. At Sonder, we love working with brass because of its affordable luxury, durability, and ability to age beautifully. Over time, brass develops a patina that adds character and uniqueness to each piece, creating a deeper connection between the jewelry and the wearer.
Why We Choose Brass:
- Affordable: Brass provides a similar aesthetic to gold at a fraction of the cost, making it a great option for those looking for luxury without the price tag.
- Durability: Brass is a sturdy material that stands the test of time.
- Aging Gracefully: The natural patina that forms on brass adds a unique, vintage feel to each piece, ensuring that no two pieces are the same.
Fun Fact: Brass jewelry often becomes more beautiful as it ages, developing a unique patina that can be polished or left natural.
4. African Glass Beads: Connecting Culture, Craftsmanship, and Color
One of the most unique elements in our jewelry collections is the use of African glass beads. These beads are handcrafted by artisans in Africa using traditional methods that have been passed down through generations. Each bead carries its own cultural significance, making them more than just a decorative element—they’re a celebration of craftsmanship and culture.
Why We Choose African Glass Beads:
- Cultural Significance: African glass beads have a rich history and cultural context. Each bead tells a story of the people who created it.
- Handmade: These beads are made by artisans using time-honored techniques, supporting fair trade and empowering communities.
- Vibrant and Unique: The beads come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, allowing for endless possibilities in our designs.
Fun Fact: African glass beads are often made from recycled glass, giving new life to old materials and reducing waste.
5. Mother of Pearl: Subtle Elegance and Natural Beauty
Mother of pearl is the iridescent lining found inside the shells of certain mollusks, and it’s known for its gentle shine and timeless beauty. At Sonder, we use ethically sourced mother of pearl to create pieces that exude sophistication and natural elegance. Its soft, luminescent sheen adds a touch of grace and luxury to any design.
Why We Choose Mother of Pearl:
- Timeless Beauty: The subtle, iridescent glow of mother of pearl adds a soft, refined touch to any piece of jewelry.
- Natural Origin: Mother of pearl is a byproduct of shellfish farming, which means it’s sourced in a sustainable manner.
- Unique Quality: No two pieces of mother of pearl are alike, making each piece of jewelry distinct and one-of-a-kind.
Fun Fact: Mother of pearl is often used to create eye-catching accents, and its glow can complement both bold and subtle designs.
Conclusion: Thoughtful Material Selection for Sustainable Jewelry
At Sonder, we are passionate about choosing materials that align with our core values of sustainability, ethical sourcing, and craftsmanship. Each of the materials we use—hemp, silver, brass, African glass beads, and mother of pearl—was selected for its beauty, environmental impact, and ability to stand the test of time. These materials don’t just contribute to the aesthetic of our designs; they tell a story of connection, culture, and care.
By wearing Sonder jewelry, you’re not just adding a beautiful piece to your collection—you’re supporting sustainable practices, empowering artisans, and celebrating craftsmanship. Thank you for being part of our journey toward a more conscious and stylish world.
Explore our collections and experience the beauty of these materials for yourself!
Key Takeaways:
| Material | Description | Benefits | Sustainability Effort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hemp | A natural fiber derived from the hemp plant, used for cordage and accents. | Strong, biodegradable, water-efficient, and low-maintenance. | Grown with minimal water and no pesticides. |
| Silver | A precious metal known for its bright, shiny appearance and durability. | Timeless, elegant, hypoallergenic, and recyclable. | Recycled silver used to reduce mining impact. |
| Brass | An alloy of copper and zinc, offering a golden hue and rich texture. | Affordable alternative to gold, durable, and develops a patina over time. | Often made from recycled metals. |
| African Glass Beads | Handcrafted beads made in Africa using traditional techniques. | Rich in culture and history, handmade, and colorful. | Support local artisans and fair trade practices. |
| Mother of Pearl | The iridescent inner lining of mollusk shells, known for its gentle shine. | Adds elegance, unique texture, and a soft glow to jewelry. | Ethically sourced from sustainable farms. |
- Sonder’s jewelry features hemp, silver, brass, African glass beads, and mother of pearl—all carefully chosen for sustainability, beauty, and ethical sourcing.
- Each material has a unique story and meaning, enriching the pieces we create.
- When you choose Sonder, you’re not just wearing jewelry; you’re supporting a brand that values craftsmanship, sustainability, and cultural appreciation.