Where Sonder Sources Its Materials: Embracing Local Finds, Flea Markets, and Vintage Treasures

At Sonder, we take pride in the authenticity and character that our jewelry embodies. Part of that charm comes from the materials we use, which are often sourced in unconventional ways that align with our values of sustainability, craftsmanship, and uniqueness. We believe in finding beauty in the unexpected, and this philosophy is reflected in where we source our materials. From local vendors to vintage markets and flea markets, our process embraces a more hands-on approach to curating pieces that are as individual as the people who wear them.

In this blog, we’ll take you through where we source the materials that bring our jewelry to life, and how these sources contribute to our commitment to sustainability, quality, and community.

1. Flea Markets: Hidden Gems for Unique Materials

Flea markets have long been a treasure trove for those with an eye for quality and originality. At Sonder, we love exploring these vibrant marketplaces to find hidden gems that can be transformed into one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. Flea markets often carry unique materials such as vintage buttons, old coins, and antique jewelry components, which we can repurpose into new designs.

Why We Love Flea Markets:

  • Sustainability: Buying secondhand materials prevents waste and helps keep items out of landfills.
  • Unique Finds: Flea markets offer a diverse range of materials that can’t be found in traditional jewelry stores, giving our designs a unique edge.
  • Storytelling: Each item from a flea market comes with its own history and personality, adding depth to the story behind each piece of jewelry.

What We Find at Flea Markets:

  • Vintage Glass Beads: These colorful beads often have a charm that modern beads can’t replicate. Their slight imperfections make them even more special.
  • Old Brass and Silver Jewelry: We love finding worn pieces of jewelry that can be repurposed, melted down, or reworked into fresh designs.
  • Found Objects: Old keys, coins, and trinkets are just some of the one-of-a-kind items that we pick up and incorporate into our pieces.

2. Vintage Stores: Sustainable and Timeless Pieces

Vintage stores offer a treasure trove of materials that stand the test of time. We source many of our brass, silver, and mother of pearl components from local vintage shops. These stores provide materials that have already had a life, making them an environmentally conscious choice for our designs. The best part? Vintage pieces often come with a rich history, which we can infuse into our modern designs.

Why We Love Vintage Stores:

  • Timeless Quality: The materials found in vintage stores are often made to last, which means they are of superior quality and have aged beautifully.
  • Sustainable Shopping: Purchasing vintage reduces the need for new production, which lowers carbon footprints and supports circular economies.
  • Unique Materials: Vintage shops often carry rare or discontinued materials that are no longer available in stores, giving us the opportunity to work with truly exclusive elements.

What We Find at Vintage Stores:

  • Antique Chains: These vintage chains often have intricate designs that are hard to replicate, providing a luxurious feel to our pieces.
  • Mother of Pearl Pieces: Vintage jewelry is often made with mother of pearl, which has an iridescent glow that makes each piece shine.
  • Old Silverware: We repurpose silverware from old dinner sets, turning them into beautiful pendants, bracelets, and earrings.

3. Locally Sourced Materials: Supporting Community and Sustainability

Whenever possible, we prioritize locally sourced materials to ensure that our supply chain remains as ethical and transparent as possible. Working with local artisans and suppliers not only supports the community but also allows us to keep our environmental impact low by reducing the carbon footprint associated with shipping. Whether it’s local metals or artisan-crafted beads, we believe in supporting those who share our values of sustainability and craftsmanship.

Why We Love Local Sourcing:

  • Supporting Local Artisans: By working with local suppliers, we contribute to the growth of small businesses and support the local economy.
  • Reduced Carbon Footprint: Sourcing locally reduces the environmental impact associated with long-distance transportation.
  • Transparency and Ethics: Working directly with local suppliers allows us to ensure fair wages and ethical sourcing practices.

What We Source Locally:

  • Locally Mined Silver and Brass: When available, we source metals from local suppliers to ensure that we are supporting ethical mining practices.
  • Locally Crafted Glass Beads: In some regions, we work with local artisans who create glass beads, offering us the opportunity to collaborate with skilled craftspeople.
  • Handwoven Hemp: Some of the hemp used in our jewelry comes from local suppliers who are committed to sustainable practices.

4. Crafting Sustainability through Repurposed Materials

One of the key pillars of our sourcing process is repurposing materials. By giving old jewelry, vintage textiles, and discarded trinkets a second life, we not only create sustainable jewelry but also reduce waste. This process helps us create unique, one-of-a-kind pieces while promoting a circular economy. Repurposing materials is a creative challenge that allows us to transform old objects into something new and beautiful.

Why We Love Repurposed Materials:

  • Sustainability: Repurposing keeps materials in circulation and out of landfills, contributing to a more sustainable future.
  • Creativity: We love the challenge of turning discarded materials into jewelry that tells a new story.
  • Environmental Impact: Repurposing drastically reduces the need for new materials, lowering the environmental impact of our pieces.

What We Repurpose:

  • Vintage Jewelry Components: We take old earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, repurposing them into new designs.
  • Antique Buttons and Charms: These items are often turned into unique, statement pieces that carry a rich history.
  • Broken Jewelry: Pieces that are no longer functional are carefully deconstructed and incorporated into new designs.

Conclusion: Sourcing with Purpose

At Sonder, we take great pride in where we source our materials. Whether it’s from local flea markets, vintage stores, or ethical suppliers, every piece we create is designed with sustainability and creativity in mind. By supporting local businesses, repurposing materials, and embracing the charm of vintage finds, we’re able to craft jewelry that’s not only beautiful but also conscious and unique.

Our commitment to sourcing materials thoughtfully reflects our dedication to the planet, the people we work with, and our customers. When you choose Sonder jewelry, you’re not just choosing a beautiful piece—you’re supporting sustainable practices and celebrating the charm of handcrafted, one-of-a-kind creations.

Explore our collections to find pieces made from materials that have a story to tell. You’re not just wearing jewelry; you’re wearing history.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sonder sources materials from flea markets, vintage stores, and local artisans to create unique, sustainable jewelry.
  • Repurposed materials are central to our design process, helping us reduce waste and promote a circular economy.
  • By supporting local businesses and using ethically sourced materials, Sonder ensures that each piece is crafted with care for both the environment and the community.
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