My husband is a wonderful man. Before our ‘trip of a lifetime’ to Antarctica, South Georgia Island, and the Falkland Islands — a journey three years in the making — he surprised me with a beautiful gold penguin necklace. It wasn’t just any necklace, but a piece from Elouise Makes, a jeweller who focuses on sustainability and traditional craftsmanship in every aspect of her jewellery making. With the penguin made from reclaimed and repurposed gold, I have been wearing it almost daily ever since!
Little did I know, this single gift would be the start of a very special relationship with the artist behind the brand, Rosie Deegan. Today, I want to share both my journey with Rosie and her incredible process, which is all about a slower, more sustainable way of creating.
The Magic of Lost Wax Casting
Have you ever wondered how a lump of recycled silver or gold becomes a tiny penguin, a whimsical wren or a sleek fox necklace? The magic lies in an ancient technique called lost wax casting. Rosie uses this method for all her pieces (unless it’s a bespoke piece – read more on that below).
The process begins with an idea, which Rosie sketches digitally until she’s happy. Then, she prints the design onto a sheet of brass and pierces it out with a jeweller’s saw. This piece is called the master. This stage, she says, is the most time-consuming but also the most rewarding. It’s a slow, deliberate craft — the complete opposite of today’s fast fashion.
Once the master is finished, she sends it to her casting company, VIPA Designs, who use it to create a rubber mould. This mould is then injected with wax to make a perfect copy of the master. These wax copies are then attached to a central column to form a wax tree, ready for the next stage.
The wax tree is placed in a special plaster and fired in a kiln. The heat melts away the wax—hence the name “lost wax casting”—leaving behind a perfectly formed hollow mould. The molten, recycled metal is then poured into this mould, and once cooled, the solid metal pieces are carefully removed.
This is when the real work at the jeweller’s bench begins. Rosie files off any excess metal, solders on the necessary fittings – jump rings, chains and hooks – cleans the piece after soldering, using an organic citric acid, and polishes it in her barrel polisher to make it shiny. The finished piece is then packaged in her carefully chosen, earth-friendly materials, all ready to find a new home.
Rosie has a super blog on her website HERE with fantastic photographs showing the journey – so I am not going to post any in this section, don’t want to spoil the surprise.
A Story of Sentimental Gold
The story of my own bespoke pieces from Elouise Makes is a deeply personal one, adding to my original penguin necklace in a way I had never imagined would happen. On our unforgettable trip, while surrounded by thousands of penguins, my elderly mother sadly passed away. She had a collection of gold jewellery that, while it held immense sentimental value for me were not pieces that I wanted to wear. I couldn’t bear the thought of it sitting unused in a box. I wanted to turn it into something that honoured her memory and my incredible experience in Antarctica.
I reached out to Rosie to see if she could transform my mother’s gold into a set of rockhopper penguin earrings and a necklace and a set of cufflinks for my son. The process for a bespoke piece is different from her usual work. Rosie explained that since it was a one-of-a-kind design, she would pierce the penguins directly from the gold sheet.
Photo Credit: Rosie Deegan, Elouise Makes
This was a painstaking process of melting down the old jewellery and running the metal through a rolling mill to create a workable sheet. It takes time and skill to anneal and roll the metal so it doesn’t become brittle. The pieces turned out beautifully, and I now have a stunning set of jewellery that keeps my mum’s memory close to my heart and her grandson’s too. The full story of my bespoke penguins, and many other stories of special and unique pieces can be read HERE.
The experience of creating these pieces, and the bond with Rosie, has been so meaningful. I have supported the South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT) ever since my trip. The SGHT works to preserve the incredible wildlife and historical heritage of South Georgia Island — the very place that captured my heart and inspired these unique pieces. Rosie has been an incredible supporter as well, donating both a penguin and a blue whale necklace to the annual online auction held by the charity.
Fuelling a Greener Future, One Story at a Time. Every small step we take – from reusable bags to conscious consumption – ripples outwards, creating a wave of hope. Let’s rewrite the story of our planet, one click at a time. I believe in the power of storytelling. By sharing inspiring environmental initiatives, unsung sustainability heroes and practical tips, I aim to amplify the voices making a difference. Imagine a world where everyone is empowered to take action, one small change at a time. ‘Buy Me A Coffee’ donation is a quick and easy way to offer a small, one-off donation, that helps keep this platform running and allows me to continue sharing these vital stories. Just click the “Donate” button (top right corner). Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. Thank you for being a part of this journey.
Rosie loves nature and our planet and by creating jewellery exclusively of animals she reflects a deep-seated commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. Her company was founded on the principle that jewellery can and should be made without harming the planet or its creatures. By focusing on animal designs, Elouise Makes not only celebrates the natural world but also ensures her production process aligns with her values.
Using 100% recycled metals to make each animal and eco-friendly packaging, avoiding harsh, damaging chemicals her approach directly contrasts with an industry that often relies on destructive mining and unsustainable supply chains. For Elouise Makes, the animal theme is more than just a style; it’s a direct expression of the brand’s mission to protect the animals and the planet they inhabit. I love it!
If, like me, you’re inspired by Rosie’s traditional and sustainable approach to creating, I encourage you to explore her work. Each piece not only offers a beautiful design but also carries the rich history of a time-honoured craft.