Is Pippa Small jewellery worth it?+
If your idea of value includes who made a piece and how, Pippa Small earns its keep. Each design is handmade by skilled artisans, often with raw, organic stones, so you are buying craft and provenance as much as gold. It rewards a buyer who wants character and an ethical backstory rather than a flawless, machine-perfect finish.
Why is Pippa Small jewellery so expensive?+
The price reflects fair wages for the artisans, ethically sourced materials, and handwork rather than mass production. Pippa Small has worked with Fairtrade gold and with disadvantaged communities so that traditional craft skills become a sustainable livelihood. You are paying for that whole chain, not just the metal and stones.
What makes Pippa Small jewellery ethical?+
Pippa Small is a trained anthropologist who built her practice around channelling artisans' skills into sustainable income. She has worked with the world's first registered Fairtrade gold mine, in Bolivia, with the Fairtrade company MADE in Kibera, Nairobi, and with the charity Turquoise Mountain in Afghanistan, helping train and employ artisans to keep traditional skills alive. In 2013 the Queen awarded her an MBE for ethical jewellery and charity work.
Which Pippa Small piece should I buy first?+
Many people start with a single organic-stone piece, the kind of raw, hand-finished gemstone setting that is the brand's calling card. A pendant or a ring lets you appreciate the artisan's hand on something you will wear constantly. From there, the collected, layered look the designer is loved for builds naturally over time.
Is Pippa Small a real designer or just a brand name?+
She is very much a real person and the owner of Pippa Small Jewellery. Born in Montreal and raised in Wiltshire, England, she began as a child turning collected stones, pebbles and shells into jewellery, then took a degree in Anthropology and a Masters in Medical Anthropology at SOAS in London. That anthropology background directly shapes how and where she makes her work.
Where can I buy Pippa Small jewellery?+
Pippa opened her first shop in Notting Hill, London, in 2007, followed by a shop in Brentwood, Los Angeles, in 2008, and a concession at ABC Carpet & Home in New York in 2016. Her collection was first stocked at Barney's New York early on. Her own boutiques and official website are the most reliable places to buy.
Did Pippa Small really work with big fashion houses?+
Yes. Before her own shops, she collaborated with Christina Kim of Dosa in 2000, Nicole Farhi in 2001, Tom Ford at Gucci in 2002, and Chloé under Phoebe Philo. Those collaborations brought her organic, artisan-made aesthetic to a wide luxury audience.
Has anyone famous worn Pippa Small?+
Yes. Meghan Markle wore a Pippa Small necklace during her 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, a moment that drew considerable attention to the designer's ethical work. That visibility fits a brand whose appeal has always been as much about meaning as about glamour.
What awards has Pippa Small won?+
She was made an ambassador of the human rights organisation Survival International in 2008, and the Queen awarded her an MBE in 2013 for ethical jewellery and charity work. In 2016 she won Ethical Jeweller of the Year and the Walpole Corporate Social Responsibility award. The recognition tracks her dual life as a designer and a humanitarian.
How do I care for handmade gold and gemstone jewellery like Pippa Small's?+
Because the pieces are handmade and often use natural, organic stones, treat them gently: wipe with a soft cloth, keep them away from harsh chemicals and perfumes, and store them separately so stones do not knock against each other. Put jewellery on last when dressing and take it off before swimming or heavy activity. Gentle, regular care keeps the artisan's finish looking its best.
