Caro Barrett

Jewellery in Fairtrade and responsibly-sourced materials:
South-Devon jeweller Caro Barrett is passionate about ethical sourcing of her materials. Registered by the Fairtrade Foundation, she works in Fairtrade and recycled gold and silver, and responsibly-sourced gemstones.

The striking rock textures of south Devon’s landscape influence her jewellery. ‘Formed by huge volcanic forces and pounded over time by weathering and water, their surfaces are pitted, ridged and furrowed,” she says. “I’m interested in how metals too can be manipulated and textured. I use a method of die-printing - piercing, punching and hammering textured papers to create my dies before roller-printing them onto precious metals. I combine this method with traditional goldsmithing techniques such as forming, forging and fusing.”

Of her metal and gem suppliers she says: “I buy from trusted companies dedicated to improving the lives of artisanal and small-scale miners around the world. Paying fair prices, creating transparent supply chains, restoring the environment and building longterm resilience are their aims and if my jewellery can support that I’m only too delighted.”