NICOL STUDIO - Our Promise

Mindful materials. Responsible making. Lasting choices.

At NICOL STUDIO, sustainability isn’t just a concept, it’s an active part of our day-to-day jewellery practice. From the metals we use to the tools we choose, our commitment to environmental responsibility is rooted in transparency, conscious consumption, and continual growth.

Sustainable Materials in Our Jewellery Workshops

All precious metals used during our jewellery workshops are recycled. We source silver and gold from two places:

• In-house reclaimed scrap, which is melted down and reformed.

• Cookson Gold, our trusted supplier of certified recycled precious metals.

For our stone setting workshops, we use reclaimed and second-hand cabochons and cubic zirconias. These are sourced from private collections across the UK and, where necessary, from vetted, ethical sellers overseas. We also work with UK-based lapidary suppliers who provide hand-cut, naturally foraged stones.

In line with our ethos, we are developing a Recycle & Repair Workshop designed to empower individuals to revive and retain their jewellery, promoting a culture of care over disposability.

Studio Tools & Consumables

We believe in buying once and buying well. Every tool in our studio has been selected for durability and longevity to reduce unnecessary waste and replacement cycles.

• Consumables like paper and sanding sticks are used responsibly and recycled once fully perished.

• Our resource library, developed over more than a decade, includes books that students are welcome to borrow, take home, and return.

• Tools such as blunt or broken drill bits are modified and refurbished into texturing or burnishing tools.

These small yet significant choices contribute to a mindful, low-waste learning environment.