Jewellery has been worn for thousands of years as a form of self-expression and individuality – so why do we all wear similar pieces? While some would consider certain jewellery styles timelessly fashionable, such as pearl necklaces and diamond earrings, others may prefer something a little more distinctive. If you enjoy scouring niche boutiques and vintage markets for unique garments and accessories, consider the following suggestions for unusual and alternative jewellery. 

Sea Glass

Sea glass is the name given to small pieces of glass that have been physically weathered by the ocean. You can find these gem-like chunks of glass amongst the stones and shells on beaches and in harbours. The most common colours are white and brown, although if you’re very lucky, you might find an elusive vibrant orange piece. The charming appearance of sea glass and the romance of being tumbled by the crashing waves have made it a popular material in jewellery making. After all, no two pieces are exactly alike. You can find sea glass jewellery online or in coastal artisan boutiques. 

Memorial Ashes

Although it may seem morbid, memorial ashes have recently become a popular component of artisan jewellery making. Memorial jewellery is designed to allow an individual to carry a part of a deceased loved one wherever they go. This is usually achieved by taking a small pinch of cremation ashes and incorporating them into hand-crafted jewellery items, such as rings, lockets, necklaces and bracelet charms. Wearing one of these expertly crafted pieces is a beautiful way to feel closer to a friend, relative or beloved pet who has passed on. 

Resin Art 

Resin art jewellery is a fantastic way to capture the beauty of nature. To create these fascinating pieces, artists use epoxy resin, composed of a liquid resin and a chemical hardener, to encapsulate objects and craft materials like glitter, charms and rhinestones. Other popular items used in resin art include natural components like flowers, leaves and even insects. While you can buy these quirky, unique pieces online, you can also purchase the kit needed to try it for yourself. However, proper safety precautions are crucial; for instance, you should wear safety glasses, gloves and a respirator, as the vapour from the epoxy and hardener can irritate your skin and lungs. 

Broken Crockery

If you enjoy making jewellery for yourself, crafting unique pieces from broken pieces of pottery can be an excellent way to express your creativity. Many decorative plates, bowls and cups feature intricate designs and vibrant colours, making broken pottery an ideal craft material. Simply sand down any sharp edges and use a small drill bit to add a hole for the pendant attachment. You will get the best results out of traditional bone china dinner plates from Wedgwood or Spode. 

Whistles

It may seem outlandish, but whistles make stunning pendants. You can purchase dazzling promotional whistles with gold, silver or polished brass finishes to work harmoniously with any outfit. A Metropolitan-style whistle is a fantastic jewellery piece for history enthusiasts and those passionate about innovative engineering and design. Furthermore, whistles have long been synonymous with luck, so this quirky and alternative choice of jewellery could even bring you good fortune! 

Electroforming

Like resin art, electroforming is a fun and visually striking method of preserving natural beauty. Electroforming is a jewellery-making process whereby multiple layers of metals, such as copper, nickel, silver and even gold, are fabricated through a process known as electrodeposition. This enabled artists to create intricate pieces from flowers, leaves, twigs and other non-metal components. This process is long-winded and complex, making each piece precious and unique. If you want to delve deeper into the world of electroforming, ensure you do plenty of research first. 

Macramé

Macramé is the art of weaving and knotting cords to create beautifully intricate items of jewellery, clothing and homeware. The beauty of macramé is that it doesn’t take very long to acquire the basic techniques needed to make simple pieces like wall hangings and plant hangers. In terms of jewellery, you can use macramé techniques to weave a pouch for a crystal, such as rose quartz or amethyst and wear it as a necklace. You can even weave some 70s-inspired macramé earrings or friendship bracelets for you and a close friend.