Pippa Small, based in Notting Hill, London, approaches jewellery design uniquely by using Fairtrade and Fair Mined materials to create secure livelihoods in conflict zones worldwide. The founder, Pippa, has always felt a deep connection to the earth and its treasures, recalling her childhood fascination with collecting rocks from beaches and forests, believing they held memories and a profound link to the earth. This passion evolved into a career where she collaborates with skilled artisans globally to set stones in gold, creating jewellery that embodies a deep sense of place while preserving traditional crafts.
Pippa’s path to becoming a jewellery designer was far from conventional. With a Master's in medical anthropology, she initially worked with Indigenous communities on land rights, human rights, and biodiversity. However, a shared interest in jewellery across cultures sparked her passion. About 30 years ago, she began making jewellery commercially, focusing on supporting communities and threatened traditions.
Pippa’s work has taken her across the globe —from her core collection in India, to the bush people of Botswana, the Kuna Indians in Panama, the Mapuche in Chile, to the slums of Nairobi. Whether addressing issues of heritage, climate change, or women’s rights, Pippa ensures that her jewellery is deeply embedded in the cultures of the communities she serves. She spends time researching the design history of each area, ensuring that the jewellery created together is rooted in local culture, skills, identity, and tradition.
18kt Gold Vermeil Next Generation Halima Necklace with Turquoise and Lapis Stone £550
Empowering Women in Afghanistan
In 2008, Pippa began collaborating with Turquoise Mountain, a charity founded by King Charles, which is dedicated to protecting and reviving traditional crafts in Afghanistan. Pippa has played a vital role in their jewellery programme, focusing on preserving the heritage and design traditions of various ethnic groups, including the Hazara, Tajik, and Uzbek communities. Her commitment ensuring that the skills and the design heritage of these cultures are passed on to the next generation.
The political changes in Afghanistan in 2021 brought significant challenges, particularly for women. In response, Pippa co-founded a social enterprise called Zindagi Now, meaning "new life" in Dari. This initiative offers women and girls in Afghanistan a safe and creative space to make jewellery and develop skills, providing them with a livelihood and a means of creative expression. The pieces they produce are not only beautiful to wear but also serve as a voice for these women in the global community.
“It is difficult for a young girl to migrate in any situation, but I have decided to stay in my home country and work with my sisters for a better future in Afghanistan” - Shaiqa.
18kt Gold Vermeil Next Generation Tamana Cuff with Tigers Eye £300
The Next Generation Collection for Farly
We are honoured to present the "Next Generation," a collection curated by Pippa Small exclusively for Farly. This collection, made by women in Afghanistan, features gold vermeil pieces set with local stones like agate, lapis, tigers eye and turquoise. These pieces reflect Afghanistan’s rich cultural heritage and symbolise hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Pippa Small’s work is a powerful reminder of the importance of traditional crafts in preserving culture and providing livelihoods. Through her jewellery, she bridges the gap between communities around the world and global markets, allowing the voices and stories of the people who create these pieces to be heard and cherished.
18kt Gold Vermeil Next Generation Aamena Earrings with Turquoise Stone £230
18kt Gold Vermeil Next Generation Shaiqa Bracelet with Agate Stone £480
If you’d like to explore the full collection, please follow the link below. Use the access code ‘Pippa100’ to claim a 10% discount on your first order. This offer is valid until 14th September.
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