MATERIALS

Leather

I use genuine leather sourced from Italy. Along with Piñatex®, an innovative natural textile made in the Philippines from pineapple leaf fiber.

Recycled Glass

I use recycled glass beads sourced from Ghana, Africa, where they are handmade. Techniques used to make these recycled glass beads are centuries old! 

One technique grinds down glass remnants from broken drink/perfume bottles, windows, jars, and other waste packaging into a fine powder by hand. This powder is placed in a mold made of compacted, dried mud and sand. A cassava plant stem is then used to make the hole (the stem stays put during the firing process in the kiln and burns away leaving the hole).

I love that these beads are handmade by artisans from recycled material and are sustainable.

Wood

All wooden beads are handmade in Africa. Larger pieces of wood like our key chains or earrings (anything other than beads) are handmade from reclaimed wood in North Carolina by Sabrina's (the founder of Lettie and Row) father-in-law Keith Pursley. He is an incredible artist and it is such a gift to partner with him!  

Gold-Plated + Gold-Filled

I use both gold-plated and gold-filled. For our larger pieces like hoops and statement necklaces we typically use gold-plated jeweler's brass and for smaller pieces, like our dainty necklaces we use gold-filled materials. 

Both gold-filled and gold-plated contain gold, but in different quantities. The longevity of either type depends on the wear, care, and environment, but generally gold-filled pieces are more durable than gold-plated due to the thicker layer of gold alloy. Both may tarnish over time, but as long as the piece is well cared for, gold-filled jewelry can last a lifetime.

Brass + Stainless Steel

Brass, an environmentally conscious material, is used on many of my designs. The studs are made out of stainless steel (great for those with sensitive ears!). All materials are always nickel-free.