WRITTEN BY REMI JAMES
From a personal perspective, studying Fashion and Jewellery Design many years ago, it was such a treat getting to speak with multi-award-winning and ethical jewellery designer Susi Smither, the creative force behind The Rock Hound. Her stunning designs champion fair wages and sustainable practices that uplift local miners and farmers worldwide. Susi’s story, for passion and craftsmanship, and dedication to ethics left a lasting impression on me and reaffirmed the power of responsible luxury.
From her vibrant and diverse background, Susi Smither’s journey into jewellery design is a testament to her creativity and determination. Beginning with her early studies in Maths and Management, Susi transitioned into a career in weddings and corporate events. However, seeking more fulfilment, she enrolled in a short course at the world-renowned Central Saint Martins in Jewellery Making and instantly fell in love with the craft.
As fate would have it, Susi formed a strong bond with her teacher, who was setting up his own jewellery school in Hatton Garden. This opportunity allowed her to gain hands-on experience, training with him once a week for four years. Here, she developed proper bench skills and discovered her passion for precision—a perfect match for this meticulous Blue-haired Aries. Susi appreciated the discipline of creating something flawless through repetitive steps, which became an integral part of her craftsmanship.
Initially focused on silver jewellery, Susi’s passion soon expanded to gemstones. Determined to deepen her expertise, she pursued advanced studies in gemmology at the Gemological Association of Great Britain, earning prestig-ious qualifications such as GIA, FGA, and JDT. This rigorous education cemented her status as a bona fide “Queen of Gems.” Today, Susi personally handpicks each gemstone during her field trips, ensuring only the finest mater-ials for her creations.
Her latest collection Alchemy exemplifies this ethos, blending Fairmined Gold vermeil from Colombia with recycled silver to create opul-ent, festival-inspired designs. The collection incorporates nano-ceramic coatings, adding bold, vibrant colours to Susi’s signature pieces. Beyond aesthetics, 2% of all sales from this collection are donated towards people & planet further emphasising The Rock Hound’s values.
At the heart of The Rock Hound lies Susi’s unwavering commitment to ethical practices. She personally selects gemstones on her field trips, favouring unique and vibrant stones like Paraiba Tourmaline from Brazil and Spinel. Her dedication to responsible sourcing extends to the materials she uses: artisanal gold from Brazil and recycled AgAIN silver, derived from UK medical X-rays. By prioritising trace-ability, Susi ensures her jewellery supports both environmental sustainability and the well-being of local communities.
Susi’s impact extends far beyond her designs. She made history in 2023 as the first jeweller to speak at COP28’s Green Zone, where she shared her insights on sustainable practices in the jewellery industry. A member of Fair Luxury, Susi collaborates with industry changemakers to promote a responsible future for fine jewellery. Recently, she even created an exclusive collection for Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton, crafting stunning menu holders, cufflinks, earrings, and more for his luxury ROW on 5 restaurants in London’s Savile Row.
The Rock Hound is not just a jewellery brand—it’s a beacon of modern luxury rooted in ethics, creativity, and sustainability. For those who seek meaningful beauty, Susi Smither’s designs offer more than adornment; they tell a story of care, craft, and conscious living.
Images courtesy of The Rock Hound Marketing
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