Small Talk KATHERINE PARR

The founder of her eponymous brand, Katherine Parr cares about sustainability in jewellery

Tell us about the new Fashioned by Nature collection.

It’s inspired by Mother Nature: her motifs and colours, as well as her beauty. The principle motif is the wheat sheaf, which is woven throughout the collection and symbolises abundance and fertility. Semiprecious stones in numerous colours including rose and raspberry were intentionally chosen as we move from winter lockdown into the sunlight of a new season.

Why do you take inspiration from travel and ancient cultures?

I try to capture the essence of ancient empires while incorporating a contemporary spin. I like to think I create modern heirlooms. In the past couple of years I’ve been interested in the Egyptian and Persian Empires, and have taken inspiration from pharaohs like Cleopatra.

Why is it important for the jewellery industry to practise sustainability?

It comes down to values and ethics. As artists we are innovators in positions of leadership. What type of world do we want to live in and how can our business and craft contribute to that vision? There are so many unethical practices in the fashion and luxury goods industry. Ethical and sustainable jewellery brands must lead by example and hold people and the planet higher than their profits.

When did you first become interested in philanthropy?

Born and raised in America with a great deal of comfort, I’ve always had an interest in foreign people and places, with a passion for helping the most vulnerable. As a teenager, I helped establish programming for migrant workers at the church in my hometown, and I taught immigrants in an inner city before starting my brand.

Who would you love to see wearing your jewellery?

I have designed for Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan, which was a true honour. It was a queen chess piece-inspired necklace made using recycled gold and ethically-sourced diamonds.