Next up in our Meet the Jeweller series, we had the pleasure of asking Sam Holmes some questions about his work and process. Sam is an artisan jeweller who creates immersive pieces inspired directly by his working environment.
What first inspired your connection between jewellery-making and the natural world — was there a particular experience or moment that sparked it?
During university, I told my tutors I’d be handing in my next project late, the weather was far too nice to be stuck inside the workshop. Two months later, that moment of rebellion turned into an idea: I developed my outdoor workbench so I could do both, create my jewellery and explore the outdoors at the same time.
How do you choose the natural materials or textures that feature in your work? Is there a particular landscape or element of nature that draws you in most?
I’m drawn to the contrast between the rugged rocks around me and the rolling hills beyond. I often take direct texture impressions from the rocks where I set up my bench, embedding the essence of that location into each piece. Every mark and surface tells the story of where it was made.
Can you describe your creative process — from gathering inspiration outdoors to completing a finished piece?
It starts with finding a new location, which takes longer than you might think. I search for a quiet spot, often a tree away from the path, which means a fair bit of exploring. Once I’ve settled in, I start designing, drawing inspiration from my surroundings: the colours of flowers, the views, the atmosphere. I aim to translate the weather, mood, and essence of that place into the jewellery. Once the design is finalised and materials ordered, I begin making, a process that depends heavily on good weather and low wind. Sometimes I get lucky with calm, sunny days, but more often the conditions leave their mark on the work itself.
How do you balance traditional jewellery craftsmanship with the more raw, organic feel of nature-inspired design?
My techniques are rooted in traditional fabrication — each piece is made from raw materials using classic jewellery-making skills. But the environment influences the outcome in subtle ways. For example, once I was working outdoors after it had snowed in the morning. Meltwater dripped onto my tools throughout the day, so I kept them in my bag and only brought them out when needed. This extra step changed the flow of my process, resulting in a more crude, raw aesthetic, a direct reflection of the conditions in which it was made.
What do you hope people feel when they wear one of your pieces?
I want them to feel inspired, and to remember that it isn’t just about the final product, it’s about the journey behind it. I want each piece to be a reminder of that connection and the story it carries.
How do you see your work contributing to people’s connection with nature — do you think jewellery can act as a reminder to slow down or reconnect?
I believe jewellery can hold a sense of place. When someone wears a piece made outdoors, they’re carrying a fragment of that landscape and story with them. It’s a reminder to slow down, to notice the textures and patterns around them, and to reconnect with the natural world.
Do you have any sustainable practices or environmental values that shape how you run your business?
I view jewellery-making as a sustainable craft. All new precious metal I buy is 100% recycled, and I recycle every bit of my own workshop waste. Ethical sourcing is a key issue for me, mining and quarrying for metals and gemstones can destroy the very landscapes I aim to celebrate. For this reason, I only use lab-grown gemstones and recycled metals.
Social media — helpful tool or necessary evil? How do you navigate sharing your craft online?
My videos are made to inspire, to get people to spend more time outdoors and appreciate nature. Ironically, I use social media, which exists at the complete opposite end of the spectrum, to reach them. For me, it’s a tool: one that can share my work, my process, and the beauty of the places that inspire it, with people I’d never meet otherwise.
Visit Sam's website here to see his latest work and follow his popular Instagram here to see his process in action.
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