Solid Precious Metals Only…

Solid precious metals only for our jewellery- no wear from plating or vermeil here.
If it appears to be gold…it is!
Occasionally we may make one off pieces using copper and will gold plate pieces on request but these will be listed as such.

RECYCLED SILVER & GOLD
Maria uses 100% recycled silver and gold wherever possible. I purchase recycled silver and gold grain and melt this down to create my sheet and wires that I use.

For some of the thinner gauge wires I use I buy ecosilver and 100% recycled gold round wire.
Recycled from medical equipment, electronics and giftware - Less CO2 emissions than mined, less water usage - better for the environment. It is both treated and worked with in the same way as newly mined metals. It produces the same quality results, it is simply more environmentally friendly.

*WHAT DO WE MEAN BY WHERE POSSIBLE?
Currently some chains and some findings such as some scroll backs are unfortunately not yet available in recycled metals…yet! As soon as they are we will be looking to move over to using recycled metals in 100% of our pieces.

Made in Derbyshire, England, UK

Every single piece is hand crafted in Maria’s shop / workshop in the beautiful courtyard grounds of Melbourne Hall. By purchasing from Maria Alicia you are directly supporting a small independent business.
Using traditional techniques pieces are designed using pens and paper then hand sawn from handmade wires and sheet. Rings are hand forged and decorated using hammers and sometimes handmade tools then fired with a blowtorch to close with solder. Earring hooks and posts are handmade from wire, gemstones are wrapped or hand set in handmade bezels….you get the idea…Maria is passionate about continuing the ancient craft of creating jewellery.
Our bespoke pieces are completely hand crafted in the same way, often melting down customers own sentimental gold to create new heirlooms that stand the test of time.

Sustainable Packaging

Since we started we have used sustainable gift boxes from a UK company - currently based in Wales and originally based in Lincolnshire.
The boxes are made from recycled card covered in paper. We no longer use the standard foams often seen in jewellery boxes instead opting for recycled card inserts.
Our mailing boxes and bags are made from recycled materials and are fully recyclable (with labels removed where applicable).

Ethical and Transparent

We only use gemstones and materials from reputable companies who have personally visited the workplaces and origins of how they are obtained.

Any new diamonds we use will be conflict free from participants of the Kimberley Process.

We love recycling here at Maria Alicia so love to re-use customers own stones. When we have removed them from unworn jewellery - we often have them repolished and re-cut if required by our trusted lapidarist, ready to be set into their new home.

See our bespoke gallery to see where these stones were rehomed!