Big Metal London is a sustainable fashion jewellery brand with a long history and a focus on the future – they believe in the importance of sustainability in order to meet the needs of the present without compromising those of future generations.

Their Story

James McGrath, founder of Big Metal, was first inspired to start making jewellery whilst living in Papua New Guinea 30 years ago and working with natural materials with the local artisan people.

When he returned to London after his travels, he set up a workshop in his mother´s garden shed where he taught himself to make jewellery out of metal too.

He then progressed to setting up a stall in Portobello Market which had so much success that, one day, Jean-Paul Gaultier asked him to design the jewellery for a movie for which he was designing the clothes – this movie was the 5thElement which had and continues to have a huge impact on fashion, redefining what a futuristic aesthetic can be. We believe that that aesthetic is sustainability.

That is when Big Metal London was born and now James and his team design everything in-house in London, following all the latest trends, where he also has a small workshop.

Big Metal Ethos

At Big Metal London, they believe that the future of fashion lies in sustainability, and the reduction of negative impact to our people and our planet. They consider both environmental and ethical principles and apply these to their production to ensure that both their workers and customers benefit from this ethos.

They drive innovation without compromising their own needs or those of future generations. They believe that jewellery should not only be beautiful and fashionable – it should also be good for our planet.

How is Big Metal Sustainable?
Resin – they make their resin earrings by upcycling the leftover products from sunglasses frames. They collect them, design beautiful, vibrant patterns and give them a new life in the form of jewellery.

At least 50% of the brass that they use is recycled.

At least 20% of the other metals that they use is recycled.

They use recycled castings for our silver and gold-plated ranges.