ELLE USA

How These Three Designers Make Old New Again

Whether it’s discarded nutshells, matchsticks, or tomato stems (above), the most quotidian of objects inspire British Lebanese jeweller Alexandra Hakim. “All the pieces are made from materials that would have lost their function after use,” she says. “I use the body asa canvas to give them the value they deserve, both aesthetically and conceptually.” Because no molds are used in the process—Hakim casts each item directly in silver—no two pieces are identical, resulting in wonderfully asymmetrical earrings and one-of-a-kind rings and necklaces.