I Preserve The Beauty Of Nature In Eco-Resin Jewelry

My name is Gillian and I'm a designer, maker and daydreamer behind the Lost Forest. I began creating unique treasures in 2012, after being influenced by autumnal leaves caught beneath the shallow water of a puddle of rain. It looked like a magical world had been trapped beneath the water and I desperately wanted to re-create that moment. After weeks and months of researching, I chose a bio-based eco resin as the material to use for my jewellery. It was a relatively new material at the time, with only myself and two other jewellery designers using it.

My journey began from there with years of researching and constant self-learning. I eventually developed a sophisticated and highly skilled technique to ensure a superior product. I use a degassing chamber for my resin; that is the only way to achieve a beautiful crystal clear finish and an inherently strong form. The eco resin I use also has UV stabilising technology built into its composition, ensuring no yellowing will occur over time.

Each and every piece is handcrafted over a period of 2-3 weeks and is a laborious process that only a passionate craftsperson can sustain over the years. I collect all the natural elements that are encapsulated in the jewellery, and expertly dry and preserve them to retain their colour and form. Flowers are picked fresh from the sun-drenched countryside, moss and lichen are gathered from the forest floor of the magical Irish woodlands, and seashells are collected from the windswept shorelines. I combine these organic inclusions with gold, silver or rose gold leaf, which is a signature and original style I created in the beginning of my career. The results are timeless; tiny glittering portions of Ireland forever trapped within wearable keepsakes.

More info: lost-forest.com | Instagram

I always surround myself with botanicals, feathers, wildflower guides, candles and music. Ideas usually come very easily when working here.