Our Story
Above & Below has been built to bring multiple passions under one roof that has a positive impact on the oceans.
The roots of the brand are in the ocean, from the founder's past as a Biologist with a passion for marine conservation. Later this was combined with a discovery of a love of silversmithing and led to the idea to create a brand that would allow for that passion to grow while having a positive impact on marine conservation.
After several years of this dream bouncing around, the right time came along to make it into a reality and here we are!
The Process
A sneak peak behind the curtain at how we take our ideas from concept to the beautiful pieces that you are wearing.
Step 1
OCEAN TO IDEA
Each collection begins on the waves, with rough sketches often captured during conservation voyages—salt-spotted notebooks filled as the boat rises and falls with swells. These initial ideas transform into rough carvings by the water, where the prototypes evolve. We test and refine until each piece feels natural against skin, with every curve and connection considered.
Step 2
WAX TO METAL
We use lost wax casting - an ancient technique where designs are first carved in wax, capturing fine details and textures. These wax models are then encased in plaster to create moulds. Skilled silversmiths then pour molten precious metal in, replacing the wax with an exact metal replica.
Step 3
STUDIO TO YOU
Expert hands polish and refine each piece, bringing out the natural beauty of the metal. Every surface is carefully finished, edges are smoothed, and each piece is tested to ensure it meets our standards for both wear and durability.
Environmental Impact
Our impact on the environment is core to Above & Below. We have brought it into account in all of our decisions.
CleanHub Partnership
We've partnered with Cleanhub, an amazing organisation that prevents plastic from entering the ocean.
For every order placed with Above & Below, we prevent 1ib of plastic (~22 plastic bottles) from reaching the ocean.
Materials
From our jewellery pieces to our packaging we have selected our materials carefully.
All of our jewellery is made from the highest quality recycled metals, to minimise the impact their creation has on the environment.
Our packaging is all made of bio-degradable and recycled materials. No plastics are used in our product packaging.
Collection Partnerships
After our first collection, the Elemental collection, all of our future collections will be designed in partnership with Marine Conservation charities and mission aligned brands. This will allow us to have a much more direct impact on marine conservation efforts, from either directly funding charities or helping brands who are impacting those areas themselves.