One look at Washed Ashore's jewelry collection and it feels like you've transcended reality for a moment — the brand's dreamy, exquisite pieces are works of elegant, wearable art. But unlike most jewelry brands, this beauty doesn't come at a high cost to our earth. Washed Ashore uses no newly mined metals or diamonds — or any virgin materials at all for that matter.

Sourcing 100% recycled metals, post-consumer diamonds and gemstones, and upcycled keshi pearls and abalone shells, Washed Ashore is committed to creating truly circular jewelry that's not just inspired by Mother Earth, but honors her too.

To learn more about the mission and inspirations behind Washed Ashore, why and how the brand sources recycled/secondhand materials, and what the challenges are of sourcing sustainably, we interviewed founder and designer Larada Lamsam!

This post was made in partnership with Washed Ashore. As always we only partner with brands that meet high standards for sustainability.

WHAT LED YOU TO FOUND WASHED ASHORE?

I've always been a creative soul. Creating Washed Ashore has allowed me to have an outlet to express the beauty that I see in nature through jewelry that also honors and protects her.

I have always been fascinated by the relationship humans have with jewelry for thousands of years. Jewelry holds a sentimental value to its wearer, that to me, is beautiful and represents everyday magic.

Being inspired by nature and all her power, sustainability has always been the number one goal upon Washed Ashore’s conception. Washed Ashore embodies the change I want to see in the world. It has always been a dream of mine to be able to offer beautiful jewelry that doesn't harm the people or the planet, all in the while educating people about the industry and our footprints.

WHAT ARE THE INSPIRATIONS BEHIND YOUR DESIGNS?

Nature definitely plays a big role in my designs. I feel like there is something so calming and fluid about the designs we find in nature, whether is the iridescence of a pearl, to the intricate scales on a fish, to the shape the constellations take on the night sky. For me, it truly represents the divine feminine energy of creation and beauty, and if we can see and appreciate that in nature, we can see that reflecting in all of us. Empowering nature is empowering ourselves.

I am also heavily influenced by my background in art history. Jewelry has always been present and prized throughout history. I find myself often drawing inspiration from the designs and themes of ancient artifacts that I was exposed to.

My culture is also another inspiration that is deeply embedded in me. I’m Thai and Thai culture is very big on jewelry being talismans more than just ornaments. That aspect of me influences a lot of the motifs messaging behind my designs.

WHY DOES WASHED ASHORE USE ONLY RECYCLED MATERIALS?

We only use post-consumer materials because it is the only way to achieve a circular business model, as opposed to the more traditional linear one. Using only recycled precious metals and gemstones allows us to manufacture without the need to source for new materials, which in our case eliminates mining, and minimizes our waste.

To me, this makes it the most ecologically mindful and viable choice. By doing so, we also cut down the CO2 emissions drastically in comparison to using newly mined materials. We want to truly reuse and regenerate without being restricted by the old designs. I personally think it is the most sustainable option for modern-day jewelry design and manufacturing.

HOW DO YOU SOURCE YOUR KESHI PEARLS AND ABALONE?

Our natural Japanese Akoya keshis are sourced from our trusted partner here in the US. Keshis are formed when the nacre does not latch onto the implanted nucleus inside the mother of pearl, thus, they are the byproduct of the pearl industry. Working with our trusted supplier who specializes in pearls not only provides traceability which is key for us, but also allows us to access deadstock keshis that aligns with our mission to eliminate the usage of newly sourced materials.

Our abalone shells are sourced from a farm in Thailand, where we partially manufacture. The shells are byproducts of the food industry that are normally disregarded and thrown out as waste. We take those and turn them into jewelry, giving them a second life.

WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU ENCOUNTERED WHEN SOURCING ONLY RECYCLED/SECONDHAND MATERIALS?

Doing something in a less traditional way will always pose some challenges, but that doesn't deter us! Sourcing can be difficult at times especially because we have to work with only trusted and certified suppliers. In those situations, we have to allow for time and delay some products which is not ideal, but not a big deal in the grand scheme of things.

We source locally as much as possible to help reduce as much emissions as we can. As mentioned earlier, we partially manufacture in Thailand, so we source locally there. Luckily, Thailand is a hub for secondhand jewelry dealing, so we have more access to the secondhand jewelry market. However, it can get tricky since we cannot dictate what stones are on the market, so we curb the challenges by working the available options into our designs instead. Working with materials that are already available is a big step towards sustainability.

FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE, WHAT STEPS SHOULD THE JEWELRY INDUSTRY TAKE TO BECOME MORE SUSTAINABLE?

I think it’s very important to understand that sustainability encompasses three main pillars. Initiatives should be socially, economically, and environmentally sound. If one or the other is not met, then it is not truly sustainable. Also, promoting a circular business model versus a linear one, as mentioned earlier, will help with waste minimization and reduce the need for new materials which is taxing for the environment. Sustainability is the way of life, the way we operate. It’s important to understand that it is not just a trend!

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PIECES FROM WASHED ASHORE?

Is it biased of me to say every piece is my favorite? This is like choosing your favorite child! I designed them all so I love them all! I have to say that the Ethereal pieces do have a special place in my heart. They were my earliest designs so I think they hold sentimental values to me. Please don’t tell that to my other pieces, they will get jealous ;)