ABOUT US
My Story
I'm Lorna, the jeweller and designer behind Luna Ray Jewellery! Originally from Cork, Ireland I am now based in Lisbon, Portugal. I've poured my passion into crafting each piece since 2021, starting during the pandemic from my garden shed. What began as a hobby, sparked by a simple online tutorial on clay jewellery, quickly blossomed into an interest in the art of metalsmithing using precious metals. Today, I create collections using high quality sterling silver, gold vermeil & solid gold. My design process is deeply connected to the ancient technique of lost wax casting, allowing me to shape jewellery with fluid, organic forms; a style I absolutely adore.
The Process
My journey in jewellery is driven by a passion for art and design. I handcraft each piece, ensuring high quality and infusing it with joy from the original concept to creation. Every detail, from initial inspiration to the final polish, reflects this dedication. The process begins with a detailed sketch, where I solidify the design, proportions, and aesthetic vision. This two-dimensional drawing is the blueprint for what's to come. Next, I move to wax carving, an ancient technique I love for its ability to create organic shapes not easily achieved when working with metal. Using specialised tools, I sculpt the design into a three-dimensional wax model, focusing on intricate details and ensuring the desired weight and feel. This wax model then undergoes lost-wax casting. Molten sterling silver or solid gold is poured into a mold, precisely replicating the wax design and preserving even the most delicate details. Finally, I meticulously finish each piece by hand. I file, sand, and polish to transform the casting into high-quality piece of perfectly, imperfect handcrafted jewellery.
Quality
Recycled sterling silver is the foundation of our sustainable and ethical approach to crafting beautiful pieces. The recycled silver we use is carefully sourced and refined to create a material that is just as stunning and durable as newly mined silver, but with a much lower environmental impact. Each piece of jewellery is expertly handcrafted with a focus on quality and longevity, ensuring that every customer can cherish their purchase for years to come. By choosing recycled sterling silver, we are not only creating beautiful pieces of art, but also making a positive impact on the planet.
Packaging & Sustainabilty
I believe in the importance of sustainability when creating jewellery. That's why I prioritise using sustainable packaging materials for all of our products. I understand the impact that packaging waste can have on the environment, and we want to do our part to reduce it. By using sustainable materials such as recycled paper and compostable materials, I aim to minimize our carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner and healthier planet. Each piece of our jewellery is packaged using sustainable, eco-friendly materials. Every order is sent in a gorgeous eco-friendly jewellery box with a handwritten note. Our earring display cards are made with 100% recycled kraft card and our tissue paper is proudly FSC certified, acid free and printed with soy ink. My process does not involve any waste, all metal is used up in the creation process so any leftovers from designs are melted down & reimagined into new pieces. I also aim to work with solely recycled sterling silver in order to make our finished jewellery as sustainable as possible.