Eleanor Symms is an Edinburgh based artist and maker who designs and creates unique pieces of jewellery and small editions from found, reclaimed and recycled materials. She exhibits and sells jewellery across the UK and internationally.
Reclaiming materials
A lifelong intrigue with materials has been central to Eleanor’s creative process. Her work is a response to materials which have had a ‘former life’ and she is intrigued by the histories of the materials she finds or salvages.
Eleanor’s fascination with ‘stuff’ and the origins, properties and potential of different materials drives her practice. Eleanor uses reclaimed paper and plastics collected from her local environments. Materials salvaged from the beach, industrial waste, and the street combine with recycled silver to create her distinctive jewellery. She aims to make work which is wearable, original and beautiful, questioning ideas of ‘preciousness’.
From Left to Right,
Dundee Design Drops, 2026
Old World Earrings, 2026
Hamburger Bahnhoff Earrings, 2026
Narratives of Previous Lives
Eleanor is particularly interested in the histories scavenged materials hold. Their shapes, colours and textures often hinting at previous lives and functions. Now often defunct and abandoned. Eleanor likes to revisit larger pieces of reclaimed materials. Making collections inspired by their possibilities and previous lives. She enjoys sharing stories of found materials with the viewer, from its location to what its previous life entailed.
Centring Sustainability
Committed to creating jewellery that is both ethical and sustainable. Eleanor is passionate about ensuring all aspects of her practice are sustainable. Questioning notions of waste in her design process, through reusing and recycling. This includes a phasing out of materials which negatively impact the environment. From inception to display, sustainability of her craft is key. Materials that have no ethical provenance have no place in her practice.
From Left to Right,
Blue Abstract Necklace, 2026
Old Worlds Necklace, 2026
Awards and Exhibitions
Eleanor has MA hons, from the University of Edinburgh, as well as studying at Edinburgh College of Art receiving a Distinction in Art and Design. She is also a Professional Member of Applied Arts Scotland, a member of the Association for Contemporary Jewellery , Precious Collective, Closing the Loop Research group, Tea Green Maker Directory, Crafts Council Directory and Craft Scotland Directory of Makers. Making her an important and dynamic figure in the UK’s jewellery scene.
Eleanor has been the recipient of a plethora of awards. Most recently Creative Scotland and City of Edinburgh Council 2022 Visual Artist and Craft Maker’s Award. Eleanor has shown in selected exhibitions across the UK, Europe and Asia.
For further information on Eleanor Symms and her work please see the links below
Instagram @eleanorsymms
