MATERIALS
At AOK, every piece is handcrafted using a considered selection of materials, chosen not only for their beauty, but for their impact.
We work primarily with precious metals and gemstones, creating pieces that are designed to last, evolve, and be worn for a lifetime.
RECYCLED PRECIOUS METALS
All AOK pieces are made using recycled gold and silver, sourced from trusted UK suppliers.
This means that no newly mined metal is introduced into our core production process. Instead, existing precious metals are refined and reused, significantly reducing environmental impact compared to traditional mining.
We work with 9ct, 14ct and 18ct gold, alongside sterling silver, depending on the piece.
SUPPLIERS
We source our metals primarily from Cookson Gold, a long-established UK supplier of precious metals and tools.
Their materials are certified and traceable, allowing us to maintain a consistent and transparent supply chain across all collections.
By working with a single, trusted supplier, we are able to ensure both quality and accountability in every piece we create.
GEMSTONES
We use a mixture of natural and lab-created stones across our collections.
Natural gemstones are selected in small quantities, often chosen for their unique character rather than uniformity. These may include opals, sapphires, quartz and other semi-precious stones.
Where appropriate, we also work with lab-created stones such as YAG. These offer a lower-impact alternative to mined stones while still holding the same optical beauty and durability.
Each stone is chosen individually, meaning no two pieces are ever exactly the same.
MAKING PROCESS
All AOK jewellery is made by hand in our studio.
We use a combination of casting, carving and fabrication techniques, working directly with recycled grain and wire to form each piece. Chains and clasps are either hand-formed or sourced as recycled precious metal components.
Due to the handmade nature of our work, subtle variations are part of the final piece — a reflection of process, not imperfection.
LOW IMPACT PRODUCTION
We operate on a small-batch and made-to-order basis wherever possible.
This allows us to:
- Reduce excess stock and material waste
- Maintain a slower, more intentional production pace
- Focus on quality over quantity
Each piece is made with time and care, rather than mass production.
REACH COMPLIANCE
All materials used in AOK jewellery comply with UK REACH regulations.
These regulations restrict the use of harmful substances such as cadmium, lead and nickel in products that come into contact with the skin.
We use cadmium-free solders and carefully sourced alloys to ensure that every piece meets these standards.
HALLMARKING
All new castings legally require hallmarking. In the instance your own metal is sued for the manufacture of a new shank / band, the Assay office will assess and grade this accordingly. Sometimes this might include a part mark where there are two metals dowered together.
AOK jewellery is hallmarked at the Edinburgh Assay Office.
All new metal castings require to be hallmarked. In the instance your own metal in used for the manufacture of a new shank / band or wedding ring liner, the Assay office will assess and grade this gold and stamp accordingly. This may include a Part Mark, where there are two metals dowered together.
RESPONSIBILITY
We believe that jewellery should hold meaning — not just aesthetically, but materially.
By working with recycled metals, low-impact stones and a transparent supply chain, we aim to create pieces that feel considered at every stage of their making.
This is an ongoing process, and we are always looking for ways to refine and improve how we work.
A FINAL NOTE
Every AOK piece is part of a wider system — one that values longevity, connection, and a slower way of making.
We are not perfect, but we are intentional. And we believe that intention matters.
