Paper Jewelry with a Vibrant Burst of Color from Biju Jewellery

Have you ever wondered about the many ways paper circles can be transformed into stylish contemporary jewelry pieces? Perhaps not, but I can assure you that Natalie Itinov of Biju Jewellery in London has already put a great deal of thought into this very question. The result is a boutique company for which she creates delightfully dynamic paper jewelry that's sure to be noticed.

array of slightly curved colorful paper discs scattered across tabletop.

Each style of boho necklace or pair of earrings that Natalie designs for her cohesive collection is composed of color-rich recycled paper and recycled sterling silver or silver plated copper findings. Thus, Biju Jewellery is hypoallergenic, sustainable, eco-conscious, and 100% recyclable.

Statement necklaces fasten with attractive magnetic clasps.

Natalie relies on a mechanical press for punching, but the task isn't as easy as it sounds because the press must be manually operated and is only able to cut a couple of circles at a time. She describes the process as therapeutic.

I admire the way the roughly textured disc edges adds to the jewelry's appeal.

Everything about Biju Jewellery is handmade - even the smart packaging that Natalie hand folds. And all of the pieces are water-resistant so they will be fine to wear on a rainy day... just don't take them for a swim or shower!

stacks of small folded paper boxes with printed gear design on cover.

I asked Natalie to tell us about herself, including why and when her interest in using paper to make jewelry developed.

I started using paper while in university during earning my degree as an illustrator. [University of the Arts, London] I was really interested in book arts and book binding, and this is where my love for paper developed.

The course I was on offered a very wide range of creative opportunities so I always found it interesting to experiment. My creative process was very fluid - from illustration and book binding to jewellery and small sculptures. Eventually, my work developed into a combination of all the things I was interested in.

My love for jewellery must have been my first love... starting from a very young age crawling under my dad’s jewellery bench looking for small gems and other treasures he occasionally dropped.

Later, I started helping him in his craft and doing casting and polishing. I remember my father always encouraging me to come up with my own jewellery designs and to sketch and build them out of paper first, so you can see how the two always intertwined in my creative process as far back as I remember.

Biju Jewellery was born many years later, but somehow feels like it was slowly growing for a long time.

I am currently working with a few shops and galleries in London and across the UK, and I am trying to develop my brand further and really connect with my crowd and my customer.

I recently started an Etsy shop in an attempt to have more personal contact with customers. Only a small business owner will understand the joy each order brings and the true creative drive it creates in a maker.

My plan for the next year is quite an adventurous one. I am planning on taking a sabbatical from my full-time job as a watchmaker and going back to doing some training with my father in Bulgaria before he is ready to retire.

This is a very exciting moment for me that will allow me to put Biju first and give my little brand the best chance I can for it to grow.

All Things Paper readers, please enjoy 20% off your purchase at the Biju Jewellery website with code ATP20. If making a purchase via the Biju Jewellery Etsy shop, use this code, also for a 20% discount.