DRITSCHEL
NARRATIVE CONTEMPORARY JEWELLERY OBJECTS
Andrea Dritschel is a multidisciplinary designer and researcher from Scotland. Her work centers on object storytelling, weaving emotion and narrative into jewellery that inspires connection, reflection, and environmental awareness. With a keen eye for organic forms and a curiosity for alternative materials, Andrea pushes her craft by blending traditional and biomaterials to create otherworldly pieces that challenge the norms of what materials are considered precious. Through her jewelry, she combines aesthetics and function, offering pieces that are visually striking and deeply meaningful.
CRAFTING IMPERMANENCE
Crafting Impermanence draws inspiration from Andrea’s recent research into alternative materiality within the realm of jewellery. As precious mineral landscapes become increasingly scarce, this collection explores the use of biomaterials to redefine jewellery-making practices. By embracing sustainable materials, it seeks new methods that support the future resilience of the industry amid dwindling natural resources. With less than fifty years of gold reserves remaining and silver’s value rising due to demand in clean energy and electronics, finding material alternatives is crucial. This collection highlights the potential of biomaterials to transform waste into precious objects through thoughtful craftsmanship, offering a fresh perspective on jewellery’s evolving materiality.
(Necklace is made from wool waste bio material developed by the Basque Bio Design Center)
Metamorphosis was a collaborative project with Luxiq Fashion for London Graduate Fashion Week Summer 2024. The collection featured two striking headpieces crafted from recycled copper frames, reclaimed threads, and textile offcuts from the garments in the collection. Designed to embody contrasting emotions of darkness and light—despair and hope—each headpiece reflects a powerful emotional narrative through its thoughtful use of sustainable materials.
Metamorphosis | 24
EMBERS |24
The creation of 'Embers' stems from a deep concern for the escalating impact of rising temperatures on both humanity and the natural world. With the intention of shedding light on this pressing issue, 'Embers' draws attention to the alarming increase in forest fires, a direct consequence of global warming. In the past two decades alone, these devastating fires have become more frequent, resulting in a loss of tree cover that far exceeds that of previous decades. This brooch serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address and mitigate the effects of climate change.
(Brooch is made from recycled silver with 24ct gold leaf and reclaimed yellow sapphires)
'Ocean Angels' earrings are inspired by the bleached corals found on the ocean floor, these earrings serve as a powerful symbol of the widespread impact of global warming. Corals, which bleach due to the loss of algae within them, are just one example of the countless creatures affected by this phenomenon. 'Ocean Angels' represent the ghosts of lost and scarred creatures, acting as messengers to remind us of the urgent need for action. These earrings serve as a nature amulet, raising awareness and inspiring us to preserve our planet.
(earrings are made from recycled silver and Tagua Nuts, a natural vegetable ivory)
OCEAN ANGELS | 22 - 23
AWARDS + SCHOLARSHIPS
Sarabande Foundation Scholarship 2016
VIPA Design Sustainable Practices Award 2019
Sir James Black Award 2019
Vanilla Ink Graduate Award 2019
The Smiddy Play Award 2019
Gold Smiths Craft and Design bronze award 2022.
Fashion Designers and Craft Makers Awards - Young designer of the year runner up 2023
Creative Scotland/ Fife Contemporary Visual Artist and Craft Maker Awardee 2024
Barnson Bequest Scholarship for research 2025
EXHIBITIONS + SHOWS
New Designers Show Case, London July 2019
Elements Exhibition, Edinburgh October 2019
Craft and Design Council Exhibition at the Goldsmiths' Hall London March 2022
FDAC Fashion Show 2023
House of Bandits Jewellery Showcase, London 2024
RESIDENCIES
The Smiddy Artist in Residence, Banff Scotland 2019
Basque Bio Design Center 2025