Founded by Rayanne Chami, Ray Makes Things is all about pearls. Each one of the brand's jewellery designs is handmade by Ray herself using ethically-sourced freshwater pearls. For Pearls & Pomegranates, Ray has designed an exciting exclusive collection using solid 14ct yellow gold and the highest quality freshwater pearls.

We love Ray Makes Things not just for their beautiful pearly pieces but also for the brand's wider mission. Ray promises that all areas of production within her control are always as sustainable as possible and also uses her platform to fight against social injustice⁠—Ray is dedicated to fundraising for charities whose visions fit her brand's morals.

The brand

Taking inspiration from her mother, an artist and jeweller who ran her own social enterprise in Lebanon, Rayanne Chami, founder of Ray Makes Things, began creating jewellery from freshwater pearls and all of her exquisite, handcrafted collection items feature freshwater pearls. For Pearls & Pomegranates, Ray has designed an exciting exclusive collection using solid 14ct yellow gold and the highest quality freshwater pearls.

The jeweller

Ray moved to London from Lebanon to complete her PhD in Psychology when she had a cancer scare. She returned to her hometown for a biopsy, where she took up jewellery-making to occupy her mind while she awaited her results (which were negative!). It was during this difficult time that she discovered a surprising passion: making and selling jewellery.

"It's brought happiness and meaning to my life in a way I still find hard to describe," says Ray.

Sustainability

Ray promises that all areas of production within her control are always as sustainable as possible. She does this by ensuring her plastic-free packaging is 100% recyclable, sourcing pearls directly from artisan pearl farmers infrequently and in bulk to keep her carbon footprint low, and auctioning on vintage pearls where possible.

Beyond the jewels themselves, Ray uses her platform to fight against social injustice and is dedicated to fundraising for charities whose visions fit her brand's morals. Indeed, in the two years since Ray Makes Things was founded, Ray has inspired her community to raise over £5,000 for six charities.