THE NAME.

ARA is a small constellation, translating from latin as ‘the altar’.

ARA was depicted in early illustrations as an altar with burning incense, rising smoke, or sacrificial offerings.

My interpretation of this translated into the responsible sourcing, creating & offering of objects upon a conceptual altar.

Drawing inspiration from astronomy, nature, and the Ancient World’s binding relationship with both.

AN OVERVIEW.

ARA the altar began as a project to align my own values concerning mindful consumption & lessening environmental impact with slow, considered design and production.

Dissatisfied with the limited choices for those looking to make more responsible purchasing decisions, I felt driven to contribute to a shift towards a more purposeful, slow and transparent movement, creating and offering earth-aware adornment for the everyday.

Adopting a slow approach, I design for longevity not trend, with minimal waste and a circular economy in mind.

I make every piece of adornment in my workshop in Stockport, using electricity powered by renewable energy. And I recycle or compost materials that can be repurposed or returned to the earth.

I work with only solid precious metal to ensure that every piece of ARA adornment can be passed on or melted down to begin its journey again.

I also work with only recycled gold and silver, using what’s already in circulation and, as a licensed Fairmined brand, ARA also works with eco Fairmined gold, an initiative whose label certifies gold of responsible origin.

Thank you so much for supporting the approach I am choosing to take with ARA.

EXPLORE MORE.

of what makes ARA a responsible brand here