Sonny Cooper

Red Route

I was born in Dumfries and brought up in Moffat, where I now practise my craft. As a self-taught jeweller, I create handcrafted pieces that fuse traditional techniques with a contemporary edge. My designs emphasise texture, structure, and movement, using primarily recycled precious metals to breathe new life into old materials while maintaining an eco-conscious approach.
Inspired by the rugged Scottish landscapes and my Pakistani heritage, my work often weaves these worlds together, infusing cultural narratives into my designs. As a history student, storytelling is central to my process, with many creations rooted in historical themes.

Images of Studio

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About My Practice

My practice begins with the basics, starting from bullion and scraps of precious metal and transforming them into finished pieces. I create my own building blocks by forging recycled materials into usable sheet and wire. From these building blocks, I can tell a story. I take pride in the extra steps involved in recycling metal, as they bring me closer to the pieces I create.

Tools & Materials

I rely on an array of hand tools, such as files, pliers, saws, and hammers, which provide the control and finesse required for detailed work. For precision, I use callipers, tweezers, and magnification tools to ensure every measurement is exact. Soldering torches, flux, and a pickle pot form the core of my joining processes, while polishing motors and compounds give each piece its final lustre.
The materials I use are equally significant. I work with precious metals such as silver and gold, often beginning with recycled scraps that I melt and forge into new sheets and wires. This process allows me to not only craft with sustainability in mind but also imbue my pieces with a deeper connection to their origins.