Karina Constantine
Make-Up Artist & Founder
We'd love to hear a little about you - what is your current journey, and what things from your past influence you as you move forward?
I am building my jewellery brand! I am not a jewellery designer but I am a collector - more like a treasure hunter. It gives me great joy to treasure hunt for a unique piece of jewellery which is affordable and of good quality, the kind that will last. As a make-up artist, I believe in visual transformation. You dress up, you put your make-up on, add your favourite jewellery and you create a portrait of yourself - you can add as much colour as you wish. Wearing jewellery can be a great communicator; I have consistently used wearing jewellery to connect in so many ways with so many people. I am influenced by many things - the amazing energy of my friends, music, art, fashion, photography, architecture, and nature.
What does sustainability mean to you?
Sustainability to me means resourcefulness. We can use the same bag, bottle, and cup repeatedly. I used to collect plastic bags and reuse them all the time. Now it's paper bags and I do the same. I buy second-hand books on eBay. Books last forever if you take good care of them. I am a second-hand buyer when I shop for my wardrobe. I look for cool vintage and second-hand pieces for myself, and if I change my mind, I trade them for another piece. I think I have bought only three pieces from Zara in my lifetime! The idea of fast fashion does not appeal to me.
As a make-up artist and a jeweller, what do you love about your industry, and what changes would you still like to see?
What I love the most about our industry is the creative energy of the people I work with. They are an endless source of inspiration for me and keep me feeling young and reckless in a good way. I would love to see the fashion and beauty industry become more oriented towards people's needs and not just about making a profit.
How much of the weight of trying to protect the planet should be on the individual - what are the specific things you try to be aware of yourself? What can we do as individuals, and where should the government and companies take responsibility?
We should take good care of our nature, individually and globally: minimise pollution, use natural resources wisely and with care, and don't be reckless with anything nature gives us. Plant trees, don’t cut them. Walk instead of drive. Give more, take less.
In your opinion, what are some good ways of slowing down our approach to consumption? Where can we refocus and rethink in terms of our modern lifestyle?
I am not the best ‘global’ thinker - more an everyday, practical one. Let's try to buy less of everything, buy things that last, buy second-hand and vintage, recycle packaging, trade clothing, jewellery, and handbags. When I look for jewellery, I source pieces that are made of solid gold and sterling silver - pieces that will last for years and could be given as gifts to people we love. It's a great little memory to create.
Is there one piece of jewellery (or more!) in your world that is of special importance to you / has an interesting story you would like to share?
My partner found a cross pendant outside our gate in London, made of white metal and covered with sparkling stones. He put it on a Buddha head outside which sits on our patio. It has been there for a few months through rain and wind until I noticed it. I cleaned it and noticed a hallmark on the metal. It appeared to be solid white gold covered in diamonds. I thought it was a good sign for me to start a jewellery business!
Photographed by @alexbramall
Jewellery all @karinaconstantinejewellery