Pippa Small Reveals Her First Sterling Silver Collection

By Karen Dybis | July 07, 2025

Age-old adages may tell you to “go for gold,” but ethical jeweler Pippa Small is turning that phrase on its head this summer with the brand’s release of its first silver collection, Moon Pebbles.

Small says she is drawn to materials that feel soulful and timeless, and silver fits the bill. She says the Moon Pebbles collection, with prices ranging from $100 to $920, is inspired by the moon’s calming glow and silver’s foundational energy.

“I love the chandelier earrings—the movement of all the pebbles creates a beautiful light show. I also adore the long necklace, as I know I would play with the pebbles. Their soft, worn shapes and gentle weight feel reassuring and grounding,” she says.

Pippa Small silver necklace — *Pippa Small recently introduced the PSTM Afghanistan Kushan Farhat Long necklace ($920) in sterling silver.*

And, with gold prices at historic highs, silver is a smart choice in other ways.

“The soaring price of gold, driven by global insecurities, has made the freedom of designing a bit daunting. Trying to reach entry-level price points has meant making smaller and smaller pieces, which isn’t really where my heart is,” Small says.

Small says she wore sterling silver mostly when she was a teen. Then she began working in India, where gold is seen as auspicious. As a result, she became accustomed to using high-karat gold, which is soft and has the warmest yellow hue.

“It became addictive, and I absolutely love it,” Small admits. “However, lately, I’ve started looking at silver again. I think there are two reasons behind creating this collection. One is the restriction the high cost of gold places on designers now.

Sterling Silver Textured Cuff — *Pippa Small shows how delicate silver can be with her PSTM Afghanistan Kushan Hina cuff ($425) in sterling silver.*

“The other reason is that we created a collection in very high-polish sterling silver with an almost mirrorlike effect,” Small adds. “In these challenging times, I felt there was something joyful about the moonlike reflections from the silver, and its mirrorlike surface acts as an evil eye deflector.”

In Afghanistan, where the collection was made, Small says there is a belief in the power of the evil eye, and mirrors are often used for protection, sometimes even sewn into dresses. She says she loves the double effect of bringing lightness and joy while offering a sense of protection.

Small says the Moon Pebbles pieces carry the voices and dreams of the makers, the handprints of a wonderful culture and part of the world, as well as the challenges they face and their resilience and creativity.

“I have worked in Afghanistan for nearly 20 years now, through wars, changes in governments, COVID, and the new restrictions on women’s lives. On a more personal level, I’ve worked with artisans in the workshop, watching them grow from young apprentices to now seeing them married with their own children. I’ve seen women train and join the workshop, discovering the freedom of designing, expressing themselves creatively, and the joy of making.”

Small runs a program in Kabul called Zindagi Now (A New Life), which gives women livelihood skills such as jewelry-making, gem cutting, design, and business management. All these experiences are reflected in the jewelry the brand makes in Kabul.

Pippa Small silver ring — *Pippa Small ventured into new territory with this PSTM Afghanistan Kushan Farhat Single Ring ($110) in sterling silver.*

“It’s a program that has empowered women to learn valuable skills, express themselves creatively, and support their families through their work,” Small says. “So far, we have supported 69 women, and 100% of all profits go to these female artisans, giving them hope for a future in Afghanistan.”

Moon Pebbles uses organic-shaped pebbles inspired by ancient beads, bringing the cool gaze of the moon’s silvery rays into play with the high polish. How did her first silver collection turn out overall? She says as handsomely as she hoped.

“These particular pieces were inspired by the old prayer or worry beads, often seen in people’s hands as they constantly rub the stones for comfort and faith. The older beads often take on imprints of life, becoming misshapen with a particular patina from constant human touch,” Small says.

“I think silver is beautiful,” she adds. “And, in the East, it is often seen as humble yet honest as a material, and I can understand that perspective. I love the shapes we’ve created and the light they bring. It’s proven to be very popular with our customers.”

Top: Pippa Small is taking her first steps into silver with the Moon Pebbles collection featuring these PSTM Afghanistan Kushan Juman Earrings ($435) made from sterling silver (photos courtesy of Small).