Cordelia Rampley – portfolio
Contact the artist
cordelia [at] zaphir [dot] co [dot] uk
Artist information
Hi, I’m Cordelia. I’m a scientist and jeweller based in Oxfordshire, creating thoughtfully handmade jewellery that blends my fascination with science, sustainability, and artistic expression.
With a background rooted in biology, chemical engineering, and environmental science, I’ve always been drawn to nature’s structures and textures. I love observing how metals behave when melted, shaped, or hammered, and how gemstones can enhance certain designs. This scientific mindset guides my creative process, pushing me to innovate while always honouring the inherent properties of the materials I use.
Each of my jewellery collections has its own story to tell. From Imaginature, capturing the ephemeral beauty of real leaves in recycled silver, to Alchymia, where molten silver transforms into organically sculpted forms, I try and make sure that every piece is a small, carefully considered experiment in wearable art.
I draw a lot of my inspiration from botanical forms, the elemental qualities of metal, and the unique beauty of gemstones. Combining traditional silversmithing methods such as forging, engraving, and milling with modern techniques like CAD, laser-cutting, and even 3D printing, I try to create pieces that are genuinely distinctive, wearable, and robust enough to become cherished heirlooms.
Whether in a lab coat or a jeweller’s apron, I am always committed to sustainability!
In Zaphir, I work with recycled precious metals, ethically sourced gemstones, and sustainable materials. All of my packaging is plastic-free and from sustainably managed sources. In my scientific world, I develop and test new technologies to help improve water quality. I modify bacteria so that they can test toxicity in water, reducing the use of animal models and helping numerous industries to reduce their negative impacts on ecological health.
I’ve been making jewellery for over 23 years, and while it remains my creative escape from my scientific career, Zaphir represents much more than a side project—it’s a reflection of my values and a journey I can’t wait to share with you.
Thanks so much for being part of my creative story—it genuinely means the world to me.
Cordelia – The Jewellery Mad Scientist @Zaphir
Cordelia Rampley
