About Me

I am a Portuguese artist, a linguist by formation with a background in visual arts. I see myself as a quintessential restless soul, a multifaceted artist who has been dedicated to various art forms; Handmade jewelry, tattooing, writing poetry, music, singing, crafts and decorative arts.

For over 13 years I was a lyrical choral singer at my alma mater; University of Lisbon. I've recently finished my masters degree in History of Art, my thesis is about Portuguese (and European) Mourning Jewelry. I finished my degree with a Summa Cum Laude distinction.

I'm a dreamer at heart and am always keen to find new and marvelous ways to express myself.

Stramonium is a jewelry project that has taken over my life during the last decade, a direct expression of my own inner world.

I do my pieces in my studio, in Lisbon. Everything is designed, fabricated and handcrafted by me. I don't buy ready made castings or ready made jewelry "bases" (settings, ring bands etc.)

All the work I might outsource is always made in Portugal or in the European Union (casting services, loose chains, metal sheet, metal wire etc.)

I use recycled (and recycle) precious metals when possible/available. They are tested by the Portuguese Assay Office, that hallmarks everything I do. You can learn more about it in the legal compliance page.

As of now, I’m only using lab made gemstones, manufactured by a company that has the most sustainable products I could find, some of their products are made in Europe and others in Thailand (with the same safety and ethical standards as the factories in Europe). They also have a foundation since 2013, with programs that promote sustainable livelihoods and have spread through more than 90 countries. 

The environment is of the utmost importance to me, as well as using ethically paid services with no child labour nor exploitation of developing countries' workers and land.

My package is plastic free (except for the postal office slip envelope) and I always strive to make everything as sustainable as possible. This also includes the chemicals, techniques and products I use to create my jewelry.

If you have any questions feel free to email me at sara-raquel@stramonium.art