FARADO Design is making waves in the wedding industry, offering bespoke designer rings with an ethical dimension.

The Scottish brand was founded in 2016 by Lisa Catterson, four years after she graduated from Glasgow School of Art with a BA (Hons) in silversmithing and jewellery design.

Prior to establishing her own brand, Catterson made her name through a succession of prestigious projects. Her highlights include participating in international jewellery exhibitions, a year-long post as artist in residence at Ediburgh College of Art and a project with the National Museum of Scotland during which she taught school groups.

The National:

With her mark firmly made on Scotland’s jewellery industry, Catterson sought to launch her own brand. She aimed to focus on bespoke design commissions so she could work directly with clients, and with that, Farado Design was born.

The word “farado” means “making” in the constructed international language Esperanto.

Working from the label’s studio in Glasgow’s historic Briggait building, Catterson is making a particular impact within the wedding industry, specialising in creating engagement and wedding rings.

Farado Design offers a unique twist on traditional jewellery, influenced by Scandinavian design principles of simplicity, minimalism and functionality.

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Ethical design is at the heart of the brand and is reflected in the primary material used to create the pieces. Catterson uses Fairtrade gold, about which she feels there is little education in the industry.

She explains: “Working with Fairtrade gold is something that I was passionate about. I think what is most surprising to people is that there is no difference in the quality of the materials at all – we are simply ensuring that the way the materials got here is as ethical as possible.”

Jewellery made from Fairtrade gold is stamped with the Fairtrade seal of approval, meaning it can be fully traced from a certified mine. The mark guarantees that the material used has contributed to a fairer industry, improving the lives of the miners and their families through ensuring fair pay.

Reflecting upon her favourite part of her job, Catterson says: “From a design perspective, I love working with clients on creating something special. Some people come to me because of the Fairtrade element and others just haven’t managed to find that special piece.”

Information about the brand’s summer collection, titled Inspiration, can be found at the Farado Design website.

www.farado.co.uk