The lightweight and organic curves of BAR Jewellery’s pieces are eye-catching. Known for its simple, refined designs, the brand’s jewelry pairs seamlessly with contemporary fashion. Founder Sophie McKay started her career as a fashion designer before transitioning to design consulting, eventually embarking on her journey as a jewelry designer.

Sophie draws inspiration from “things that can be cherished for a long time, and objects that take time to create.” She explains, “I value materials that stand the test of time, like wool and high-quality fabrics. Searching for vintage items brings me joy because I discover unique designs that can’t be found elsewhere. The piece I always wear is a diamond ring passed down from my grandmother. I’ve worn it for so long that it has molded to the shape of my finger. When something is used for a long time, you eventually forget you’re even wearing it—that is my ideal for design.”

Timeless design leads to jewelry that can be loved for generations, contributing to sustainability. This philosophy forms the foundation of BAR Jewellery.

A recent travel memory of mine is visiting the region of Wales, away from my home base in London, England. Sophie says that her reason for traveling is “to experience new cultures and encounters. I want to feel immersed in a new environment.”

The inspiration for BAR Jewellery often comes from the beautiful forms she sees in natural flowers, trees, sculptures, and architecture. That’s why she often seeks destinations rich in nature and landscapes. “It’s important for me to step away from the studio where I usually work and be in a new environment. Rather than directly gaining ideas for my work from the trip, I think the aim is to clear my mind by being somewhere far away. This time, I wanted to go somewhere in the UK I hadn’t been to yet, so I chose Wales. Though Wales is known for its frequent rain, we were lucky with the weather during our trip. Seeing horses on the cliffside felt like a scene from a movie. The magnificent scenery, reminiscent of Australia, was truly breathtaking.”

BAR Jewellery’s items are made using recycled silver. The brand name “BAR” comes from the idea that before becoming jewellery, metal exists in the form of a solid bar. It reflects Sophie’s desire to return to simplicity and the basics.

“When I started the brand, I wanted to create something positive for the world. I felt it was important to make things that are sustainable and environmentally conscious. At our factory, all leftover fragments and pieces used in production are processed into recycled metal and reused on-site. We’ve also partnered with large factories to continuously acquire metal scraps generated during the production of medical supplies and electronic devices. These are melted down and repurposed as recycled metal.

When I first came up with this concept ten years ago, such thinking wasn’t common in Europe. But now, more designers are embracing the same values, and we’re gaining greater understanding and support from those around us. In Spain, there has been an almost complete shift to recycled metals, and the UK is following suit. There’s truly a wave of innovation happening.”

The “Silhouette Pierced Earring” is a signature piece of BAR Jewellery. At first glance, the earring appears to be a simple elliptical hoop, but it carries a unique artistic influence.
“I drew inspiration from modernist artists like Terry Frost and Barbara Hepworth, who were active in St. Ives, UK, in the 1950s. It’s a hoop earring with a slight twist—playful yet refined. I designed it in 2020, and it remains one of our bestsellers. At the time, I was still exploring my design identity. Conversations at showrooms helped me recognize my design strengths. Some people say it even looks a bit like a pear—which adds to its charm.”