About

Material+Movement was inspired by a simple broken dish. I spent over a decade as a glass artist cutting, grinding, and polishing blown glass sculptures. I transferred my skills to my favorite plate that shattered in the kitchen one day as a way to reclaim the shards and make them relevant once again. My broken china is now a beautiful, one of a kind necklace.

Many people have heirloom china that sits in an attic or drawer, collecting dust. Many others keep broken shards, unsure of what to do with them but not having the heart to discard them. I strive to give new meaning to otherwise forgotten, outdated, and broken objects, transforming them into stylish, wearable design.

Using the composition on the plate, elements are hand cut, thinned, and carved into simple shapes. No settings or metal borders are needed as the ceramic itself is polished on all sides. These shapes are then arranged into compositions informed not only by each element but the imagery on their surface. The jewelry is finished using gold fill and sterling silver findings. 

I am excited to save beautiful vintage china from thrift stores, basements, and landfills forever. Contact me below for inquiries about donations, custom jewelry, and wholesale orders.

XOXO, 

Heather Kraft

 

Let's Chat

 

FAQs

Materials + Origin

  • I work exclusively with vintage and thrifted china. Every pattern and color you see comes directly from the original plate—I never paint or print designs onto the jewelry. You can read about the metals I use below.

  • Since the artwork comes directly from real vintage china, no two fragments are ever the same. The placement of the pattern, the scale, and the edges of the design vary naturally.

  • I highlight the most interesting part of the plate for each piece. Variations are natural and intentional.

  • All of the china is found, donated, or thrifted, giving it a second life and saving it from the landfill. The metals that make up the ear wires, findings, and chain contain recycled material.

Process

  • I carefully select plates with interesting patterns or colors, then hand-cut and carve the fragments into wearable pieces. I use specialized tools traditionally used for cutting and carving glass. The original industrial strength of the china allows me to refine it into delicate, modern jewelry without compromising durability.

  • No. The patterns are always original to the plate. My work is purely in carving and shaping; all colors and imagery are already on the china.

  • No. All pieces are thinned out so they aren’t chunky, and they weigh far less than they would in their original form. The finished pieces are usually just as light or lighter than other jewelry of the same size.

Custom Work

  • Absolutely! Custom projects are my favorite projects. You can learn more on my Custom Projects page.

    1. Submit a message on the Custom Projects page and tell me what kind of china you have and what type of jewelry you would like.

    2. Download the Design Collection PDF and take a look at the designs I offer. You can choose from this collection, or we can design something completely unique to you.

    3. Send me the china and a 50% non refundable deposit

    4. The finished jewelry is ready in 2-3 weeks!

  • Yes! I can coordinate earrings, necklaces, or sets from the same plate or design style.

Care + Durability

  • While the original industrial material gives each piece strength, carving it makes it delicately refined. Handle it with care, like a treasured keepsake.

  • Polish metal with a jewelry cleaning cloth as needed.

    Use a magic eraser sponge or a cloth with water to clean the ceramic as needed and after polishing the metal to wipe away any residue. As raw ceramic is porous, it may pick up pigment from lotion, sweat, makeup, or other substances.

  • Material+Movement is not responsible for damages to jewelry after the item has been delivered; however I am happy to help you repair items on the rare occasion damage occurs. Ceramic pieces can be replaced with a similar piece for a fee of $40 each. Contact me for more details.

Metals + Skin Sensitivities

  • I use sterling silver, gold-fill, and surgical steel for my jewelry. Each is chosen for sustainability, comfort, and beauty.

  • Yes! Here’s a little more about each metal:

    • Sterling Silver: 92.5% pure silver + 7.5% other metals (usually copper) for strength and durability. With gentle polishing, it maintains a bright, lasting shine.

    • Gold-Fill: A thick layer of real gold bonded outside of a base metal (usually brass), making up at least 5% of the total weight (much thicker than gold plating). Durable, long-lasting, and perfect for everyday wear.

    • Surgical Steel: Hypoallergenic, corrosion-resistant, and safe for sensitive skin, with a polished, silver-like shine that complements the ceramic china.

    All three metals are chosen to enhance the vintage china fragments while standing up to mindful, regular wear.

Shipping + Returns

  • Your jewelry will ship out 1-2 business days after purchase. And will ship according to the method you chose at checkout.

    Custom pieces take 2-3 weeks to make and will ship USPS Priority Mail unless otherwise requested.

  • If you are not satisfied with your jewelry upon receipt, I am happy to refund your purchase within 7 days. Exchanges are welcome within 30 days of purchase. 

    Custom and personalized jewelry is not eligible for returns or exchanges.