In this episode, Sofie Boons speaks with materials researcher and jewellery designer Karoline Healy about her practice at the intersection of science, craft, and sustainability. Through her ongoing research project Future Metals and her research-led studio Hâ‚‚ERÇ´, Karoline explores how biology and biotechnology might offer regenerative alternatives to traditional metal extraction.
The conversation covers interdisciplinary collaboration, the challenges and possibilities of working across scientific and creative fields, and what it means to operate as an independent researcher and maker. Together, they reflect on how jewellery might move beyond extractive models, asking, ‘What if plants could become the miners of the future, and biological systems part of how we source and value precious materials?’
Karoline Healy moves between jewellery, material research and speculative futures in her investigations into new forms of precious matter. Through her London-based studio jewellery, Hâ‚‚ERÇ´, she investigates regenerative material cultures shaped by ecology, biotechnology, craft, science and ancient knowledge.
Drawing from natural growth formations, ironwork, surrealism and alchemical traditions, her work reimagines jewellery as both artefact and ecological proposition, exploring through craft research and material futures. Alongside her studio practice, Karoline works as a materials consultant and researcher, collaborating with the design industry and global brands to explore material innovation and regenerative alternatives to extractive systems.
Discover more about our host, Dr Sofie Boons. Explore more of Carla’s work here.
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