Materials

All products that are made by Elisabetta Studio, including our cork wallet and cork jewelry, are handcrafted in Vermont using Portuguese flat cork and round cork cording. Cork is a sustainable material and is an eco-friendly vegan leather. All jewelry has fastenings or beads made from a silver-plated nickel-free alloy.

Cork

Cork comes directly from the bark of the cork oak tree, Quercus suber. The evergreen tree grows in and is native to Spain, Portugal, Algeria, and other countries of the western Mediterranean. Cork trees can grow to over 60 feet tall and the largest cork tree measured 13 feet in diameter. Mostly known for its use as cork bottle stoppers, it also is commonly used today as flooring, in trivets as a heat shield, footwear, and in baseball cores. 

Cork trees are only harvested after reaching 25-30 years old and 7 feet in diameter. The cork oak tree produces a uniquely sustainable material in that it regenerates its bark after it has been removed and the tree is unharmed when the cork bark is harvested. After being harvested, the cork bark is not removed from that tree for another nine to twelve years, allowing it to regrow and live. The trees can live up to 300 years and the oldest living cork tree was planted in Portugal in 1783. The bark regeneration continues for the life of the cork tree and is a renewable and sustainable jewelry material, especially when harvested properly.

The cork bark is then boiled in water which makes it soft and flexible. The process does not require any of the harsh chemicals required to process leather, adding to its role as an eco-friendly material. During the manufacturing process, the cork can be combined with other natural products such as straw or fennel to obtain unique patterning or it can be dyed to add color. Our products showcase over thirty different colors of vegan-certified cork. 

Because of its honeycomb-like cell structure, cork can easily be made into a thin, pliable fabric.  Sometimes referred to as cork leather, it is soft and supple but also durable, making it an ideal plastic-free, ethical leather that can be made into bags, purses, wallets, and even clothing. It does not stain or scratch, and it is lightweight and easy to clean. Cork is also naturally antimicrobial, meaning that it wards off mold, bacteria, and viruses without the application of harsh chemicals that are often applied to fabrics. This natural trait makes cork a great choice for high-use and high-touch objects like bracelets, wallets, and purses. 

All cork used to create Elisabetta Studio products is from Portugal and does not contain polyurethane nor any animal-derived ingredients. Additionally, the cork manufacturer is officially vegan certified by PETA: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, making our jewelry and bags vegan friendly. We hand make all non-toxic jewelry and work with responsibly sourced materials. Read more about why cork is good for our environment.

Please note that the cork is a natural product and therefore not uniform.  As a result, each item will be unique with natural patterning. Learn how to care for your Elisabetta Studio products. Learn how to care for your Elisabetta Studio products. 

Clasps & Accents

 Elisabetta Studio makes nickel-free bracelets, necklaces, and earrings; they are also lead-free and silver plated. Some may have issues with alloy metals if they have nickel allergies or sensitivity and seek out nickel-free jewelry. All of our unique cork necklaces, earrings, and best-selling cork bracelets are outfitted with Zamak beads, slides, spacers, and clasps. Zamak is an alloy with a base metal of zinc and alloying elements of aluminum, magnesium, and copper. This material is free of lead, nickel, and cadmium, making it a great choice for anyone looking for nickel-free jewelry. The Zamak jewelry fittings are manufactured in Europe and are electro-plated in silver that is 99.9% sterling silver. As a result, tarnishing may occur and is easily remedied. Read about caring for your jewelry here.