Portfolio > Extinction Brooch Series

Known as the “person of the forest,” the orangutan faces habitat destruction and loss. This brooch interprets its wise, expressive face with warm amber, rust, and charcoal beads. Long-armed and thoughtful, it reminds us of the forests we are losing, one canopy at a time.

As of late 2024/early 2025, orangutan populations remain critically endangered, with estimated numbers of around 104,000 Bornean, 14,000 Sumatran, and under 800 Tapanuli orangutans, facing severe threats from habitat loss (palm oil, logging) and poaching, with projections showing continued declines, though conservation efforts offer hope.