Our Story

The beginning of Stone Age London

Stone Age London is an independent brand founded and owned by Costica Giol, inspired by a passion for the Earth and its many wonders.

I was raised on a farm in the countryside, surrounded by all sorts of critters. Whether tending our vegetable garden or helping my grandmother pick wild herbs for teas, soaps and other concoctions, I always felt a strong connection with nature. This connection is as old as time. Since the Stone Age, perhaps, we have lived with and relied upon what the Earth provides.

Growing up, the natural world was at the heart of everything: animals and plants, trees and rocks, and the dust beneath our feet. Stone Age London grew from that inspiration, a love of nature and, most importantly, the guidance I received about respecting our planet.

Stone Age London is a tribute to my late grandmother and an homage to her many unique crafts.

Here is a photo of my beloved grandmother posing with some black locust tree flowers, just after picking wild dandelion leaves for a spring salad.

(She really loved flowers)

I was always enthralled by her crafts and resourcefulness. From making soap for the whole family in our back garden to cooking dozens of kilos of jams and preserves, picking and drying flowers and herbs for teas or ailments, and crocheting woolly socks and gloves, she did it all with love.

These skills have been passed down through generations in our family. Living in a former Soviet country, they were also an important part of being self-sufficient.

I still remember my grandmother gathering with her sisters and neighbours to help one another render animal fats, mainly lard, and mix them with vegetable fats. They added aromas and freshly picked medicinal herbs to make natural soaps that filled the air with a pleasant herbal scent.

I wasn’t allowed near the boiling cauldron, so I watched in fascination as she worked her magic. Laughing, she always used to say: "One day you'll remember what this old hag taught you and all the funny things she used to say".

Years later, after my grandmother had passed away, my father passed her recipe on to me. It was a well-guarded family secret. I could finally make homemade soaps just like hers. I am proud to keep her traditions alive and carry on a legacy that has been in our family for generations.

~ April 2014 ~

Making soaps and candles reminds me of my grandmother’s craft and the values she taught us. I often think of her when mixing ingredients for a new batch of soap, picking the herbs she taught me to recognise or pouring wax. The smell of freshly made soap gives me a sense of connection to her, and I am proud to keep her memory alive through Stone Age.

~ A treasured memory ~
"And when I'm gone, don't cry, remember me with joy and laughter."
- 2015 -

This is why, at Stone Age London, we strive to make products that are high-quality, sustainable and ethically sourced, using natural materials that will not degrade our environment. We believe in creating and consuming in ways that are good for the environment and society, while offering beautiful, handcrafted pieces. We also try to work with small, independent businesses wherever possible, helping one another grow.

Our products are made in small batches, many to order, and we are always working to reduce waste and become more eco-friendly. We believe that so-called ‘luxury’ and ‘fancy’ packaging is overrated. We would rather reduce our use of plastic and chemicals and increase our use of recyclable, biodegradable or compostable materials.

Ultimately, we believe it is important to consider the environment when making decisions. Life itself is a balancing act, just like the stones in our logo.

Thank you for reading our story, supporting us, believing in our values and being part of our journey.

Warmest wishes,
Costica Giol
Stone Age London founder

Stone Age London
hello@stoneagelondon.co.uk