Breathing new life into old and unworn pieces of jewellery is what I do best!
I’m a firm believer that there’s already enough of everything in the world, and when you choose to reuse old jewellery, you are not only making an environmentally conscious decision, but also preserving the sentimental value of precious family heirlooms. By transforming these treasured (or sometimes just unwanted) pieces into new designs you can ensure that they continue to hold a special place in your heart, and most importantly that you will enjoy wearing them again!
Additionally, as precious metal prices just continue to rise, re-using your old gold or platinum jewellery can be a very cost-effective solution. If there’s any excess gold or platinum left over at the end, you can either keep this for yourself, or if you’re happy for me to recycle and re-use in another piece, I can sometimes offset the value against your final bill.
All of the “recycling” process takes place at my off-grid, solar powered studio in The Forest Of Dean. Every stage, from the design drawings to the final polishing and stone setting is done so by my own two hands. This might mean that your special piece of jewellery takes a bit longer to make, but by not “outsourcing” tasks, the carbon footprint is kept as low as it possibly can be.
The only task that I can’t do myself is hallmarking, as it’s a legal requirement that this takes place at a UK Assay Office. I’m registered at both London and Birmingham, which are the two nearest Assay Offices to my studio. I use Royal Mail Special Delivery as this is currently the “greenest” and safest post/courier company in the UK.
How does it all work?
Following an initial consultation either in person, over the phone, or online (email/FaceTime/Zoom), I will produce a two or three drawings so you know exactly what you are getting. Working in this way means that changes can easily be made at the design stage, keeping the production cost of making your perfect rings as low as possible.
Once we’ve agreed on a design, I’ll email you to arrange getting your jewellery to me. When I have it at my studio, I’ll check the metal and let you know what the final carat is likely to be. I’ll remove any gemstones and store them safely to set later on in the making process, before melting down and reprocessing your metal ready to turn into your new piece of jewellery.
In the case of engagement and wedding rings, I always work to make them look wonderful whether worn together or on their own. Obviously, I'd love to be able to make all of your rings but if you already have your engagement ring, I can design a wedding ring to sit perfectly next to it.
Everybody loves rings, but I can make all the other types of jewellery too! I have a degree in Jewellery and Silversmithing from the highly prestigious Birmingham School of Jewellery as well as many years of experience, working with silver, gold, platinum, palladium and all sorts of precious and non-precious gemstones.
Design Examples
Example Pricing Structure
Being an ethical business isn’t just about environmental stuff! I think it’s important to be as transparent as possible and that includes how I work out my prices. Of course every commission is different so your actual quote may not be exactly the same as this, but it should give you a rough idea of the kind of cost your commission might be…
Initial remodelling (for 1 piece of jewellery) £475 (rings/small pendants/earrings), £575 (bangles / large pieces)
Remodelling for additional pieces of jewellery as part of same commission £300 (rings/small pendants/earrings), £400 (bangles / large pieces)
Stone setting (flush set round stones up to 2mm) £20 each
Stone setting (flush set other shaped stones up to 2mm) £35 each
Stone setting (round stones over 2mm) £60 each
Stone setting (other shaped stones over 2mm) £75 each
Engraved surface pattern £100
Contingency (just in case of any extra unknown costs) 2% of total cost
Plus the cost of any materials not provided by the client.
1% of all sales will be donated to charity.
Start the Process…
Before paying, please read the following information carefully:
I love working on commissions and they provide the majority of my income, but the way I work may be slightly different to some so please do read on…
I’ve spent many years developing my own signature style of jewellery making, and so this is obviously what I do best. Yes, I “can” make the kind of jewellery that you might see in a high street chain jewellers, but as there’s only one of me, and life is short, it’s highly likely I’ll say no to anything that doesn’t reflect my own signature style of organic wavy lines, and heavily textured surfaces. I’m a highly skilled specialist in what I do, but if you’re looking for a traditional claw set solitaire diamond engagement ring, I’m probably not the right goldsmith for you.
The £100 initial charge includes a commission consultation (in person or online) and your first set of drawings. As long as you choose to go ahead, then £50 of this cost will be used as part of your commission payment.
When you make the payment, you’ll be asked to complete a form to tell me about the sort of thing you would like me to make. If I think it may be better suited to a different goldsmith / jeweller then of course your fee will be fully refunded.
If I agree to take on the commission, unless there are extenuating circumstances, the initial fee is non-refundable after your consultation has taken place.
If it says SOLD OUT, please add your email address to my commissions mailing list below and I’ll send you a reminder a few days before I’m ready to take on some more commissions.