When Hope reached out to commission a piece, she had a heartfelt vision in mind. She wanted a pendant featuring the letter “B” for her daughter, Bobbie, along with a small fingerprint charm imprinted with Bobbie’s unique little finger. The result? A piece of jewellery straight from a mother’s heart, a keepsake that would hold her daughter’s memory close in a way that felt both beautiful and grounding.
The Design Process: Crafting with Care
Hope was wonderfully clear about her vision, sending photos and details of what she had in mind. It’s something I always encourage with commissions, as these shared ideas help me create a piece as close to the client’s vision as possible.
With this clarity, I began the design:
-
Hand-Carving the Initial: I carved the letter “B” out of wax by hand, which would become the main feature of the piece.
-
Casting by Hand: Using the Delft clay method, I cast the piece by hand, taking special care to retain the natural textures that give the metal its organic, earthy look.
-
Creating the Fingerprint Imprint: For the fingerprint charm, I used silver clay to capture the delicate impression of Bobbie’s tiny finger. Baby fingerprints are often soft and subtle, and this charm held that delicate, one-of-a-kind impression. Once Hope had made the imprint, she sent the clay back to me for the final stages.
-
Adding Final Details: After receiving the silver clay imprint back, I kilned the charm, attached a jump ring, and gave it a good pickling and polish. I wanted to keep the piece looking natural yet refined, so I tumbled it for a shine that felt clean and timeless without being over-polished.
-
Sourcing the Perfect Chain: To complete the piece, Hope had a specific chain style in mind, and I was thrilled to source exactly what she wanted. This final detail truly brought her vision to life, creating a harmonious design that felt as personal and unique as the charm itself.
The Sentiment Behind the Piece
This piece holds a story that goes far beyond silver and stone. It captures Hope’s love and connection to Bobbie in a way that she can carry with her every day. The subtle, organic texture of the letter “B” and the unique, soft imprint of Bobbie’s tiny finger make it a deeply personal design, a memory she can keep close in both beautiful and grounding ways.
A Personal Approach to Custom Pieces
Working with clients like Hope is a privilege. Each piece, whether it’s a simple pendant or a detailed charm, tells a story that I feel honoured to bring to life. Collaborating, sharing photos, and refining every detail together, these steps ensure that each piece reflects the client’s vision and heart.
For anyone considering a personalised piece, don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether it’s a memory, a name, or a special symbol, together, we can create something that’s truly yours.