One of the most meaningful pieces I have ever created was a commissioned necklace for the spouse of a supplier who had helped me source materials for my jewellery making. It was commissioned to celebrate their wedding anniversary, and I was delighted to be entrusted with creating it.

I wanted to create something extraordinary, so I designed a necklace using a combination of techniques, including chainmaille, wire wrapping, and plating. It was a fabulous opportunity -and quite the challenge- as this was during the first Covid year in 2020, when everything was in lockdown. Finding materials was incredibly difficult, and delivery often took forever.

The design process came with a few twists and turns. For the pendant, I first hoped to use a hozuki pod, then an oak leaf with tiny acorns, but both didn’t come together the way I imagined. I then chose an ivy leaf, which turned out to be the perfect centrepiece, adorned with smokey quartz cabochons and finished with two more dangling briolettes.

The necklace was made using a Japanese Shenandoah weave, and a small toggle clasp at the front. A wider Shenandoah section sits around the back of the neck, with a centred dangling smokey quartz briolette. Along each side of the necklace, I added nine more briolettes resting beautifully along the neckline when worn. As a final thank you for trusting me with such a special commission, I also created a matching pair of earrings.

The only thing I regret? Not being able to find a beautiful gift box strong enough, large enough, and elegant enough to hold this heavy necklace safely for posting. Still, despite the challenges, this remains one of the most memorable and rewarding pieces I have ever made. 💛