Recent Commission
“I loved creating this special piece with you. You have this unique talent that bought this piece to life. It’s so precious, I just ADORE it x”
- Natasha Ryan
Not all jobs are created equal, and this recent bespoke commission was no exception. It was such an honour and pleasure to be approached with the opportunity to create something truly personal and unique for a beautiful client of mine, Tash.
Not only was it an opportunity to work on a piece filled with story and meaning, (my favourite), but it also gave me the opportunity to push my skills into some new and exciting territory.
In celebration of a milestone birthday, Tash came to me to discuss the possibility of crafting a special necklace that carried with it the joy, meaning and significance of all the good things that surround her.
To make it even more meaningful, many of Tash’s closet friends and family came together to contribute towards this commission, so she was able to fully realise her dream piece without compromise. How special!!!
Finding inspiration in vintage and antique necklaces and signets, we worked together to identify the elements Tash was most drawn to and found affinity with. The hero element to this necklace would be a carved carnelian cabochon set in gold. As we explored different options, including ready made/pre-carved stones, we realised that to be truly personal, having a stone bespoke carved with a chosen design would be so much more meaningful. The design was to be a rose, in celebration of Tash’s beautiful little daughter.
After much research, I was able to source an amazing local carver with whom I was able to work closely with, ensuring no detail was missed. We discussed different stone properties, carving depths and effects, carefully selecting the right stone and finally translating a delicate sketch of a rose, (drawn by Tash’s husband), into a fine and and beautifully detailed carving.
Once the carving was complete I set to work creating a setting for the stone and hand making the fob components for the clasp. Tash and I poured over numerous gold chain options, going back and forth over various thicknesses and designs, finally settling on a chain that gave a sense of weight and presence while still remaining proportionally balanced and not competing with the subtle carving.
Once complete, handing the finished piece over to Tash was sun an incredibly rewarding, heart warming and satisfying moment. It hangs perfectly on Tash, with the colour of the carnelian popping against the soft warmth of the 9ct yellow gold, and the rose carving is delicate and refined.
A call from Tash’s husband a few days later gave me all the warm and fuzzies as he exclaimed, “it’s very special, you’ve created a family heirloom”. To know a piece you’ve created is deeply loved and cherished and will continue to live a life loved is so deeply satidfyinh.
My work may sometimes take a little longer to make, but i’m not in the business of fast fashion. My intention is to work closely with clients in creating something truly meaningful, lasting and loved.
