Techniques

I use a number of techniques to create the jewellery. I make a mould from the wax seal and then use fine silver to reproduce the impression. Details are added in sterling silver with soldering and then the piece is cleaned and polished multiple times. Some pieces are oxidised to create an aged patina.

Some of the wax seals are added to hammered rings and bangles that I have created from sterling silver. I also make earrings and bracelets.

Sand Casting

Sand casting uses fine delft clay to create a mould before molten silver or gold is poured in to create the final piece. Some of the seals are made this way.

I have designed and made my own signet ring, carved from hard wax and then recreated in solid sterling silver via sand casting.

Materials

I use high quality precious metals to make my pieces; fine silver (999), sterling silver (925) and 9ct gold (375).

The silver is recycled silver sourced from Cookson Gold.

The gold I use is preloved gold jewellery or recycled grain.

Chains and other supplies are sourced from reputable companies such as Cookson Gold.

Tools

Everything is handcrafted using tools such as hammers, files and saws. I also use a pendant motor for sanding and polishing.

For heating and soldering I have various sizes of blow torch. For sand casting I use a large blow torch and gas bottle.

Hallmarking

The quality of the jewellery is important to me, so I have all my work hallmarked by the London Assay Office even if it is below the legal requirement of 7.78g.

I have my own ‘sponsor’s mark’ which is my initials HC inside a three leaf clover shape. Alongside this you will see the fineness of the metal mark; 999 for fine silver, 925 for sterling silver and 375 for 9 carat gold.

The lion passant will be there for sterling silver, followed by a leopard which represents the London Assay Office. The final mark is a letter which represents the year it was hallmarked. In 2024 some pieces will also have the King’s head for the coronation year.

Packaging and Shipping

Your jewellery will be carefully gift wrapped in recycled or recylable packaging.

I post the jewellery via Royal Mail, Special Delivery for the UK and International Track and Sign for worldwide orders.

US orders will be sent with Duty Paid shipping via Royal Mail to cover the new tariffs.