A day at the workbench

Back at my bench, to spend a few hours – taking time to be creative, concentrating on the task in hand. Norma Kerr jewellery goes through several processes before arriving in the shop window.

My bespoke components for the necklaces are cast in Kingstone, Herefordshire, in 925 silver which is 80% recycled.

Firstly I solder the components together – wings, heart, banner and jewel setting – then the chain and fastening.

Now it’s time to set the stone – a sparkling sapphire in one of three colours, blue, yellow or pink. The stones are ethically sourced from a jewel merchants in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter or from Hatton Garden in London.

Lastly the necklace is sent off to be beautifully hand engraved by skilled craftspeople working in the Jewellery Quarter. Different styles of lettering can be used, as seen on the National Association of Goldsmiths card below. The Assay Office is the final stop – for hallmarking.

Then it’s time for a final polish before the necklace is lovingly arranged on a dusky pink silk bust for display – or sent off to the latest purchaser…