Custom cases

The photograph was the only reference, taken decades ago and slightly blurry. We used it to establish the face proportions and the taper of the shoulders, then drew the profile to scale so the client could check the shape before anything was cast.

The original could not be resized safely, so the ring was rebuilt rather than altered. The client measured her finger with a strip of paper and we confirmed the width of the band, since a wide face needs more room than a thin one.

Engraving was kept to the inside of the band, matching the initials in the photograph. Nothing on the outer face was added, because the point was to keep the shape recognisable.

The brief was specific about wearability: no dangling charms, nothing that would catch on a sleeve. We suggested a flat link chain with an adjustable closure, so the fit would not depend on a measurement taken in a hurry.

The date went on the inside of the clasp plate in a small serif engraving. From the outside the bracelet reads as plain, which was the point.

We sent photographs of the engraving before the piece was packed, since the client could not see the inside of the clasp once it was on a wrist.

Six pieces meant six engraving decisions. We set a single deadline for the final text so production could run together and the finish would match across the set.

Each pendant carried a first initial on the reverse. Keeping the engraving on the back meant the six pieces looked identical from the front in photographs, which mattered for the day itself.

Chains were cut to two lengths and the bride chose which went to whom. The spare length allowance meant no piece needed reworking after the final fitting.