Cap - An Agile Border Collie
Every now and again, a custom jewellery commission comes along that really makes me smile from start to finish. Recently, a gentleman called John got in touch with me about creating a very special necklace for his wife.
The star of the show? Their gorgeous tri-colour collie called Cap, who isn’t just a family pet but also a brilliant agility dog. I could immediately tell how much Cap meant to them both. John spoke about him with such affection and pride, and I knew this was going to be a really meaningful piece.
Now, whenever I create jewellery of beloved pets, the challenge is not only to capture their features but also their character. With collies, that’s usually the sparkle in their eyes, the intelligence in their face, and, in Cap’s case, those unmistakable tri-colour markings.
I started with sterling silver, carefully shaping Cap’s form into a pendant that would sit beautifully on a necklace. But plain silver alone wasn’t going to do justice to this handsome boy. To really bring him to life, I oxidised the silver to add depth and shadow, and then added touches of 22ct gold plating to highlight his rich colouring. Bit by bit, Cap’s likeness began to shine through the metal.
I’ll admit, there’s always a moment in my workshop where I take a step back, tilt my head, and wonder if my customers will see what I see. It can be nerve-racking when you’ve spent hours (and quite a bit of silver dust!) trying to capture someone’s much-loved pet. But this is where the magic happens: when metal, fire, and a bit of patience turn into something more than just jewellery.
“We have received the pendant of Cap and are very pleased with it. The resemblance is amazing.”
I can’t tell you how much relief and joy those few lines brought me! It’s always a privilege to know I’ve captured not only the look but the essence of a pet, enough for their family to say, “Yes, that’s him!”
Hearing that John and his wife were so pleased reminded me why I do this slightly mad, slightly magical job. It’s not just about silver, or gold, or oxidising techniques, it’s about connection. It’s about creating something that makes someone stop, smile, and feel closer to the pet who shares their life.
If you’ve ever thought about having a piece of jewellery made to capture your pet’s quirks (tails or no tails!), I’d love to hear from you. You can read more about my process here: Custom Pet Jewellery.
I only take on a limited number of custom orders, so if you’ve got an idea, please send me a photo of your animal and I will guide you through the whole process - with no obligation.
Who knows? Your beloved pet could be the next star of my workbench.
Easy Design Process
Take the first step toward an one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery you and your pets deserve. With my simple, personal design process, I'll create a treasure that lasts a lifetime, and beyond.
Take the first steps to your unique custom piece of handmade animal jewellery
Complete the form or email avril directly with your photos - info@freshfleeces.com
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