Mutley: A custom dog brooch full of character
Some dogs are almost too perfect.
Others are wonderfully full of character. And if I'm honest, it's the characterful ones that steal my heart.
When I was asked to create a brooch of Mutley, I couldn't stop smiling as I looked through the photographs. He was an older dog, delightfully scruffy, with a big fluffy chest, the skinniest little legs, and the most magnificent ears that seemed to have minds of their own. One pointed one way, the other somewhere completely different.
He was simply... Mutley.
Older dogs are some of my favourite commissions to make. By the time they reach their senior years, they've grown into themselves. Their faces tell stories. Their coats become a little shaggier, their expressions a little wiser, and every quirky feature seems even more lovable.
Mutley had all of that in abundance.
I created him as a brooch in sterling silver with 22ct gold detailing, carefully building up the layers to recreate his wonderfully fluffy coat. His chest needed to look full and soft, while those skinny little legs had to keep their delicate proportions. But the feature I spent the longest on was his ears.
They were perfect. Or perhaps more accurately, perfectly imperfect.
Getting them to sit at their own quirky angles was essential because without them, it simply wouldn't have been Mutley.
As I worked, I found myself smiling more than once. There is something incredibly satisfying about recreating an older dog whose personality shines through every photograph. You are not just copying a likeness. You are celebrating a lifetime of adventures, muddy walks, treats and unconditional love.
When the brooch was finished, I couldn't help but think that Mutley looked ready to wander off on another adventure. That is one of the reasons I love making custom jewellery. Every dog has a story. But the older ones... they seem to wear theirs on their faces.
And as a jeweller, there's no greater privilege than capturing that story in silver, so it can be treasured for years to come.
If you would like to have your own dog recreated in silver, even from older photographs, I would love to see them. You can read more about my process here: Custom Pet Jewellery.
Who knows? Your precious friend might just be the next one I’m smiling about at 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.
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