Spencer, Tigger and Blue
Some commissions stay with me long after I’ve sent them out, and one that I’ll always remember was from a gentleman called David. He wanted a necklace for his wife that celebrated three very special cats: Spencer, Tigger, and Blue.
Two of the cats, Spencer and Tigger, had sadly passed away. Blue is still very much alive and ruling the roost at home. It was immediately clear to me how much these cats meant to David and his wife, not just pets, but family members woven into the fabric of their lives.
The challenge was to bring all three together in one piece, a kind of forever keepsake. After sketching a few ideas (yes, my famously questionable doodles came out again), I settled on the design: three cats nestled together within a round silver border, united as one.
Each cat had its own personality, and I wanted that to shine through in the details. Blue, the sleek black cat, was created from sterling silver, oxidised to capture his dark, glossy coat. Spencer, the black-and-white cat, had his contrasting markings brought out in the silver too, with delicate oxidising to highlight the difference. And then there was Tigger, the beautiful tabby, and I added touches of 22ct gold plating to bring warmth and depth, echoing the richness of the coat.
The result was a necklace that wasn’t just three cats, but a tribute to their lives and the love they shared as part of one family. Seeing the three of them together within the circle felt symbolic, Spencer and Tigger forever remembered, and Blue, still present, completing the family unit.
I didn’t receive feedback from David after the necklace arrived, and that’s perfectly ok as sometimes these pieces carry such personal weight that words aren’t easy to find. But for me, as the maker, there was an incredible sense of privilege in being trusted with such a meaningful commission.
As I polished the finished piece, I found myself thinking about how many evenings these three cats must have spent curled up together, how many purrs, paws, and whiskers had filled David and his wife’s home. To know that I could capture them, side by side, in a necklace that will last forever… that felt very special.
These are the commissions that remind me jewellery is more than silver and gold. It’s about memory, love, and the bonds that carry on long after pawprints have faded from the carpet.
If you’ve ever thought about capturing your own pets, whether they’re bounding around the house or fondly remembered, I’d be honoured to help. You can read about my custom process here: Custom Pet Jewellery.
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
Read more pet jewellery stories
