Celebrating 16 years of loving a Dachshund in Silver and Gold
When Elizabeth contacted me, she wanted to ask about a commission piece for her Dachshund.
She told me: “I would like price for commission piece of our dachshund we sadly lost early this year age 16.”
Sixteen years is such a long time to share your life with a dog. By that age, they aren't just a pet. They are woven into your everyday life and your family in a way that is impossible to replace.
When I saw the photographs of Elizabeth's Dachshund, I knew exactly what I wanted to capture. I didn't want to make him look like a young dog. I wanted to make him in all his “old boy” glory.
That lovely, familiar face that comes with age, including the grey muzzle that showed just how many years he had been loved.
I made his necklace in oxidised silver and 22 carat gold, using the different finishes to bring out his colouring and, most importantly, his character.
I think there is something really beautiful about making older dogs exactly as they were when we knew them. The grey hairs, the slightly older face, all those little signs of a life well lived.
Because those are the details their owners remember. When a dog has been with you for 16 years, you don't want a generic representation of the breed. You want him. Your old boy, with the face you knew so well.
And that's what I hoped this necklace would become for Elizabeth. A little reminder of a very special Dachshund who had been part of her life for so many years.
I love that custom jewellery can capture not just what a dog looked like, but the particular stage of their life when they were most loved and remembered.
For Elizabeth, that meant capturing her boy just as he was, grey muzzle and all.
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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