Cap: Champion Agility Border Collie

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.

When the pendant was finished and on its way, I waited nervously for John’s response. He didn’t keep me waiting long. His words were simple, but they meant the world to me:

“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 custom piece made, I’d love to hear your ideas. 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.