Ciri - The Sweetest Little Puppy
Every now and again, a commission comes along that just makes me smile from start to finish, and Gemma’s necklace of her puppy Ciri was one of those special ones.
Most of the custom pieces I make are of older dogs, faithful companions who’ve been by their owner’s side for many years, or sadly, have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. It’s always such an honour to create those memorial pieces, but I have to admit, it was a real joy to work on something that celebrated the start of a story rather than the end.
When Gemma first got in touch, she told me all about her new puppy, a tiny golden bundle of fur named Ciri, just 10 weeks old. She sent me a few photos, and honestly, those paws, that face! I could see right away that this little one had bags of personality.
Gemma wasn’t demanding in the slightest, she gave me creative freedom to make the necklace as I thought best, simply asking for something that captured her pup’s look and character. Her only request? That it be small, just like Ciri, and that it reflected her beautiful golden colouring.
I decided to make the piece in layers of sterling silver, adding a touch of rose gold plating to bring out the warmth of her coat. The pendant was around 2cm tall, perfectly proportioned for such a little dog and small enough that Gemma could wear it every day without worry.
Throughout our messages, Gemma’s enthusiasm was infectious. She asked all the best questions, about waterproofing, tarnish, and how to care for her necklace as a busy “dog mum.” I told her what I tell all my customers: jewellery should be worn and loved, not hidden away. Life’s too short to keep taking it off for the shower!
As the silver layers came together on my workbench, I couldn’t help but smile at how adorable the tiny pendant was turning out. Once it was soldered, polished, and engraved with “Ciri” carefully added by hand to the reverse, I knew it was going to be a really special piece.
When Gemma’s message arrived a few days later, it absolutely made my day:
“Avril, thank you so much for my Ciri necklace. I absolutely adore it and have shown Ciri too. We both are in awe of your work. Thank you as well for the name engraving on the back. So, so special. I’ll be wearing this every single day!”
She even added that it was “worth every penny”, the kind of feedback that makes all the long hours at the bench completely worthwhile.
I’m so glad Gemma trusted me to make her necklace, and even happier that she and little Ciri will have it as a keepsake for years to come. I can’t wait to see how Ciri grows and maybe one day I’ll get to make her “grown-up” version too!
If you’d like to have your pet turned into a custom piece of jewellery (young, old, or somewhere in between), you can find out how I work here: Custom Pet Jewellery.
Because every pet deserves their moment in silver — from mischievous pups to wise old souls.
I only take on a limited number of commissions each year, so if you’d like to discuss a piece for your own furry family member, just send me a favourite photo. From jewellery to ornaments, the possibilities are endless.
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Complete the form or email avril directly with your photos - info@freshfleeces.com
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