Findley: Rachel's Beautiful Labrador
Some dogs leave such a huge space behind them when they go, and Findley sounds like he was one of those dogs.
Findley was Rachel's beautiful brown Labrador, a lovely big softy who was deeply loved. Sadly, Rachel lost him during Covid, a time when so much of life was already turned upside down. But losing a beloved dog doesn't get any easier just because the world is moving on. Rachel still misses him.
When she sent me photographs of Findley, I knew there were certain details I needed to capture to make her necklace feel like him.
I handcrafted Findley in sterling silver and rose gold, carefully shaping his familiar Labrador features and expression. But one of my favourite details was something that might easily have been overlooked.
Those little white hairs around his muzzle.
They were a sign of his age and a tiny part of what made Findley recognisable to Rachel. So I made sure they were there in the finished piece, using the different finishes and colours of the silver and rose gold to recreate the subtle details of his face.
It's these seemingly insignificant things that can mean so much when you're looking at a piece of jewellery made in memory of a dog. A particular marking, the shape of an ear, a funny expression or, in Findley's case, those soft white hairs around his muzzle.
Because when you have loved a dog for years, you don't just remember what breed he was. You remember him.
Findley was Rachel's lovely big softy, and although he is no longer beside her, I hope this little silver and rose gold portrait gives her a way to keep a reminder of him close.
A little piece of her beautiful boy to wear, remember and treasure.
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.
Read more pet jewellery stories
Pickle
A special 21st birthday necklace that looked just like this cute-as-a-button Chocolate Dapple Dachshund.
Read Story
Debra
Debra's 4 beautiful dogs will never walk together again, but they will always be remembered in her stunning silver brooch.
Read Story
Annabel
This customer didn't wear jewellery but that wasn't a problem. Her lurcher ornament was just perfect.
Read Story