Pickle: A Very Special 21st Birthday Necklace
Some pets just have names that make you smile instantly, and Pickle is definitely one of them. A little chocolate dapple dachshund with a big personality, Pickle was the inspiration for a very special necklace I was asked to create by a lovely customer called Wendy.
Wendy got in touch with me ahead of her daughter’s 21st birthday with a simple but heartfelt request:
“Would it be possible to make a Pickle please? She is a chocolate dapple dachshund. I would like to have a necklace made for my daughter’s 21st birthday.”
How could I possibly resist?
Dachshunds are small, elegant little dogs, so I knew the necklace needed to reflect that delicacy. I kept the piece petite in size, working in silver with touches of rose gold plating to capture Pickle’s chocolate tones. The overall effect was dainty but full of character, just like the real Pickle herself.
One of my favourite details was her tail. It may have been tiny, but I loved shaping that little curve into the silver. To me, it’s often those small, almost secret touches that bring a design to life and make it truly personal.
When the necklace was finished, I carefully packaged Pickle up and sent her off to her new home.
Not long after, I received a message from Wendy that warmed my heart:
“Hi Avril, just to let you know, that Pickle has arrived safely, and she is everything I hoped she would be! Thank you so much.”
There’s nothing quite like that moment when I hear back from a customer. Knowing that something I’ve made with my own hands will be unwrapped on such a milestone birthday and treasured for years to come, it’s an incredible feeling, and one I never take for granted.
I loved working on Pickle, and I hope she’ll bring smiles every time she’s worn. To me, that’s what custom jewellery is all about: not just silver and gold, but memory, meaning, and a whole lot of love wrapped into one little piece.
If you’d like to capture your own pet in silver, whether as a necklace, brooch, or bracelet, you can find out more about my custom work here: Custom Pet Jewellery.
I only take on a limited number of commissions each year, so if you’d like your furry (or feathered!) friend turned into a one-of-a-kind piece, send me an email. Even the tiniest sketch or doodle is enough to get us started.
Who knows? Your pet might be the next one to make me smile at my workbench — just like Pickle did.
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.
Send a few photographs and begin a conversation about a custom piece.
You don’t need to know exactly what you want. Photos are enough to start.
- WhatsApp your photos using the green button (below right)
- email me directly at info@freshfleeces.com
- or complete the enquiry form and I’ll be in touch
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