BESPOKE WORK
Folks often find that the items already out in the world aren’t quite right for them. Why would you settle for something that ‘would do’ when you can have something made especially for you?
What does the bespoke process entail? It begins with an idea. Generally, the commission process is easier the more criteria a person has, but that being said even just the starting point of 'ring' has ended with some very happy people.
Once someone gets in touch, the initial point of contact will be followed up with all of the questions that I would need to get started: Is there a deadline? Is there a budget? The above is soon followed by questions in terms of style, size and fit.
Once the questions have been answered, the designs follow; the price is worked out and a non-refundable deposit (often 50%) will be taken.
If it's not something that I've made before, I will often make a little copper/brass/wax prototype for approval. As soon as it's approved, the materials are ordered and the work begins! The piece is made, the final payment taken and the customer is happy!
Timescale can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the work, how much work I have on the go already and where the process leads us. This is why it's important to know if someone has a deadline at the beginning.
If you have an idea of a piece that you’d like to commission for yourself or a loved one, please get in touch via emily@the-metalsmith.co.uk with any thoughts or questions that you have to start with.
Keep scrolling to see some examples of the variety of work that I’ve undertaken in the past.
Over the last five years, I have been lucky enough to work on a wide variety of bespoke projects from miniature sculptures to wearable pieces, from pieces for special occasions to something a person has dreamed about for years. I am happy to use a variety of metals to create anything from a subtle, simple piece to a bold, statement piece - anything to challenge the creative brain.
One of the most wonderful things about being a small business is talking to all of the truly lovely individuals that I get to meet. Through the events that I exhibit at, to the workshops that I host, and particularly, with the commission work I undertake. My desire to achieve the most special piece that I can means that I tend to spend a lot of time with the folks that I'm making for.
Whether these interactions are short or long, I truly enjoy getting to know a person that I may not have met under any other circumstances, and being able to craft something that will be so special to them.
Treating oneself to a precious memory.
This client came to me wanting to put her own spin on a ring belonging to both her mother and grandmother; each woman before her had a snake ring with ruby eyes, but before the grandmother’s ring was inherited by the client, it went missing. Having a strong association with the loved ones and their iterations of the ring, the client decided she would have her own one made. And so she did. The design differs from what both relatives had, but reflected exactly what she wanted from the ring. I wanted to capture as much ‘snake-like-ness’ as I could, whilst also making sure it was comfortable and this is what we created.
The piece is made from SMO yellow gold and ethically sourced rubies.
Bespoke pieces made from sentimental metal.
A photo series of pieces and process photos from a collection of commissions made from sentimental metal. Each family member chose the piece they wanted made. We took sizes and I started to bring those ideas to life. I used a multitude of techniques - from forging out some pieces from scratch - almost entirely by hand - to creating little wax models and casting others.
There were a mixture of pieces; a series of delicate gold bands, a wide silver ring, a chunky gold ring, a little person ring, and soon a silver and gold heart pendant too - all of which were made from jewellery collected over the years, including a number of inherited pieces.
For comfort and style.
This customer came to me struggling with an arthritic finger. When inflamed, she wanted to keep the finger straight to stop the pain and allow the inflammation to go down. However, the options for arthritic finger splints are limited - the choice was between some very simplistic silver designs or plastic ones, neither particularly attractive. Whilst she initially wanted it to be a snake and a splint (see above), we decided we wouldn’t be able to do both concepts justice by combining them, but we did take inspiration from the snake pieces for the yellow gold splint/finger cuff that she took home.
This ring is made from SMO yellow gold.
“What a wonderful experience having Emily make a new/larger wedding ring for me. Her attention to detail and her desire to provide exactly what I wanted, was so encouraging, and we both enjoyed “the journey”. The finished ring is an absolute work of art. I am thrilled and proud to be wearing it again. Thank you, Emily.”
“Emily was a pleasure to deal with and understood fully the look I was trying to achieve. I wanted a particularly vintage feel to the earrings she was making and she totally achieved the look I was after. Her attention to detail was lovely and I ended up with just what I wanted. Can’t recommend highly enough.”
“Emily at Metalsmith has been extremely helpful, professional and friendly through the whole process, from the day I ordered to the moment I received my husband’s ring. I am very happy with the final product which is good quality and beautiful! I would definitely recommend her!”
“Brilliant personal experience. Made a great snake and arthritic ring to my specifications and their artistic knowledge.”
“Inspired, unique, original design, crafted with skill and care. Emily's customer service is amazing.”
“These stunning pieces of jewellery are outstanding and original. Comfortable to wear and the most professional service from ‘The Metal Smith’. Thank you very much; I will definitely be returning for more!”