With a wide range of choice from main stream stores, why would you possibly want to commission a piece of jewellery?
To answer that, we’ve come up with a list of reasons:
- You’re an individual and feel that your jewellery should reflect that
- You are looking for something unique for a special friend
- To remember a family member
- To remember a holiday, where you’ve gathered a stone or other keepsake
- To celebrate the life of a dear pet
- To remind yourself of a life lesson
- You’d like a piece of jewellery that reflects your standpoint on a particular issue
- To show your connection to nature or idea
- There is a symbol you want to wear but no one is making it
- You don’t want to own jewellery that 1,000’s of other people are wearing
- You want a jewellery piece that is personalised or engraved
- You already have a stone or gem that you like and want a pendant or ring built around it
- You have old jewellery that you’d like melted down and used for something new
Those are just a few of the reasons people have told us as to why they are commissioning a piece. Jo has made many commissions that contain symbols, lockets of hair, special stones collected on holiday and more.
There are a few steps involved in getting a piece of jewellery commissioned see our commissions page.
Jo will often take on commissions by email and post so don’t let the fact that you live in a different county deter you from getting in touch.
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Initial design ideas
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Pendant in progress
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Finished dragonfly
Re-using old jewellery can easily be done, but it must be solid sterling or fine silver, or 9ct / 18ct gold. Plated jewellery can not be melted down for use in a new commission. If you’re in any doubt, Jo can test your pieces and advise prior to commencing work.
To answer your question: Gold teeth cannot be used for casting in jewellery making. You’ll need to see Andrew Berry’s video some time.
It’s worth bearing in mind that additional gold is usually added to the silver or gold you supply during casting. Casting needs extra silver or gold to be used to ensure that the molten metal is forced into the spaces in the mould. Often, not enough silver is supplied so we add a bit. This extra or excess is then cut off and the jewellery is finished as normal.
So, in answer to the question “Why get jewellery commissioned?” – the reasons are endless, and like the final piece, those reasons will be unique to you. What would you get made, if you had a choice?
