Category: Bespoke

Turning old jewellery into a one-of-a-kind piece

Post author By Emil Pruden
Post date 2nd September 2022

Jen Withington Bespoke Necklace of her wearing it.

Repurposing several pieces of sentimental jewellery into a bespoke statement necklace.

Having heard about our positive reputation and wanting to support us as local jewellers, Jen came to Pruden and Smith looking to repurpose several pieces of sentimental jewellery into a new statement necklace. She used our redesign service to create a bespoke item, turning her old pieces of jewellery into a (rather sparkly) something new!

(Image: vyouimages.com)

At the design appointment

With a vague brief and set of ideas, Jen came along to our Workshop and Gallery in Ditchling for a design appointment with Rebecca our Head Designer.

In just half an hour Rebecca had combined a couple of Jen’s initial ideas into a beautiful design that surpassed Jen’s expectations. And, with a special birthday approaching, Jen requested whether it would be possible for this item to be fast-tracked and ready within four weeks of the appointment – which our team ensured was possible!

The end result

We’re so proud to have created a unique piece of handmade jewellery for Jen that maintains its sentimental value through the memories associated with the stones. Jen shared that the necklace is “everything I hoped it would be and more. I love the design and the way it shows off the stones to the maximum effect. I normally wear very dainty jewellery, but wanted something larger to wear on special occasions.”

In our opinion Jen’s smile in the pictures says it all – we think she looks like a million dollars in her brilliant statement necklace and we are happy to have made something so special.

(Image: vyouimages.com)

If you have an old piece of jewellery that’s no longer worn, we invite you to look into our redesign service or book a design appointment for an opportunity to create something special for yourself (or a loved one) for years to come.

Thank you for reading this Customer Story – if you would like to share a past experience of working with us and feature as part of this series, please do get in touch at: hello@prelive.prudenandsmith.com.

When one wedding ring just isn’t enough…

Post author By prudenandsmith
Post date 24th June 2022

Laura and John Bartle – Customer Story

Laura and John have a unique story to share from their experience with us at Pruden and Smith. Their journey led to them having not one, not two, but three bespoke engagement and wedding bands made for their special day(s). Read about their experience below.

Choosing the perfect ring

When Laura and John decided to get married, they began looking for bespoke engagement rings. Initially, their searches resulted in finding an online jeweller that allowed customers to tailor their designs by choosing their preferred metal and gemstones. This wasn’t enough, and wanting a personalised experience to commemorate their special occasion, they continued searching and were delighted when they came across Pruden and Smith.

Taking a slight detour on a weekend trip to Eastbourne, Laura and John visited our Workshop and Gallery in Ditchling. They spent an hour with Kat, our Gallery Manager and Gemstone Specialist, who explained the different qualities of the special metals they could choose from. Having decided on Platinum or 18ct Gold Trap Rings, Laura and John went to the Green Welly for a coffee break and to celebrate. It was during a conversation there that John, an Engineer, wondered if he’d be able to hammer the ring himself, so after revisiting the workshop it was agreed they could add their own special ‘punch’ mark.

When John bravely took the hammer

At their second Design Appointment, Laura and John met with our Creative Director, Rebecca to choose the diamonds and which gaps to set them in the Trap Ring. Then, Rebecca guided them on a tour of the workshop, to share the journey of how each piece of Pruden and Smith jewellery is handmade on-site. Following this and after a demonstration from Rebecca, John bravely took the hammer and punched their signature design into the side of Laura’s engagement ring.

A workshop proposal!

When the rings were ready a few weeks later, much to Laura’s surprise, John had arranged with Rebecca and Kat to officially propose to Laura upon collection of her ring at the Workshop – an exciting and memorable first time experience for us all.

Laura’s Trap Ring was initially going to be an all-in-one engagement, wedding and eternity ring, but they were so pleased with the results that they decided to buy matching 2mm Side Hammered 18ct Gold Wedding Bands, with their punch marks on the outer surface that they again added themselves.

The Hand Tying Ceremony in Scotland

Unfortunately, Laura and John’s unique story took place during Covid, which unsurprisingly had an impact on their wedding plans. In the uncertainty of it all, they decided to hold a Hand Tying Ceremony in Gretna Green, Scotland to celebrate their commitment to one another. For this, they commissioned another two 18ct Gold rings, to match their wedding rings – these ones had a “rebellious” black diamond embedded into the side of the rings, and of course their signature ‘punch’!

On the morning of their wedding day, John presented Laura with a unique eternity ring – with black, white and grey diamonds. “It was absolutely perfect. I now have (if I have added up correctly) 10mm of various, beautiful, stunning, bespoke rings and I love them all.” said Laura.

The journey continues…

Since their special engagement and marriage story, John and Laura have become regular customers of ours at Pruden and Smith, buying a range of gifts for themselves, their friends and family.

Laura shared that her jewellery from Pruden and Smith is now the only jewellery she wears and, after having received some inheritance, she chose to commission another item. This time it was for a side hammered bangle with their signature ‘punch’ marks added. Laura explained to us that: “It was perfect – and still is. I showed this to my Uncle Lou who was really pleased that I had used his money on something so special – and in his words – to remind me of him, we all had a laugh over this comment but a few months later he passed away so this bangle is even more special to me.” Having heard about the significance of this bangle, we feel proud to have created such a unique piece, that holds sentimental value for Laura and her family in memory of her uncle.

Laura and John Bartle | Customer Story

Our team are thrilled to have been part of their captivating marriage story. Stories like this are why we love designing handmade jewellery that will be: Forever. Original.

We’d like to thank Laura and John for their continued support of our business, and look forward to working with them in the future.

Thank you for reading!

Bespoke jewellery

Bespoke Coin Pendants Jewellery for Special Birthdays

Post author By prudenandsmith
Post date 14th June 2022

Bespoke Coin Pendants Jewellery for Special Birthdays: Four iconic commissions in gold to mark a super special coming of age coincidentally from father to daughter. Sons and mum’s don’t miss out! Anyone would adore to wear a version of the coin pendant and they are super fashionable right now. Layer them up with other jewellery. Each one of these uniquely designed bespoke pendants reflect both the personality of the receiver and their relationship to the giver. These are personalised pendants that will be worn and treasured for a lifetime. Full of precious memories and moments together.

Pendant one in 18ct gold contains a number of motifs important to the recipient. A pattern of starfish, a birthstone, a star sign, an 18 for an 18th birthday, a love heart, a lucky horse shoe. It even included an inscription around the edge from the giver. What a special piece!

Pendant two and the tiny one below are also in 18ct gold. Both were made from gold from rings passed down from family members. the tiny pendant from a single ring, the larger one from a few. No need for engraving here! The progeny of the materials says it all!

Pendant three. Who doesn’t love The White Horse of Uffington? Do you have a special place with a motif that makes your hearts sing?

Pendant four. Our very own rough cut lapis lazuli pendant. With a 5mm thick edge it is perfect to have a bold inscription in Roman engraved letters around the edge. It is sticked in silver gilt but this one was specially handmade in 18ct gold.

Pendant five is made from an antique gold coin mounted in a contemporary white gold coin mount

Our stock St Chistopher medallions, designed by Angela Lowery nee Pruden and made by us as part of our family heritage collection can be engraved on the back to personalise them. Pendants also always have the versatility of making good keyrings too.

Got a 16th, 18th, 21st Birthday coming up? Or a graduation? What would you design. Let us guide you through the process book a free hours consultation with our designer in store on on zoom.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT to design your Bespoke Coin Pendants Jewellery for Special Birthdays in good time! Its best to allow 8 weeks to agree a design and for the time for it to be handmade.

Jewellery Redesign

Interested in learning about how our handmade jewellery is created?

Post author By prudenandsmith
Post date 20th May 2022

Stacking Diamond Gold Nugget Eternity Rings

If so, why not join us for a workshop tour?

What to expect during your visit:

From Monday to Saturday we offer standard tours as part of your shopping experience or design appointment.

You’ll be guided by one of our friendly team members, who will explain how each piece of handmade jewellery is made – from the design stages to making. You will gain an insight into the world of a contemporary jeweller, exploring how traditional techniques are used alongside state-of-the-art technology.

If you’re interested in learning more about Pruden and Smith’s heritage and the rich arts and crafts history of the village, including our links with Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft, The Guild Of St Joseph and St Dominic and The Ditchling Press, book a detailed tour via our website. Pre-booked group bookings are usually led by one of our Directors, Anton Pruden or Rebecca Smith.

During the Brighton Festival each May, we also offer our Workshop Tours on Sundays. We participate in the festival through Artists Open Houses alongside a group of local artists: Art in Ditchling.

The Art in Ditchling Trail is set in beautiful surroundings and showcases a range of high-quality unusual art, design and craft in local houses, studios and workshops. You could begin the Trail with us at the crossroads and end at one of the village pubs or cafés for an enjoyable day out this month.

Where to find us:

Our gallery and workshop are located in the centre of Ditchling opposite The Bull Pub and The Green Welly Café at the foot of the famous Ditchling Beacon:

Pruden and Smith

2 South Street

Ditchling

East Sussex

BN6 8UQ

We look forward to welcoming you soon.

Jewellery Redesign

Small Gemstone Jewellery Redesign Ideas

Post author By prudenandsmith
Post date 12th February 2022

Small Gemstone Jewellery Redesign Ideas: Inheriting lots of pieces of jewellery containing lots of small gemstones can be hard to think what to do with. Perhaps not highly valuable for resale they contain great value in terms of who they once belonged to and the unique family stories that they represent and it can be a lovely experience to work with them to create a memory piece of jewellery. Once combined these small stones gather inherent value and become important memory pieces for all the family. They create an opportunity to tell family stories as each element is explained and remembered. here are some lovely designs that we love.

If you have old jewellery of sentimental value containing tiny diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds or other gemstones, get in touch to discover how to create one of these lovely family heirlooms. Its so surprising how they can combine together to create some stunning unusual jewellery for all the family.

Speak to our designer Rebecca Smith online or instore about recycled Small Gemstone Jewellery Redesign Ideas

These are examples using emeralds and old diamonds of all sizes. The old gold and platinum from the shanks and settings have been melted down into the shanks and settings and re hallmarked to preserve their value. If stones look dull then we repolish the top surface. You wont recognise them as the same diamonds and gemstones! Find out more.

It can be one of the most fun design experiences as there are so many options and combinations to inspire the pieces. its lovely to split the gemstones and design something for each member of the family. You won’t believe what’s possible.

Bespoke rings Eternity rings

Eternity Rings

Eternity Rings crafted by Pruden and Smith are handmade producing unusual contemporary and vintage styles that are bespoke to you. A handmade eternity ring means we can match it to your existing wedding and engagement ring set. They can compliment your wedding set by being similar in style or a juxtaposition that is completely different in design but the contrast adds a refreshing new angle to your jewellery.

Platinum and Gold

We generally handmake eternity rings in platinum as it is hardwearing and adds physical longevity to a ring that marks the infinite significance of a relationship. We do use 18ct yellow gold or rose gold too, as this could match your wedding and engagement ring.

Diamonds and Rubies

Diamonds and rubies create a very striking look on Eternity Rings but other precious stones are available, Sapphires are popular and aquamarines particularly create a subtle yet chic element to this precious piece of jewellery.

It is now popular to flush set diamonds into a band of your choice. We do this in several designs, from evenly spaced to scattered generously around the ring using up to one hundred gemstones.

Browse our comprehensive range of Eternity Rings

Finally, when you do gift your ring, if you are picking it up from our gallery and workshop, why not purchase some flowers from the florist Poison Ivy opposite us on the crossroads in Ditchling.

Bespoke rings Engagement rings

The Ever Popular Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring

Post author By prudenandsmith
Post date 29th December 2021

The Ever Popular Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring continues to be on trend as a top choice for todays brides. First made popular in the Georgian era the classic look of a central stone surrounded by small diamonds had a resurgence in the 1970’s when Princess Diana’s engagement ring of a large central sapphire surrounded by diamonds captured every brides imagination. When Prince William used it to propose to Kate Middleton in 2010 he ensured it has stayed just as popular in the twenty first century. It allows for far more creativity and skill to go into the designing and making of a ring that is a far cry from the traditional single diamond solitaire in a simple claw setting. Browse all our cluster rings here

The next five rings illustrate the different choices of setting style for your cluster engagement ring.

Pave setting shown in the pear shaped diamond cluster ring allows the diamonds to touch and creates a seamless glittering band using round brilliant cut diamonds. Pave setting leaves a border to the edge of the diamond which protects the diamonds from knocks and wear for longer than the other setting styles. if you want to wear your engagement ring all the time then this is our recommended setting style. The central diamond in this ring is held in by two dagger claws and a V to enhance and protect the tip of the pear shaped diamond. The wedding band for this ring slips underneath the panel and sits up flush to the band of the ring. With cluster rings it is always worth considering how the wedding ring will fit with the main ring as they can sit very wide on the finger if they are not properly considered at the time of making.

This trilogy cluster engagement ring was made in three parts and illustrates how important it is to plan your wedding ring at the same time. With limited space on the finger this cluster ring was designed to split into three parts to solve this. The final combined result looking like a single large ring. The client for this ring wanted to see as little metal on the ring as possible and to keep the bands as narrow as possible. We used the castle setting technique where the diamonds are cut into the metal work leaving only small points to hold the diamonds in place. the central round diamond is held by six dagger claws.

A similar effect can be seen in the round 3ct emerald cluster engagement ring where we have used fish tail setting. Fish tail setting is an additional decorative technique which we can use when larger diamonds are used for the cluster, ideally over 2.5mm. You can see how the side of the setting has been carved to create the claws to hold the diamonds and creates what’s know as a fish tail pattern. It requires great skill from the diamond setter.

Channel setting is common in cluster rings from the Art deco period where geometric shapes were popular. channel setting is where the diamonds are fed into a pre-cut channel allowing them to touch and form a seamless line. In the princess cut diamond cluster ring below this technique has been used using princess cut diamonds to surround the central diamond and round brilliant cut diamonds in the band. it is most successful using the square diamonds as you have no gaps left once the diamonds are butted up to each other.

Claw settings can be used on larger diamond surrounds and can create delicate flower shapes to the cluster rings they create. Rings referencing flower themes are not new: The daisy ring was first popular in Edwardian times, it was formed of a small diamond in the centre surrounded by six diamonds of the same size.

It is possible to create a flower like ring using the other setting styles as in this 1.5ct scalloped edge cluster engagement ring. Handmade in platinum combining a rubover edge with pave setting and four dagger claws.

The cluster rings below illustrate the setting styles for the centre stone. for rings that are for an active life we always recommend a rub over setting so that the setting edge protects the full girdle of the stone. Where a no metal look is required the girdle of diamonds surrounding the central stone can protect it.

The central stone in a cluster engagement ring doesn’t always have to be a diamond. Though we love the large yellow diamond pictured above. This effect was achieved using a yellow sapphire below. Emeralds, aquamarines, sapphires and tanzanites are also popular and unusual centre stones.

Creating such a large statement ring allows the designer and goldsmith to show some skill in the way that the underside of the ring is decorated. From secret diamonds and birthstones that only you can admires to hidden inscriptions and motifs.

Contact our designer to discuss commissioning your perfect ring here.

Bespoke jewellery Bespoke rings Birth Stones Emerald jewellery

May Birthstone: Emerald Birthstone Jewellery

Post author By prudenandsmith
Post date 21st April 2021

May Birthstone: Emerald Birthstone Jewellery doesn’t have to be boring. Birthstone jewellery has a reputation of being uninspiring and often not even made from real gemstones or precious metals. At Pruden and Smith we do birthstone jewellery with a difference! Our work is lovingly designed and handmade in the heart of the historic arts and crafts town of Ditchling.

We have a wide rage of emerald jewellery. Our unusual Brazilian rough emerald designs are in stock and available to buy in store or have delivered next day. Beautiful bespoke emerald rings can be handmade to order in approximately 4-6 weeks. Take a look at our emerald jewellery collection to find the perfect emerald gift!

Emerald Rings Under £1000

Emeralds vary greatly in price depending on the cut clarify and colour of the stone. If you are looking for an emerald ring on a budget, these emerald and diamond rings under £1000 could be the perfect choice. The emeralds are mixed with diamonds for some extra sparkle. Our Emerald Diamond Offset Bubbles Ring features five round 2mm emeralds and five 2mm round diamonds set in your choice of 9ct yellow, white, or rose gold. This design also makes a wonderful emerald eternity ring. This Vintage Emerald Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring features a 4.5mm round emerald and two 3mm diamonds set in 18ct yellow gold with a beaded edged details. This dainty ring is a lovely piece for the vintage jewellery lover.

May Birthstone: Emerald Showstoppers

Whether it is a 3ct oval emerald, a 1ct pear shaped emerald, or a 3ct emerald cut emerald, we can source stunning emeralds with a real wow factor! To find out more about emeralds and discuss commissioning a bespoke emerald ring, book a free one-hour no-obligation design consultation with our designer Rebecca. BOOK A DESIGN CONSULTATION HERE.

Emerald Birthstone Jewellery with a difference – Rough Emeralds

For something a bit different, take a look at our rough emerald jewellery. Our rough Brazilian emeralds have been carefully cut to preserve the rough texture on the surface of the emerald for a natural organic “found” look. The roughness of the cut of emerald gives an undulating outline to the gold plated silver setting edge which has been textured to match.

Bespoke jewellery Eternity rings Unusual Jewellery

Non-traditional Eternity Rings

Post author By prudenandsmith
Post date 16th December 2020

It can be hard to find Non-traditional Eternity Rings. If you have searched online or the high street and still not found the perfect eternity ring, look no further! We offer a bespoke eternity ring service and can make the perfect modern eternity ring especially for you. Here are a few of our favourite designs to inspire you.

We are all used to seeing eternity rings with just a single row of diamonds. However, there is no rule as to how many diamonds an eternity should have. If you wanted to have less glitz and more gold and platinum, our hammered gold and diamond eternity ring could be the perfect choice, it has an organic look to it and can be set with as many or as few stones as you like. If you’re looking for something with a real wow factor, our Large Diamond Bubbles Wave Eternity Ring contains a total of 2.62ct of diamonds set in 18ct yellow gold and platinum.

Our ‘Trap’ collection offers a range of bespoke contemporary eternity ring designs. We handmake these rings in your choice of combination of rose gold, yellow gold, and platinum. They can be customised in a number of ways. Firstly, the diamond sizes in these designs can be varied to create different effects. Secondly, we can make them with multiple strands to create a wider ring. Get creative and customise this ring to make it your own.

Our Bubbles rings are contemporary diamond eternity rings that can be customised to suit your style. They are handmade to order in platinum, 18ct yellow gold or rose gold. There are a number of different widths and styles with varying sizes of diamonds. For example, we make a wider design set with a central GIA certified 0.25ct round brilliant cut diamond Grade FVs2 and 1ct of matching smaller round brilliant cut diamonds. On this design the diamonds are set 60% of the way around ring with a comfortable tapering court shank at the back. We also make a narrower design with ten 2mm round stones. This design can be made with all diamonds or mixed with another gemstone such as aquamarine for a splash of colour.

Non-traditional Eternity Rings – Book a free online design consultation

The designs featured in this guide range from £580 to £12,000 and we can often tailor our designs to suit specific budgets. All of our eternity rings are handmade in our onsite workshop. Our gallery and workshops are located in Ditchling, East Sussex, between Haywards Heath and Brighton. To start your commissioning journey book a free online design consultation with designer Rebecca Smith.

For more inspiration check out our eternity rings page.

Bespoke

Design Appointments Process Online & In Our Gallery

Post author By prudenandsmith
Post date 21st November 2020

Sussex Jewellery Designers Gallery Makeover: Dunstan's Workbench

Design Appointments Process Online & In Our Gallery

Design appointments process online and in our gallery explained by Rebecca Smith, Creative Director of Pruden & Smith.

The design appointment process for jewellery is easy to understand in this informative video below. The film explains how to buy a piece of jewellery for yourself, as a gift or commissioning a bespoke design.

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