Strength By Design
What does it mean for something to be strong?
Is it solid? Long-lasting? Full of meaning? Sometimes strength looks like a forged silver cuff. Sometimes it looks like sitting down to write a blog, open a shop, or create something from some snippets of silver left over from a workshop.
As a jeweller, strength begins with materials. I use solid sterling silver for all my pieces—no plating, no shortcuts. Silver can be hardto manipulate at first, but under heat and pressure, it becomes resilient. It can be melted, textured, filed, and reformed. It’s forgiving, but it holds its shape. A bit like people, really.
Then there’s the making. Every curve and connection is shaped by hand at my bench in Fakenham. This kind of work—craftswomanship—is about skill, yes, but also intention. It’s not fast or flashy. It’s steady. Thoughtful. Built to last.
Sometimes I think handmade jewellery carries strength in more than just its materials—it holds a story, a memory, a feeling of hope. A T-bar for balance. A button cast in silver to honour the past. A pebble charm, formed from melted snippets, smoothed into something new.
That’s strength by design. It’s in the process, the story. The decision to keep going, even when the thing you’re creating feels unfinished or unpolished—what could be called the ugly baby moments. You have to love it before anyone else sees the beauty in it.
I’ve just had one of those moments—with my new men’s collection. After a month of designing, shaping, and second-guessing, the first few pieces are finished and the photographs are in. I’m feeling a little bit proud, a little bit nervous, and very excited to finally share it with you.
The collection is called North by East. Inspired by strength, simplicity, and the pull of home. Each piece—a cuff, ring, or pair of cufflinks—is designed to feel quietly confident. Silver, well made, easy to wear. Jewellery with substance. It is for the man who deserves more than acard/pair of socks/tie/book, for the man who is anything by ordinary.
Because strength isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s just knowing what matters and wearing it every day.
