Sarah's Story – A Swallow in Flight

Sometimes a piece of jewellery comes with a story that stays with me long after I've finished making it.

Sarah contacted me about a very special commission. One of her colleagues was retiring, and Sarah and her fellow colleagues wanted to give her something beautiful and meaningful. Something she could enjoy wearing now, but which would be treasured for a long time to come.

They had already chosen a garden chair so she could sit outside and enjoy the summer, but Sarah wanted something a little more personal too. She loved the birds in my Through the Garden Gate collection and wondered whether we could create something especially for her colleague, who preferred gold jewellery.

I went away and drew three different designs featuring swallows in flight. Sarah chose her favourite and I set about bringing it to life in silver, using the traditional Korean technique of Keum Boo to add beautiful touches of 24ct gold.

It was such a lovely commission to work on, knowing that a group of colleagues wanted to give their friend something that would remind her of their friendship and the years they had spent working together.

The best part of making jewellery like this is hearing what happens after it leaves my bench. Sarah told me that her colleague absolutely loves her swallow necklace and hasn't taken it off!

In fact, I loved the finished necklace so much that I decided to make it a permanent part of my Through the Garden Gate collection. The Swallow in Flight necklace is now available on my website in sterling silver, but Sarah's original commission, with its beautiful touches of 24ct gold, remains a one-of-a-kind piece. Take a look at it here - Silver Swallow in Flight Necklace | Sterling Silver Swallow Necklace | Claire Howard Jewellery | Norfolk

I love that a necklace which began as a thoughtful gift between friends has become part of my collection, whilst the original remains something truly special, with its own story to tell.

‍