Handmade Jewellery Commissions
Aimee Winstone specialises in working on a bespoke commission basis in silver, gold, platinum and palladium.
Whether you would like a unique engagement ring, wedding ring or a necklace for a special birthday present Aimee can work to all budgets.
Any ideas you have of your own make a fantastic start, do not worry about any lack of drawing skills, scribbles and notes are great. Alternatively, if you have no idea what you are looking for and would like some inspiration we can discuss what sort of styles the wearer would like and go through the design process together.
Choose a category below to filter the type of jewellery you would like to view.
Smog The Silver, 18ct Gold, Tanzanite & Diamond Dragon Necklace
This beautiful pendant began its story as a selection of gemstones that have been given as a gift from a friend. After a discussion of the type of jewellery styles and themes some sketches of some dragons, as well as some dragonflies began. All would be statement pieces using a number of the tanzanites, citrines, and diamonds.
The dragon designs looked quite whimsical and the chosen design was handmade in sterling silver and 18ct yellow gold with tanzanites in the wings, diamonds in the body and a citrine in the gold firey flame.
How was the silver dragon pendant made:
From the beginnings of a conversation and a few sketches, some CAD designs were created. The settings for the tanzanites were made using silver firstly. Sawing and filing many grooves into the square wire and soldering together I created the outline of the wings and body. Once all soldered together some shape was given to the wings using a doming punch from the reverse side and filing and sawing from the front to make it look more delicate. All of the settings were soldered onto the wings and body (this was exactly like a game of operation with a shaky hand and tiny tweezers) and it was ready to be set, polished and placed in a nice big wooden box. My stone setter also decided to call him smog!
Silver, 18ct Gold, Tanzanite & Diamond Dragon Necklace
This beautiful pendant began its story as a selection of gemstones that have been given as a gift from a friend. After a discussion of the type of jewellery styles and themes some sketches of some dragons, as well as some dragonflies began. All would be statement pieces using a number of the tanzanites, citrines, and diamonds.
The dragon designs looked quite whimsical and the chosen design was handmade in sterling silver and 18ct yellow gold with tanzanites in the wings, diamonds in the body and a citrine in the gold firey flame.
How was the silver dragon pendant made
From the beginnings of a conversation and a few sketches, some CAD designs were created. The settings for the tanzanites were made using silver firstly. Sawing and filing many grooves into the square wire and soldering together I created the outline of the wings and body. Once all soldered together some shape was given to the wings using a doming punch from the reverse side and filing and sawing from the front to make it look more delicate. All of the settings were soldered onto the wings and body (this was exactly like a game of operation with a shaky hand and tiny tweezers) and it was ready to be set, polished and placed in a nice big wooden box. My stone setter also decided to call him smog!
Handcrafted Platinum Diamond Eternity Ring
This platinum eternity ring set with tiny diamonds was designed to be delicate and comfortable when worn. Each diamond is held securely by 4 claws on each side
How this platinum diamond eternity ring was made:
The ring was carefully carved in wax using a jewellers saw (piercing saw) and files of various sizes to create the shape needed. From the solid block of wax, the desired ring shape can be created with patience. I often using hot water and some pumice powder at the end to get a really good finish at the end. The better the finish the wax can be the better the platinum casting result you will get.
Once it is cast in platinum the process of polishing begins using files, abrasive papers and polishing mops. The ring is sent to the assay office to be hallmarked. It is at this stage the diamonds are placed around the ring. The ring is drilled and the claws carved to allow the diamonds to be captured within the platinum eternity ring.
A final polish and the ring is so sparkly!
Hand-carved Gold Elephant Pendant and Earrings
This elephant jewellery collection was made for a 60th birthday present for someone who loves to travel and had a love of elephants keeping many elephant decorations around the house.
The birthday gift had to be for everyday wear with a particular love of emeralds to be included in the designs.
I chose to research into the decorated elephants of Burma as part of the birthday present was also a holiday in Burma. The trunk and saddle would be the perfect areas to set the emeralds and rubies. All set in delicate grain settings these would make a great feature on the pendant and earrings.
How were these made:
The elephant pendant was carved by hand in wax. I choose a green wax for its strength. The wax was then sent off for casting in 9ct yellow gold. During this process, I chose to have a cold mould made as well. Whenever I have spent a long time creating a wax piece I usually have the cold mould made in case there is any casting disaster resulting in having to start again.
The earrings were designed using a CAD computer program, each piece was then 3d printed and cast in gold.
Once the elephant pendant and earrings were in a gold form I could clean, polish and send it for hallmarking. On their return the emeralds and rubies were set along the trunk and saddle.
The final stages of hand making this elephant jewellery collection were to mask off everything I wanted to stay a yellow colour. All surfaces left would be plated white with rhodium, I used a red resist pen to do this. There were 2 reasons to do this, 1: I wanted the decorated saddle to be a white metal, 2: Many gems show a better colour when set in a white metal.
The red resist can be removed when the pieces have been rhodium plated and the pendant and earrings are then ready to wear.
9ct White Gold Grain Set Diamond Shaped Wedding Ring
This 9ct white gold wedding ring was created and shaped to sit next to the engagement ring without any gaps. The diamonds have been set in a very traditional grain setting with a milgrain edging creating a very delicate and vintage looking ring.
How were these made:
This wedding ring was designed using CAD/CAM. A resin was made and then cast in 9ct white gold. Once the casting is returned from being tested and hallmarked the ring goes through a process of emery paper and polishing. The ring is then polished by hand, the diamonds set and then the milgrain edge is applied.
Platinum & Diamond Halo Engagement & Wedding Rings
The engagement ring was designed as a complete surprise and is actually part of my blog
How To Sneak Your Engagement Ring Abroad & Propose. Once going through I few design alternatives a halo theme was decided on. I wanted to make the engagement ring a little more unusual and created the band and claws of the ring to almost grow through the halo making this a much more organic design.
Made in platinum and set with a 0.60ct central diamond which is certified FVs1 in colour and clarity.
The wedding ring was designed to sit underneath the halo of the engagement ring. Set with a delicate line of grain set diamonds.
How were these made:
Each ring was designed using CAD/CAM. The delicate coil setting around the ruby was the most delicate area to file, emery and polish without destroying the detail. Once each piece had been cast, cleaned up, polished and soldered together the rings were hallmarked, and the ruby and diamond set in place using rub over settings.
Handcrafted Platinum Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring
This handcrafted platinum diamond trilogy engagement ring design came about by a love of a previous commission I had made. As a surprise ring design my client wanted to design a timeless ring which he knew his partner would love. A round brilliant central diamond with two pear shaped diamonds were decided on and a viewing was arranged to choose the diamonds in person. The final design incorporated platinum for its strength, a certified GIA Fvs1 central diamond and Gvs pear diamonds totaling 0.29cts. See which diamonds to choose for more info.
How were these made:
Once some initial pencil sketches were made the ring was then designed using CAD/CAM Rhino Gold. The designs were presented to the client in every angle to appreciate exactly what the ring would look like before it was finished. From the design file, a platinum casting was made which left a rough dull texture. this does not look like the white and shiny metal you see when a ring is presented to you. A slow process of finishing by hand using various grades of emery paper and polish reveals the shiny white metal. As platinum is a much harder precious metal it takes much more work to get it to a polished finish compared to silver or gold. It is at this stage that the handcrafted platinum engagement ring can be sent to the Assay Office to be tested and stamped with a hallmark. With another pre-polish, the ring was then set by hand with the diamonds, with soft sweeping diamond settings this handcrafted platinum diamond trilogy engagement ring will not catch like claw set rings can do and will be very comfortable to wear.
Handmade Infinity Inspired Wedding Rings
These two handmade Infinity Inspired Wedding Rings were made out of 18ct white gold and set with diamonds. The brief for me was to create complementing wedding rings which suited both the bride and groom based on the infinity symbol.
The bride’s wedding ring had to be delicate whilst also fit perfectly around the engagement ring. The groom’s wedding ring had to be much chunkier and more masculine with a simpler style of diamond setting.
Although these rings are different and unique they are suitable for each bride and groom whilst making a nice collection of 2 rings.
How were these wedding rings made:
Initially, hand drawn sketches were provided exploring the ideas of incorporating the infinity symbol within the wedding rings. Different versions of diamonds settings were suggested whilst alternative metals finishes also discussed. Each ring was designed using CAD/CAM. The bride to be’s engagement ring was carefully photographed with measurements taken so that a wedding ring that fitted perfectly next to it could be designed. Once the designs were decided on, the rings were cast in 18ct white gold. They were sent to be hallmarked at Sheffield Assay Office. The rings were then be filed, buffed with several grades of emery paper and given a pre-polish before having the diamonds set and a final polish.
Platinum Handmade Star Engagement Ring
This platinum engagement ring was inspired by a plan to propose on holiday under the stars.
The traditional 5 claw setting was adapted it so that the engagement ring setting had pointed claws to give the overall look a star like appearance. The fiery star perfectly encapsulated the proposal moment.
Ruby & Diamond Jungle Vine Inspired Engagement & Wedding Rings
These two handmade rings; an 18ct yellow and white gold engagement ring set with a ruby, and an 18ct white gold wedding ring set with a diamond were inspired by jungle vines.
The initial request to design an engagement ring to be handmade with the inspiration of jungle vines wrapping around and holding the ruby was an unusual one, and a complete joy to design and make. With the use of 2 colours of gold we were able to design a ring that was unique yet simple and timeless.
Taking the same jungle vine theme a wedding ring was commissioned to complete the suite of bridal jewellery with the ring gently sweeping around the engagement ring and a small diamond.
How were these made:
Each ring was designed using CAD/CAM. The delicate coil setting around the ruby was the most delicate area to file, emery and polish without destroying the detail. Once each piece had been cast, cleaned up, polished and soldered together the rings were hallmarked, and the ruby and diamond set in place using rub over settings.
Silver and Diamond Knot Pendant
This silver diamond knot pendant was designed using a very sentimental diamond taken from an heirloom ring.
The pendant was fabricated by hand; creating the silver wire, carefully wrapping it into the desired shape and soldering it all together. It was then ready to polish, hallmark and have the diamond set securely.
How were these made:
Lotus Flower Platinum Trilogy Engagement Ring
This engagement ring was inspired by the Chinese Lotus flower with a symbol of purity, to bind, connect and to love; perfect for a symbolic ring.
The ring was set with a GIA certified 0.4ct emerald cut diamond, 2 3mm trillion cut rubies and 6 diamonds grain set down each shoulder. The ring was hand engraved by Rodney Rigby.
How it was made:
The ring was designed using CAD/CAM and initially cast in silver which was cleaned up and polished. A mould was then made of the silver ring before being cast again in platinum. A final clean up and polish and the ring was ready to be hand engraved and stone set.
Platinum Trilogy Diamond Ring
The diamonds originated from a gold heirloom engagement ring. Looking a little tired but very much loved it was updated into a modern twist trilogy design in platinum.
Chinese cloud inspired jade pendant:
This jade stone had been a gift and had once been made into a ring with diamonds. I was asked to remodel the stones into a piece that could be worn as an everyday piece of jewellery.
As the jade had been bought in China, using this as inspiration seemed an obvious direction to take. Auspicious cloud patterns represent the heavens, symbolising luck and fortune, whilst repeated in a pattern symbolises never-ending fortune. Jade is believed to promote wisdom, balance, and peace.
The 9ct yellow gold Moroccan inspired sapphire pendant & ring
This matching 9ct yellow gold pendant and ring set with sapphires and diamonds had been made as a Christmas gift. Inspired by Moroccan architecture these 2 complementing pieces were designed. Each piece was set with a large blue sapphire to pick out the colour often used in Marrakech’s Morjarelle Gardens flower pots.
How it was made:
Each of these pieces were designed using CAD software ArtCam Jewelsmith. Once the designs were completed on the CAD program I was able to have each piece printed and cast in 9ct yellow gold. The pendant and ring could then be cleaned up using files, emery paper and finally polishing. It is at this point the sapphires could be flush set into each piece and the diamonds grain set.
Elephant Pendant Hand-carved In Wax
This 9ct yellow gold elephant pendant was handmade for someone who had spent time in Goa, in particular, an overnight stay with the elephants.
How it was made:
The elephant was carved from a block of wax. Firstly, cutting the very basic shape of the elephant from the wax. I was then able to carefully add more fine details of the elephant using dentist tools. Once I was happy with the wax carving it was then used to be cast in 9ct yellow gold. The finishing process could then begin using emery papers and polish.
Silver and 18ct Gold Chinese Brooch
This Chinese style Brooch was created as a diamond wedding anniversary gift. Inspired by the clients love of traditional Chinese art it was decided to base the design on 2 dragons. In keeping with typical Chinese colours I chose to oxidise the silver black whilst using the rich colour of 18ct yellow gold and a green cabochon jade stone.
How it was made:
The Brooch design was firstly cut out using a laser cutting, this took many hours. Once the design had been cut out I could then start to shape the silver to a dome. The next stage was to then create the 18ct yellow gold setting and solder this onto the silver Chinese brooch and make the gold border. The silver could then be oxidised black before attaching the 18ct gold border using a laser welder, attaching the brooch findings and setting the jade stone.
9ct White Gold Ruby Bangle and Pendant
This matching 9ct white gold ruby bangle and pendant had been made as a Birthday present. Inspired by the sea, I created these organic swirling pieces rub over set with oval faceted rubies.
How it was made:
The bangle was made turning gold wire into 3 bangles which were soldered and formed into waves. These were then polished and soldered together. The rub over settings were made to fit each ruby perfectly which were also soldered to the bangle. The gems could then be set into the bangle. The pendant was made using CAD RhinoGold and cast into the 9ct white metal. The sprue needed removing and the piece could be cleaned up using fine polishing threads. These rubies were then set.
22ct, 9ct Yellow Gold and Platinum Wedding Rings
These two wedding rings were created to reinvent the families 9ct and 22ct gold whilst adding some platinum to the gents ring to
How it was made:
Platinum Trilogy Diamond Engagement Ring
This platinum ring was set with 2 0.4ct diamonds and 1 0.75ct diamonds totalling 1.55ct. Each diamond was GIA certified FVS1.
How it was made:
9ct White & Rose Gold Textured Mans Wedding Ring
This wedding ring was a joy to create!
Based on a nickname, a bear print theme was decided on. Laser engraving paw prints to appear to be walking around the ring was certainly a memorable ring. Not wanting a polished finished ring either I trialed different textures and decided upon a patio stone beaten finish.
How it was made:
This ring was made from 4 rings which fitted together precisely. An inner ring made to fit the finger would hold together the 2 white gold and 1 rose/ red gold rings.
The textured ring was the second ring to be made, beaten on a patio stone to give this random texture and the carefully soldered onto the inner ring.
The red/ rose gold ring was the 3 ring to be made and soldered onto the inner white gold ring.
The fine white gold band was the 4th ring to be made and soldered on to complete this chunky band. At this stage, I was able to laser engrave the paw prints and carefully polish each section.
18ct White Gold Twig Inspired Wedding Ring
This 18ct white gold wedding ring had a very organic form inspired by a twig to match a floral engagement ring which would sit next to it.
How it was made:
This ring was carved by hand in wax and then cast in 18ct white gold and given a polished finish. The gold is high in palladium and therefore is a very white colour without the need to rhodium plate.
Ladies & Gents Art Deco Inspired Wedding Rings
These 9ct white gold wedding rings were designed with an art deco theme. The ladies engagement ring was an unusual crossover shape and a wedding ring designed to fit next to it was needed.
How it was made:
The rings were designed using CAD/CAM and initially cast in silver which was cleaned up and polished. A final cleanup and polish and the rings were ready.
18ct Yellow Gold & Diamond Fitted Wedding Ring
This 18ct yellow gold wedding ring was designed to incorporate the 5 diamonds that had already been chosen. The ring had to be delicate and fit next to the engagement ring. An unusual setting was decided on, part channel and part claw set. This allowed the ring to keep a delicate style.
How it was made:
The ring was designed and made using CAD/CAM. Resin models were made before the ring was cast in 18ct yellow gold. Once the ring had been cast it was then sent to the assay office to be tested and hallmarked. Once the ring was returned it was carefully cleaned polished and the diamonds set.
Handmade White Gold Shaped To Fit Wedding Ring
This white gold wedding ring was handmade to fit next to the engagement ring without any gaps when worn together.
How it was made:
Designed using CAD/CAM, a photograph of the engagement ring was taken along with careful measurements to create a resin model of a wedding ring that fits perfectly. The resin model can then be cast in white gold, hallmarked and polished by hand.
Aimee uses traditional jewellery making techniques whilst incorporating modern technology such as CAD/CAM (computer aided design and manufacture), laser welding and laser engraving. For this reason, your unique piece of jewellery can be made using the most appropriate techniques and often giving you the opportunity to see your design as a life-like image.
Like What You See?
Aimee can discuss ideas through meetings, telephone calls or emails. Photographs/ images are provided throughout the design and making process to keep you up to date at each stage.
