from the bench
A collection of writing from the bench at Rare Thing in Brighton. Exploring jewellery making, workshops, bespoke work and the process behind each piece
things to do in brighton for couples (that aren’t dinner or drinks)
Brighton has no shortage of places to eat and drink, but if you’re looking for something a bit different to do together, there are plenty of other options.
Something hands-on can be a good place to start. Spending a few hours making something together tends to feel more memorable than just sitting across a table. It also gives you something to take away at the end of it.
are lab diamonds worth it?
Lab diamonds come up in almost every conversation about engagement rings now, and for good reason. They look the same as mined diamonds, they’re graded in the same way, and they’re usually more affordable.
what metal should you choose for an engagement or wedding ring?
When people start looking at engagement or wedding rings, one of the first questions is usually about the stone. But the metal matters just as much — it’s what you’ll actually feel on your hand every day.
how much should you spend on an engagement ring?
The idea that you should spend a fixed percentage of your income has been around for years, but it’s not based on anything real. It’s marketing. What matters more is choosing a ring that feels considered and well made, within a budget that actually makes sense for you.
what matters when choosing an engagement ring?
There’s a lot of noise around engagement rings. Advice, rules, expectations of what you should choose, what you should spend, what’s considered “right”. Most of it isn’t particularly helpful. What matters is much simpler than it’s made out to be.
where do diamonds come from?
Diamonds have a reputation. They’re associated with romance, commitment, luxury, and “forever”. They’re given at some of the most important moments in people’s lives. They’re carefully chosen, insured, treasured, and passed down. But what many people don’t realise is that long before a diamond ever sits in a ring, it’s already lived an extraordinary life.
what is permanent jewellery?
Permanent jewellery is jewellery that’s fitted directly onto the body and worn continuously, rather than being taken on and off each day. Most often, this means a fine chain bracelet, anklet, or necklace that’s welded closed so there’s no clasp. It’s not about being unable to remove it — it’s about choosing to wear something continuously as part of your everyday life.
what is a hallmark & why does it matter?
In the UK, hallmarking is a legal requirement for precious metals over a certain weight. It’s there to protect you as a customer and make sure you’re getting exactly what you’ve paid for.
why have gold and silver prices increased so much?
Whenever the world feels unstable — politically, economically, or socially — people tend to turn to gold. Gold has been used as a store of value for thousands of years. When currencies wobble or inflation rises, investors buy gold to protect their money.
why handmade jewellery costs what it does
Handmade jewellery often costs more than mass-produced jewellery — and that can feel confusing if you’re not familiar with how it’s made. This isn’t because handmade is “luxury” in the glossy sense, or because there’s a markup for a name. It’s because of time, skill, materials, and care — and the fact that everything is done by a human, not a machine.
How long does it take to make a custom ring?
One of the most common questions people ask is: “How long will it take to make my ring?”
Because all Rare Thing jewellery is made by hand at the bench, rather than cast or mass-produced, the process takes time. Most custom rings take around six weeks from start to finish so here’s why.
what happens to your wax ring after carving?
At the end of a wax carving workshop, you are left with a wax ring — but that’s not the finished piece yet. Your wax design is the starting point for a traditional casting process that turns it into a solid silver or gold ring. This happens off-site with specialist casters, and then the finished piece comes back to us to be cleaned, polished, and checked before it’s ready to wear.
wax carving jewellery workshops - make your own ring
What is a wax carving jewellery workshop? A wax carving workshop is a hands-on jewellery making experience where you carve your own ring from jeweller’s wax, which is then professionally cast into silver or gold.
how to choose the perfect Christmas gift
Choosing a Christmas gift shouldn’t feel like a battle with your own sanity yet every December, people panic-buy bath sets and novelty socks like it’s tradition. Here’s how to pick a gift that feels thoughtful, personal, and genuinely appreciated.
How Old is Gold?
Gold has fascinated humans since the dawn of civilisation but its true story starts far earlier than any human culture. Before the Earth even formed, gold was already drifting through space, born from the explosions of dying stars. Here’s how this celestial metal became one of the most treasured materials on Earth.
joining the NAJ
When you’re choosing a jeweller, trust is everything. Jewellery isn’t just another purchase – it’s sentimental, valuable, and often tied to some of the most important moments of your life. That’s why being a member of the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) matters.
Here’s what NAJ membership means for you as a customer:
choosing your wedding bands
Your wedding bands are the one piece of jewellery you’ll wear every day, so choosing the right pair matter so here are the key things to keep in mind.
1. Metal Choice
Gold is a timeless option—available in yellow, white, and rose tones. Platinum is durable and naturally white, while silver is a softer, affordable choice. Think about which metal suits your skin tone and matches the jewellery you already wear.
designing an engagement ring
Designing an engagement ring isn’t just about choosing something pretty and shiny—it’s about creating a piece that actually means something. It’s the one ring that’s going to be worn every day, through everything, so it needs to be right. Here’s how to approach the process without losing your mind, your money, or your partner’s trust.
let’s talk money
When it comes to commissioning a piece of jewellery—especially something bespoke, handmade, and crafted with love and skill—one of the most important things we need to talk about is budget.
Lab-grown or natural?
Okay, lets talk about diamonds - pretty much everyone’s favorite rocks. These days, you have probably heard about lab-grown diamonds as a cheaper, more eco-friendly alternative to real diamonds. But are they really all that?