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
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.
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.
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.