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
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.
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.