The evolution of a jewellery business

Well, after months of thinking about it, and a few weeks of doing bits and bobs behind the scenes, the new look Becky Pearce Designs is now live.

Things have really changed in terms of how my business looks since the start. When I started this all off back in 2009 it was a hobby. I was trying to juggle working three days as a research manager for a publishing company, and two pre schoolers. At this time doing a little bit of beading here and there was what kept me sane. It was how I relaxed.

It was so exciting to set up a new shop, and blog. There was loads to learn and play around with. I called my shop Red Bird Jewellery, got a pretty banner and it bought in a few pounds to help  pay for all the beading supplies I was buying. When I look back now on the really early days - crikey - things have changed a bit!!

Here's an, ahem, ever so professional picture of the first thing I ever put into my etsy shop.

(chain maille necklace from 2009)

Wow. I'd have to say both my jewellery style and photography have changed somewhat over the past six years. Hopefully for the better.

The first banner I had at this time was one;

Beading eventually led to playing with precious metal clay; which then led to getting a torch and basic soldering, which then led to all the silversmithing I do today.

(a 2015 necklace)

I gave up work at the end of 2009, and started childminding so I could spend more time with the kids, as well as step up the jewellery. It was then that I thought (hoped) that maybe jewellery could, just maybe be more than a hobby which just about funded itself, and develop into a creative business. 

Here's my post at the end of 2010 on whether I'd made the right decision or not. 

In 2011, I splashed out on a new camera. (I can still remember the pain of spending that much money at the time) and I took a photography course both of which changed the way my photos look dramatically. 

In February 2012 I got my own website, and changed the business name to Becky Pearce Designs. 

And this header made an appearance,

I also started making rings. And then realised I absolutely bloomin' LOVED making rings.

Some of you will probably remember this incarnation. It doesn't feel so long ago, but in so many ways the business has changed dramatically. 

In August 2013 the header changed again to this... 

and I got more and more into working with birthstones, and began making more and more rings. 

Rings, and in particular birthstone stacking rings have definitely become my number one bestseller...

...but I still make all my other goodies too; bangles, earrings, necklaces, you name it.  And I have so many new designs waiting to be made in my sketch book.

When I started writing this post, I was just going to show you the new logo design but once I started, looking back to the beginning and plotting the evolution of the business was a real eye opener.

One thing I realised is how much I have learned, and how my skills and confidence have developed in the last 6 years. I feel so proud of my progress.

But the thing that struck me most; the thing that really thrilled me is the realisation that so many of my customers, and facebook friends have been along for the ride, maybe not since the very beginning but for years and years. I can't tell you how grateful I am to all of you for your custom, your support, and advice, your comments and "likes" and for pushing me to advance my designs with your commissions and special requests.

It really means the world -  I am so lucky to have you all - THANK YOU!

Hand stamping

On my birthstone stacking rings, (and actually on all sorts of other goodies come to think of it), I now offer hand stamping on the inside of the band.

This could be a name, date of birth, or any other special text or number you care to think of.

But, there are a few things to bear in mind. First of all, the nature of hand stamping is very different to engraving.

Hand stamping involves, as it's name implies, using a steel stamp and hammer to imprint each letter individually into the shank. This is done before the ring is soldered and shaped, whilst the wire is still laid flat.

As each letter is stamped individually, it's unusual (for me anyway) for them to be completely straight, level and equally spaced.

I like this "higgledy" effect. It's the reason I love handmade jewellery - rather than the factory made, super perfect, never been touched by a human hand sort.

However, I do understand that there are occasions when it's lovely to have your text beautifully and neatly engraved (I am hoping to add this string to my bow at some stage in the future!) And if this is the case you could get any items I make for you engraved at a local jewellers after they're made.

A couple of other things you need to know...

Bear in mind the number of digits or letters that will fit inside the band. This will vary very slightly from size to size but is generally approximately 20 characters.

I have 3 different size sets of stamps now. The 1.5mm stamps to fit into my standard 2.3mm width band, 2mm and 3mm stamps. All the stamps I have at the moment are capital letters.

Gold, gold filled, rolled gold.... what!?!

This year I've been working a lot more with gold, and trying to expand the range I can offer in my shop.

I'm working with 9k gold as standard but, I'll be honest with you - it's pricey. And so I do like to offer a more economical option, with that same golden loveliness.

So here they are... gold filled stacking rings are now available in a Becky Pearce Designs shop near you.

Labradorite gold filled ring

BUT what the heck is gold fill? Is it the same as rolled gold and gold plate? Is it going to wear off?

Gold filled metal is made by heat and pressure bonding gold onto a base metal (usually brass) core. Basically sandwiching the base metal. The important thing is that the proportion of the gold on the metal has to be at least 20% of the total weight, so it's quite a substantial amount compared to gold plating where the gold is a microscopic film rather than an actual layer.

The gold filled material I'm using at the moment is 20% gold, but I believe you can also get 40% gold material.

Rolled gold is not quite as good quality - the proportion of gold is less than 20%. So whilst it is still in a layer form rather than a film, and is therefore better than gold plated goods - it will wear more readily than gold filled.

Textured gold filled rings
(available in yellow and rose gold)

I have been trying to get an idea of the kind of wear you can expect with gold filled material, especially in comparison with gold plating which we all know about - and found this info on Wiki.

"Gold-filled items, even with daily wear, can last five to 30 years but will eventually wear through. The gold layer on gold-plated jewelry varies greatly depending on manufacturer, so there is no single, simple comparison. Gold-filled items are 50 to 100,000 times thicker than regular gold plating, and 17 to 25,000 times thicker than heavy gold electroplate (sometimes stamped HGE or HGP—usually found oncubic zirconia "cocktail rings")."

The recommendation is to treat your gold filled jewellery just as you would gold. Gently clean with a soft cloth every now and again, and make sure you take it off before swimming and it should last for years and years.

I'm fairly new to this material, so will be experimenting and playing with the designs I can do. It can apparently be slightly tricky to solder, so designs which require more than one or two solder joints are probably out for now, but I'll keep you posted about how I'm find it to work with.

Last order dates for Chrismtas

As I sat here working on Christmas pressies, it occurred to me that I hadn't actually let you know my last order dates for Christmas this year (or...ahem.... actually decided them myself).

So, after a quick scan of the calendar I figured out that the last dates to order from my folksy, etsy, Becky Pearce Designs shops are:

• AUSTRALIA - 27th November (eek - today!!!!)
• USA and WESTERN EUROPE - 6th December
• UK - 16th December

I often close my shops at this point, so that people don't order "just in case" and then get disappointed. But this year I will leave the shops open throughout the Christmas period.

Hand stamped Jewellery

I reckon all jewellery is special; handmade jewellery is that bit more special but handmade personalised jewellery, well that is off the scale in my opinion. 

If you've been onto my website you probably know by now that I've got a bit of a thing for birthstones, but being able to inprint a name, phrase, or special date onto jewellery just adds that extra wonderfulness. And hows about combining the two, personalised birthstone jewellery. Excuse me while I have a little sit down.

I've had some stamps for stamping letters onto metal for a few years, but these were 4mm so not ideal for many of my smaller items. So, I thought it was about time I invested in some dinky little 2mm stamps. 

I got these ones from Cookson (I know a few people were interested in my suppliers), but Palmer Metals also have them, and I think they also have a few different fonts.

I'm hoping to get some items listed soon... like this secret message ring...

...but in the meantime, if there's something you fancy having stamped, do get in touch. It'll take me a while to add that option in the shop.

Such a gorgeous way to remind you of special people, or times. 

I'll be stamping me a couple of birthstone rings for the girls, with their names and birthdays on the inside, and I'll hand them down to them when they're older. 

This months winner...

I just wanted to say congratulations to Kathy who won this months' newsletter subscriber giveaway.

This month the prize was....

..These dainty sterling silver earrings, with a glistening hammered circle holding a sterling wire wrapped jet black swarovski crystal (6mm).

I love these earrings, they're one of those designs that is perfect to dress up or down, and I've got a new batch of  swarovski crystals in a range of lovely colours - so look out for more in the shop soon (or let me know if there's a colour you'd particularly like to see!!).

Next month I'll be giving away a pair of teeny tiny stars, take a sneek preview here...  http://www.beckypearcedesigns.co.uk/beckypearceshop/prod_2378010-Fine-silver-teeny-tiny-stars.html

Autumn Wishlist

Some handmade goodies that have turned my head this week...

Bracelet top from Outofline on Etsy

I got a top from this shop a few months ago and love it! And would love a long sleeve style from there.

Okay I'll 'fess up. Actually, this is already mine. I bought this nearly 3 years ago, and still get excited about getting it out every autumn. So. Ridiculously. Cosy. I got it from the lovely Knit Frekkles on etsy.

I could seriously do with some boot toppers too for this winter. Brrr. Last years nightmare weather with dog walking everyday has taught me to be prepared and wrap up. These are from Lumistyle.

And the thing about Autumn is that it makes me want to drink tea by the gallon. These stoneware beakers from Little Wren Pottery are perfect for me, because when it's chilly outside, who on earth uses the handle on their mug. 

I also spotted my perfect autumn boots on pinterest...(these aren't handmade but hey)

*sigh* but a) they're from the states, and b) they don't seem to have them in stock any more. If anyone knows of any that are similar in the UK please let me know!

Would love to know your autumn finds....

Peridot - the birthstone for August

Wear a Peridot or for thee, 

No conjugal fidelity, 

The August born without this stone, 

`Tis said, must live unloved; alone.

The birthstone for August - Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occur in only one colour; green. Although the intensity and tint of the green hue is dependent on how much iron it contains and individual peridot gems can vary from a sparkling pale yellowy green to deep olive. 

Whilst the most valuable peridots are usually the less common deep olive shades, I prefer that zingy fresh pale green and tend to go with that for my designs. And yes, it does help that it keeps the cost reasonable!

It looks perfect with sparkly sterling silver!

Peridot is the gem form of the mineral olivine, and it is formed by extreme heat and pressure in volcanoes and is then forced to the surface in the lava. It is also, (less frequently) found in meteors that land on the earth’s surface. It's amazing to wonder what that little shiny stone on your earrings has been through and how long it took to form. 

Peridot is also a great stone for weddings in August, and is the gemstone for 16th wedding anniversarys.

These gorgeous handmade calla lilies hold a teeny faceted peridot stone within.

I must get some more peridot designs up in the shop, as it really is a gorgeous gem! 

Bonfire night....

Remember remember the 5th November, 

Gunpowder, treason and plot.

I see no reason why gunpowder treason,

should ever be forgot. 

Some fireworks.....

Blue sparkle clutch - by Red Ruby Rose

Abstract Rocket Explosion by IconsPhotographyArt

and a bonfire

Plus some things to make you cosy...

Hand knit fingerless gloves by annerstreet

Button scarf and snood by ekawear

I love bonfire night. Enjoy!

Fabulous finds.....

So the summer holidays have begun, and to celebrate I've found some fabulous holiday finds to share with you....

Vintage suitcase - epochco 

Picnic napkins on Folksy from Hotcakes

Beach oil from Etsy SusieQsbathandbody 

 

 Beach by aoife doyle

Mason jars by Pamela LeCroy

Jewellery Inspiration - Our pond!

We've got a lovely little patio pond in the new (or now, not so new) house. It's really not big at all, (think very, very small) but it's so nice to have a pond, however teeny. Obviously, whilst the kids are small, and with me looking after other peoples kids quite often; it's not so safe to have a pond. But I couldn't bear to fill it in (where would all the frogs go...?)

So instead we've fitted a grid system over it, that's strong enough for Richard to stand on, but which has holes in big enough for frogs to use it as a climbing frame, and birds to still be able to have a splash and a drink, but small enough for the kids to be safe. Perfect!

Unfortunately, I'm not sure how well it's working for the lily pads - they seem to be pointing upwards a bit too much, as they can't just float on the top of the water, but we're getting some lovely flowers poking through too..



Aren't they beautiful? What a fantastic shape, they remind me of a spirograph - all long curves, and many, many petals. And those colours, especially against the green of the pads.

As you've probably guessed, they've given me a bit of inspiration for some jewellery too.... watch this space.....

Treasure hunt

I hope you all had a great Easter. The weather was fantastic, so the girls had a little easter egg hunt in the garden. I can't believe I had my winter coat on again today, yet on Sunday we were worried about the eggs melting in the garden while they were looking.

Aha..... spotted them!



Do you like the girls skirts. I got a little over excited over the Easter break and actually got my sewing machine out. I know they're nothing fancy, and the seams'll probably go in the first wash, but hey I'm feeling pretty darn proud of myself.

I followed this simple skirt tutorial.....

and trust me - it was really simple.

I'm also making some of these circle skirts but stalled trying to get hold of the right size elastic and have ground to a halt now... maybe in the summer hols when I get all domestic again!

For now, it's my first free morning for ages, and here I am on the computer, so I'm going to turn it off and go make some jewellery!