A wedding gift made to last
The groom wanted to give his bride something personal and lasting, something she could treasure long after the day itself.
We worked together to create a design that was simple and elegant, with enough space for the pieces of jewellery that mattered most to her. Rather than choosing something from a catalogue, we created a box specifically for her, shaped around her tastes and their shared sense of design.
I spent time understanding the sorts of jewellery she wore, as well as talking with the groom about their new home and the things they both liked. From this, I developed a series of designs for him to consider, and together we refined the details until he was confident it was something she would love.
Made for the occasion
There was a particular sense of responsibility to this commission. It was to be given to the bride on the morning of their wedding, so there was a hard deadline, but also a feeling that this was not a piece to rush.
Every detail mattered.
At the groom’s request, the box was made entirely by hand using traditional hand tools. The construction features carefully cut dovetails and fitted internal trays, with a chestnut insert and blue baize providing a soft home for the jewellery.
The black walnut came from a local sawyer, and had the depth and character of figuring that rewards you for simply sitting and looking at it. I wanted the finish to reveal that character rather than disguise it, so the box was French polished by hand, bringing out the chatoyance and depth of the grain while giving it a deep, timeless gloss.
A piece that could only be theirs
It is an object that could never have been bought from a catalogue because it was created for one particular person, for one particular occasion, and with a story that belongs entirely to them.
This is exactly the sort of project I love to make.
The finished box now has pride of place in their bedroom and is used every day. Each time it is opened, it carries with it a little of the joy of their wedding day.
If you have an idea for something personal and completely your own, I would be very happy to talk it through with you.
This is exactly the sort of project I love to complete. The sort of object that could never be bought, something only they would ever have and would hold dear to them.
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