Handmade Jewellery Series: Photo Charms

The idea

When I got married, I wanted to attach a photo of my late dad to my dress. Problem was, I couldn’t find anything apart from a closed locket. When I started designing jewellery, I knew I wanted a range that incorporated tiny photos into the design.

Preparing photo for charm

The design process

I worked on lots of designs initially, but found that after casting them they often felt too big or the photo was overpowered by the edges. I ended up loving the simplicity of a fine silver edge around the cast photograph. The first design I made – and that is still available – was a tiny 10mm pendant that hung from a fine chain. For something so small, these pendants always draw attention!

The collection then evolved to silver cufflinks, keyring charms and larger pendants that slide behind a vintage button cast in silver.

Preparing photo charm resin

Creating the jewellery

• We receive the photo, crop it into a circle and change it to black and white. We return this to the customer for their approval.
• The photo is then printed and sealed into silver mount.
• Clear resin is mixed and poured – an exact science to ensure it hardens and stays clear with no air bubbles.
• The photo is passed over a flame after the resin has settled to remove bubbles that have appeared.
• The resin is protected for the 24 hours while it ‘cures’.
• We then solder on jumprings and add chains or keyrings.

Adding resin to photo charm