Our Top 15 Unique Necklaces Handmade in the UK
For us, and we hope for you, jewellery is special for so many reasons. Artisan jewellery is an artform in itself, carefully designed and considered, skillfully crafted. But it is also wearable, the art takes on a shape and purpose that allows it to adorn your body.
Just as painters create magic with pigment and canvas, jewellers work with precious materials, gemstones, and even natural and recycled materials to create pieces which sit on the body.
This blog introduces you to the Cornish jewellery designers who are creating breathtaking jewellery, in the shape of unique showstopping necklaces.
Why Choose Unique Jewellery?
The jewellery we wear is a chance to express ourselves, whether we’re feeling bold and brave, or reaching for the sentimental everyday comforts, the right jewellery can bolster us and comfort us.
Unique jewellery, bought by a special person, or in a special place, is a physical reminder of our connections and relationships. It’s a way to hold our memories and loved ones close to us, always.
With one-off, unique necklaces it’s all of these things plus a connection between just you and the necklace. No one else in the world has that piece. How special is that?! Especially when you consider the journey of that necklace, from the jewellery designer’s original idea, to your jewellery box. Just for you.
It’s worlds away from mass produced jewellery, which can often be of poor quality. This is due to large production quantities, and the cost being driven down on each component, from the clasp, to the beads to the wire or chain. If I ask you to remember the stories and connections of pieces that were bought on the high-street, chances are they hold no significance for you.
But if I ask you to tell me about your most special items of jewellery, your most loved necklaces, you’d know who the jeweller was, or what the occasion was, and smile at the comfort it has given you over the years.
Why Choose Jewellery Handmade in the UK?
Supporting jewellers who design and produce their jewellery on our shores, ensures we don’t lose artisans and skills to further afield. But why is this important? Firstly, often local jewellers try to use local or recycled materials, minimising their impact on the environment. Secondly, supporting creativity in our towns and counties is incredibly important. Without that our towns and shops would be a homogeneous sea of beige, and we’d lack the means to express our individual identities in our jewellery, our clothes, and our homes.
Supporting small businesses and local artisans might seem superficial and even twee, but the bigger picture is a town without its own identity. Which often leads to the death of a high street, and skilled creatives feeling as their chosen work can’t sustain them.
How to Choose the Perfect Handmade Necklace?
If you’re wondering how to choose the perfect handmade necklace, here are a few questions to ask yourself.
- Which necklaces do you wear most often?
- Where do you notice a gap in your jewellery box?
- Do you need them to be an occasion-wear showstopper necklace?
- Or are you after a reliable everyday necklace that can cope with wear and tear?
This will help narrow down your search. Perhaps you’re looking for a showstopper statement necklace that does all the hard work for you when it comes to getting dressed. In which case consider the colour, what would suit, or stand out against, your wardrobe?
If you’re looking for a reliable everyday necklace that is made in Cornwall, but still just as creative and artistic, consider the material and size. For example, sterling silver will be more hardwearing than wooden beads. Something smaller and less elaborate will be more durable.
Why Choose a Unique and Artistic Silver Necklace
So, what is sterling silver? Pure silver is a soft metal that, on its own, would lose its shape and mark easily. To create hard-wearing jewellery, the pure silver is mixed (alloyed) with a very small amount of copper, and this composition creates sterling silver, which retains the beautiful sheen of pure silver but is much more durable. It’s also known as 925 Silver, due to the hallmark you’ll find on sterling silver jewellery, a small stamp that says ‘925’, referencing the 92.5% silver in the alloy.
Sterling silver doesn’t rust and is waterproof. It can tarnish over time, but this is just a layer of oxidation which doesn’t cause damage to the silver itself, and can be cleaned off.
Lots of our Cornish jewellers create sterling silver necklaces, which is an ideal material for them to work with. Their necklaces are both durable and waterproof, but the silver allows them to be creative and expressive, resulting in beautiful artistic sterling silver necklaces.
Why Choose a Unique Sea Glass Necklace
If you’re new here, you might be wondering what sea glass is? Sea glass is glass that many, many years ago found its way into the sea. Over time it has been pummelled, eroded and shaped by the waves, softening the sharp edges. These small pebble-like pieces of glass come in a range of beautiful colours, and eventually wash up on the shore.
If you’re spending time on our Cornish beaches, look closely and you might find glistening Cornish sea glass, which you can pick up and save to make a deeply personal piece of jewellery. We host sea glass jewellery workshops where you can do just this!
If you prefer to leave your sea glass necklace in the hands of a skilled designer, we showcase the work of Laura of Porth Jewellery, who creates beautiful sea glass necklaces that mean you can hold a small piece of Cornwall (literally!) close to your chest. See our sea glass collection here.
Our Top 15 Unique Necklaces Made in The UK
1. Citrine & Cornish Pebble Pendant Necklace
A Cornish stone takes centre stage, accompanied by a glistening triangular citrine, suspended on a sterling silver snake chain handcrafted by Rebecca Walklett.
£155
2. Blossom Necklace with Green Adventurine & Agate Beads
Blossom necklace with silver flowers, and green aventurine and agate beads, strung on silk. Handcrafted by Donna Burns.
£200
3. Oval Pendant Silver & Gold Filled with CZ
Delicate 14ct gold filled rope necklace carrying an oval-shaped wire pendant with hammered sterling silver detail and cubic zirconia for an added bit of sparkle. An extender chain so the length can be adjusted. Handcrafted by Zoe Howarth.
£110
4. Striped Circle Sterling Silver Long Necklace
A geometric sterling silver circle pendant on a long trace chain. Handcrafted by Zaleika Anna.
£75
5. Orbit 3D Printed Pendant Necklace
Bold and fun pendant which adds a pop of colour to any outfit. Suspended on a matching nylon necklace with silver clasp. Lightweight and comfortable to wear. Made from 3D Printed nylon, modern technology moves traditional jewellery making into new territory! Handcrafted by Katy Luxton.
£55
6. Ceramic Scallop Mini Pendant Necklace
Handmade porcelain mini scallop shell pendant on a recycled sterling silver trace chain with bolt ring clasp. Light and comfortable to wear. Handcrafted by Rach Richardson.
£34
7. Round Copper Pendant with Silver Dome Necklace
A domed copper pendant, with an inset smaller silver dove and silver bead detail, on a sterling silver chain. Handcrafted by Rebecca Walklett.
£85
8. Tulip Beaded Necklace
Handpainted wooden bead necklace, on adjustable waxed cotton string. Handcrafted by Sea Pink Studio
£22
9. Art Deco Flower Pendant Necklace
Floral silver pendant necklace, with embossed leaf detailing. Handcrafted by Article Studio
£50
10. Bright Blue Mirrored Acrylic and Pewter Pendant Necklace
A vibrant perspex and pewter composition on a chunky stainless chain. Handcrafted by Ceciel Van Oevelen
£125
11. Silver & Green Enamel Ships Necklace on Snake Chain Necklace
Unique enamelled etching of a ship, with fine silver loops on a sterling silver snake chain. Handcrafted by Daisy Dunlop.
£60
12. Statement Beach Plastic Necklace
A conversation starter – this statement necklace is made from beach plastic, driftwood, and brass. Handcrafted by Sarah Drew.
£95
13. Men an Tol Silver Necklace
Stunning sterling silver necklace, textured with granite stones and old hammers. The three circles represent Men-an-Tol, a Bronze Age site in West Penwith. Handcrafted by Silver Sapling.
£305
14. Seaglass Pendant Necklace (Pale Green – St Ives Harbour)
Oval-shaped sea glass pendant in pale green, set in sterling silver. Sea glass found on the shores of St Ives. Handcrafted by Porth Jewellery.
£75
15. Silver Curb Chain Necklace with T-bar Clasp
Men’s sterling silver chunky chain, hand finished and polished, and fastened with a T-bar clasp. Handcrafted by TG Jewellery.
£280
That’s just a taster of our varied jewellery collection, which has been carefully curated to suit all budgets. So that you can have artisan statement necklaces, made right here in the UK, in your jewellery box.
Let your bold and beautiful statement necklaces bolster you! Wear them for special occasions, important meetings, and when you need a helping hand to feel a bit more like yourself.
We don’t just showcase colourful, vibrant necklaces, we champion the works – in many cases you’ll find matching earrings and rings.
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