hand carved wax design ring ready for sand casting

Handmade Jewellery UK: From a 1950s Coin to a Citrine Signet Ring

The Start of Silver Hollow Jewellery:

Five years ago, I made my first piece of handmade jewellery in the UK — a ring created from an old 1950s coin. It was during lockdown, on a quiet, hot summer’s day, when I found myself drilling a small hole through the centre of the coin I’d ordered online. Using a hammer and a metal rod, I carefully folded the coin into shape. The end result was imperfect, but the experience of creating something with my own hands was unforgettable.

Here is a picture of one of the first ever coin rings I made!

coin ring being worn made out of upcycled coins
That simple ring sparked everything. Over the next few years, I taught myself the fundamentals of jewellery making, from soldering and texturing to stone setting and sandcasting. Each new skill brought its own challenges and rewards, and slowly, my small hobby grew into Silver Hollow Jewellery — a full-time business built around a love for natural textures, thoughtful design, and sustainable craftsmanship.




Where we are at now:

As a self-taught jeweller, I’ve come to value not only the making process but also the community that surrounds handmade jewellery in the UK. Over the years, I’ve met countless supportive and inspiring people — from customers who cherish their custom pieces to fellow makers who share advice and encouragement. Their kindness continues to motivate me to create work that feels personal and authentic. I love this job and how I'm able to use my creative skills and ideas to bring pieces to life for my customers.

 

Dan handmaking jewellery in the workshop

 

Our recent creation:

The ring I’m sharing here is a milestone piece — a sandcast signet ring made from recycled silver, featuring a citrine gemstone set in a 9ct gold bezel. Its natural texture and organic form capture everything I love about handmade jewellery: the imperfections, the individuality, and the connection between maker and material. It’s a personal piece, a reminder of the first coin ring and the journey that followed. To watch exactly how it was made, we've posted a Youtube video of the whole process. Click here to watch it!

a handmade sterling silver citrine gemstone ring being made by dan in the workshop
If you’re interested in commissioning a similar design, I currently quote around £450 for a custom-made silver ring with a gold bezel and your choice of gemstone. Each piece is made to order and designed collaboratively, ensuring that your finished ring is exactly how you would like it. Enquire here if you are wanting to have your very own piece made or as a gift for someone special - custom comissions.

My Final Thoughts:

Looking back, it’s amazing to see how far this journey has come — from a single coin and a few basic tools to a full jewellery studio and a growing community of people who appreciate handmade craftsmanship. Every piece I make carries a little of that history, and I’m grateful to everyone who’s supported Silver Hollow Jewellery along the way.

Thank you for following this journey and for supporting handmade jewellery in the UK.


Back to blog