Alex commissioned this special pendant for his wife Morna’s anniversary gift. We had previously made their wedding rings, along with a few other pieces in the intervening years.This design of the 3 Pictish Kelpies are inspired by a pair of … Continue reading
We were commissioned by Isabel to design and create these unique pendants as wedding presents for Morag and Robyn whose pair of Pictish wedding rings we recently made.
The pendant design complements the rings and is engraved into Titanium, then set with beautiful Tayside Amethyst which was cut and polished for us by Scottish Gemstones. We developed the hues of the titanium to harmonise with the colours of the Amethyst.
Alex commissioned us to design and create a special pendant for his wife, Morna’s birthday.
We engraved six Pictish Boars into Titanium and heated it until the metal took on a blue/purple hue to complement the Tayside Amethyst stone set into the centre, while the back of the pendant was diamond-engraved with a personal message.
“…absolutely stunning! Couldn’t have asked for any better or more. Really beautiful, she’ll love it… Love the way it shimmers differently in different light…, Alex” Continue reading
We were commissioned by her husband Josh to create this pair of custom Damascus earrings as a special gift to his wife Lyzz for their 10th wedding anniversary (hence the ‘X’ engraving). The Damascus steel matches the design of a … Continue reading
We were commissioned to craft this very unusual ring for Skyler who asked that we use aerospace grade titanium but with the special request to give it an old wrought iron look and feel, with a Celtic knotwork design. This is the first time that we have made a ring quite like this and after a process of research and development to get this finish we are very happy with how it turned out. Using titanium meant that this ring is far lighter and more durable than if we had used wrought iron.
Skyler kindly emailed us when her ring arrived;
“It has a perfect fit and is astoundingly beautiful. Aside from the special sentiments it personally holds, I receive multiple compliments daily. Thank you so much for such a gorgeous piece of art.” Continue reading
This pair of guitar plectrums (picks) were a special commission, one made in Sterling Silver and the other in aerospace grade titanium. They are engraved with a Lion Rampant on one side and initials on the back and are fitted with quick release catches so they can be worn as pendants or used when needed. Continue reading
“The SIGGRAPH 2015 Hybrid Craft exhibition showcases craft techniques and values in contemporary digital design: Fifteen works from skilled makers who use computational design tools in their craft, integrating advanced technologies with traditional making processes.
Hybrid Craft highlights human skills and master craftspersons who use technology as part of their creative palate, integrating computationally enabled designs and objects with traditional crafts, such as tools, instruments and machine making, jewelry, containers and model making, artwork, and graphic and pattern design. The show emphasizes the importance of craft heritage in contemporary digital design, where beautiful and meaningful artifacts are produced by a machine and craftsperson working together, not by a machine or craftsperson alone.”
SIGGRAPH 2015 Art Gallery: Hybrid Craft
The Sgian Dubh is a commemorative special inspired by our visit to Sweden to examine Scottish/Nordic historical connections.
The handle is carved from Glen Urquhart Oak with a design we called ‘Corriemonie’ after a Viking linked site in Glen Urquhart and we cut the blade from a billet of Swedish Stainless Damasteel. Sterling Silver pins are fitted around the handle and the ferrule bands were hallmarked at the Edinburgh Assay Office with our maker’s mark LNS (Loch Ness Silver). The Pommel stone is polished Swedish Porfyr and the lower ferrule is engraved with design from a rune stone we saw in the Swedish National Museum, Stockholm.
The ‘Sgian Brew’ is carved from an Isle of Jura whisky cask stave with a traditional Celtic design and fitted with brass pins and top stud and the lower ferrule is engraved with another Celtic knot design. The ‘blade’ is a Damascus steel bottle-opener. Continue reading
We made this guitar pick in titanium as a special request for a birthday gift with a Celtic knot on the front and the recipient’s initials on the back. It was attached to a waxed cord via a quick release catch so it could be worn or played as required. Continue reading
We made this bespoke pendant for Karen with a Celtic knotwork border design to match her ring that we had previously made for her. The pendant is 2” in diameter and is made in Sterling Silver.
Karen very kindly emailed the following testimonial;
“I have had the pleasure of working with Rab and Tanya on both my ring (both creating it and repairing it a year later after it was injured in a fall) and my pendant. They are an absolute joy to work with and the process is seamless. The result is unique pieces of art that I will treasure for the rest of my life and hand down to my children.”
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Here’s something a little different ! I made this Thor’s Hammer as a Christmas present for an old friend born in Sweden. It’s made from an offcut from the Swedish Damascus (Damasteel) which we import for our Sgian Dubh blades. Continue reading
This special set of 3 guitar picks were made for 3 friends, each one featuring a unique and significant symbol. Ryan who commissioned and helped design them explains the story behind them;
“With school ending and University just around the corner I wanted something that my friends and myself would have to take with us as a sentimental reminder of each other. Being amazing guitarists’ my friends have encouraged me to pick up a guitar as well and I love it. So needing a unique and practical gift I thought ‘custom guitar plectrums’. Rab and myself put together the custom designs and the out come was spectacular. On giving the gifts to my friends you could tell they were pleased before they spoke. Huge thanks to Rab for producing such a quality product and working so closely with myself to create such unique gifts. I would recommend to everyone!” Continue reading
Here’s a recent custom made guitar pick we made for Lianne who kindly allowed us to post this picture and her comments.
“Received the plectrum 10 mins ago, I am absolutely over the moon with it. It is totally amazing!! I can’t express how impressed I am!! I will recommend you to everyone and use you always for all jewellery needs. Have a wonderful Christmas and thank you!!
Best wishes, Lianne x” Continue reading
We’re just back from Sweden where we were visiting the Damasteel foundry in Söderfors. Having used Damasteel on special Sgian Dubh orders for many years I’d have to say that they make some of the best Damascus commercially available through their own highly specialised process. We discussed the history of the trade and use of Swedish steel in Scotland which goes way back, as do the many links between our two countries. I hope to mark this with a special commemorative piece, perhaps using a custom Damascus pattern, an example of which is shown in the photo below.
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We had a great time at the Loch Ness Whisky Festival. The whisky tasting boat trip we went on raised funds for the RNLI and the raffle raised funds for the Glen Urquhart First Responders. We donated a Sgian Brew made from an Isle of Jura Whisky barrel for the raffle prize. Hope you enjoy the photos. Continue reading
We had a great time at last year’s festival, here’s some photos of the RNLI Whisky Cruise – even the ducks joined in. Continue reading
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