Discover our process

The Metal Press

Made by hand, from nature

My pieces begin with the shapes and textures of the natural world. In my workshop, casting, cleaning, barrel polishing, electroplating and assembly each have their part to play. At every stage, I work to preserve the character of the original form.

I make both cast pieces with a plated finish and sterling silver editions. They take different journeys through the workshop, and you can find the material and finish of each piece on its product page.

Taking an impression

I begin by placing a shell, plant or prepared pattern between layers of organic rubber. Heat and pressure in a vulcanising press create a mould that holds its surface detail. For this process, I use round, twelve-inch moulds.

Casting the form

I pour molten metal into the mould while it turns in a centrifugal casting machine. Once the metal has cooled, I remove the castings and cut away the sprues—the channels that carried the metal. I then clean and polish each piece, ready for its finish.

Colour, surface and finishing

My silver-plated pewter pieces follow a different route from solid sterling silver. The plating process uses copper and nickel underlayers before the silver finish. I use patination to bring out texture, and other finishes give selected pieces their distinctive colour.

If you have a metal sensitivity, please ask me about the particular piece and its fittings before ordering. Silver-plated jewellery must not be assumed to be nickel-free.

Sterling Silver Editions

A different journey in silver

People often asked me whether their favourite Metal Press designs could be made in sterling silver. Exploring that question led to my first silver pieces—and a process with many careful stages.

01 / From the original to wax

I use a mould taken from the original pattern to make a wax copy. The wax injector needs to produce a complete pattern without bubbles. I carefully clean each wax before attaching the patterns to a central wax stem to make a casting tree.

02 / Lost-wax casting

I enclose the wax tree in investment plaster. Heating removes the wax, leaving a cavity that reproduces the forms. Molten sterling silver is cast into the hot mould and allowed to harden. I then wash away the investment to reveal the silver tree.

03 / Bringing out the shine

The first castings are dark and unfinished. I cut each piece from the tree, then file, sand and fettle it. I drill any necessary holes before barrel polishing brings out the silver's brightness.

04 / The final details

I silver-solder the sterling silver jump rings closed. Where a pearl forms part of a design, I solder its sterling silver pin in place before final assembly. Chains and fittings complete the piece.

For my first sterling silver pieces, I used chains from Cookson and tested my miniature mussel designs myself over several months. The time I spend casting and finishing, as well as the silver itself, is reflected in the finished work.

My first silver experiments included mussels and cockles. If there is a favourite form you would like in sterling silver, ask me what may be possible.

Found, shared, made

Your discoveries

Some of my designs begin with an object someone has found and shared with me. An interesting shell or natural form can become the start of a new piece. Please get in touch before posting a discovery so we can discuss its suitability and safe return.