We often get unusual requests from our wonderful clients, and the challenge of thinking ‘outside the square’ is always met in the workshop with a bit of excitement. A long standing customer requested we source an aubergine Tahitian South Sea pearl strand as a special anniversary gift for his wife. An extraordinary strand also deserves a special type of clasp – and so we set to work designing a bespoke Tahitian Mother of Pearl rose gold clasp.
It all starts with a Sketch
The first step is to put pencil to paper and sketch a concept of what we are proposing to create. Several designs were presented, but this design was chosen.
A sketch showing the front view, side and reverse view of the clasp.A sketch of the script style monogram that will be hand engraved into the back of the clasp.
Cutting the Mother of Pearl Shell
The range of colours seen in the shell of the black-lipped pearl oyster, Pinctada Magaritefera is amazing – think of the kind of rainbow iridescence you see when looking at an oil slick on water.The mother of pearl is hand cut using diamond tools to slice and shape it into an oval. The completed mother of pearl, cut and polished.
Making the Gold Clasp
The gold bezel is constructed to the shape of the mother of pearl. A piece of rose gold plate has been prepared to create the gallery section. Soldering the support posts which will become the section that the clasp fits into.Fitting a spring into the housing for the parrot clasp.The mother of pearl is set into the gold frame and the parrot clasp has been hand assembled and ready for riveting.The completed clasp with the hand engraved monogram “LHT” in ornate script style letteringThe side engraving with the date June 2020
The Finished Piece
The Tahitian mother-of-pearl and 18ct rose gold clasp, on a sting of aubergine Tahitian south sea pearls
Should you wish to inquire into a custom made piece, please reach out via the form below and we will get in touch with you.
