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BESPOKE JEWELLERY

" TALES OF THE SEA "

SHOP COLLECTION

BESPOKE COMMISSIONS

Create Your Own Piece

Every piece begins with your story. Whether you have a clear vision or just a feeling, James will guide you from first sketch to finished jewellery — handcrafted in solid gold or silver, set with stones chosen for you. No two commissions are the same. No two pieces ever will be.

book a FREE consultation EXPLORE THE STONE VAULT
Real Commissions, Real Stories

Bespoke Commissions
& Testimonials

Alan Carr Custom Lost at Sea Swallow Brooch

Alan Carr

You can see how people get addicted to bespoke jewellery.

Sarah Bespoke Celestial Sapphire Ring

Sarah

The most incredible experience from start to finish.

Sophie Darling Moon & Stars Black Spinel Necklace & Earrings

Sophie Darling

I get so many compliments — I can't be seen not wearing them.

Envis Davies 18ct White Gold Grey Diamond Engagement Ring & Band

Envis Davies

A subtle ring that demands attention. You can't miss it.

Charlotte Rose rose gold morganite sunset ring

Charlotte Rose

The perfect accessory for sunsets over Brighton Beach.

Mari Bespoke Rose Gold Morganite Sunset Ring

Mari

James created my wedding bouquet in diamond and gold

As Worn By

Celebrity & Press

Alan Carr
Alan Carr Custom Lost at Sea Swallow Brooch
Denise Van Outen
Denise Van Outen Lost at Sea Silver Swallow Necklace
Gemma Bolt
Gemma Bolt 18ct Gold Rubellite Pendant Necklace
Anouska Lancaster
Anouska Lancaster Swallow Star Drop Cocktail Earrings
The Bespoke Journey

Seven Weeks. One Story.
Yours Forever.

I
Week 1

Consultation

A 45-minute discovery session to explore your ideas, inspirations and the story behind your piece.

II
Week 2

Design

An architectural blueprint and illustration of your proposed piece, brought to life by hand.

III
Weeks 3 & 4

CAD

Your design is rendered in 3D software so you can view every angle before a single stone is set.

IV
Weeks 5 & 6

Construction

Your piece is cast, cleaned, soldered, stone-set and polished to perfection by master craftsmen.

V
Week 7

Delivery

Delivered with full documentation, provenance and insurance details. Your story, now worn forever.

Seven Weeks. One Story. Yours Forever.

Albert Self — Lost at Sea 1885
The Lost At Sea Collection

Family stories
don't disappear.
They wait to
be found again.

Recently, I uncovered an old suitcase belonging to my grandfather's side of the family. Inside were photographs, documents, and pieces of a story I'd never fully understood before.

One name kept appearing. Albert Self.

My great-great-grandfather. A Royal Navy caulker stationed in British Burma in 1885. His job was to seal wooden ships by hand, hammering tarred hemp deep into the timber to keep the sea out. Every strike of the mallet helped hold back the ocean itself.

And on Christmas Day, 1885, Albert Self was lost at sea. His body was never recovered.

For 141 years, his story remained buried within our family history. Until now.

Sailors once believed swallows were a symbol of safe return. And if they perished at sea, the swallows would carry their souls safely to heaven.

This collection is for Albert Self. Explore The Collection
The Illustrated Academy
Learn With James

The Illustrated aCADemy

Online courses in jewellery design and storytelling, crafted for dreamers and future jewellers.

Discover Courses →
Behind the Bench
Craftsmanship

Behind the Bench

A glimpse into the studio, the craft and the stories behind each piece.

Read the Journal →
Instagram @the_illustrated_jeweller
@theillustratedjeweller

Follow Our Story

Behind the scenes, new designs and studio life.

Follow on Instagram →
Design Diaries
Design Diaries

Design Diaries

Sketches, commissions and the making of each piece — told in James's own words.

Read the Diaries →
Begin Your Journey

Ready to Create
Something Uniquely Yours?

Book a private consultation and begin your bespoke journey.
Every piece starts with a conversation.

Book Your Consultation
Bespoke by Design Every piece handcrafted to your story
Ethically Sourced Stones Finest gems, responsibly selected
Handcrafted in Brighton By master artisans, with intention
Delivered in Luxury Complimentary gift packaging included
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Collaborations