Behind the Scenes

Charlotte Tabor | Jewellery Designer/Artisan based in South East London

Jewellery Made for Living

With over a decade of craftsmanship behind me I design for the way we live. My philosophy is simple: jewellery should be as resilient as it is beautiful.

After gaining inspiration from the Garden of England in Kent, I now get my  inspiration from long walks through the idyllic woods of Lesnes and Bostall Hill Woods as my husband and I have moved back to enjoy the culture of London.

From the vibrant carpet of spring daffodils and bluebells to the rhythmic drumming of woodpeckers, I constantly observe the beauty of the  natural world.  It's my happy place.  My eye is particularly drawn to the intricate patterns found in dead and decaying trees—the rugged, honest details that tell a story of a life lived outdoors.

This is why I specialises in organic, bark-like textures. Unlike high-polish pieces that demand constant care, my designs embrace the passage of time and oftne running my fingers across the rugged texture transports me back to my happy place. As the silver naturally oxidises, it settles into the deep crevices of the texture, enhancing its character and making it uniquely yours. In my often chaoitic world, a scratch from a busy day isn't a flaw—it’s a part of the story.

The Art of the Wax

My signature style begins with specialist jewllers wax. The  blue one is my favourite as it works best with the texture I create.  Interestingly, I use woodworking tools rather than traditional jewellery files to hand-carve my designs. By playing with the temperature of the wax and the flame of a lighter, I softens the edges and coaxes out the organic 'bark' effect that mimics the timber found on woodland walks.

Once perfected, the waxes travel to experts in the ancient 'lost wax' casting process. Molten metal replaces the carved wax, capturing every microscopic detail of the grain. Back at the bench, I finish each piece—sanding, setting stones, and hand-polishing—transforming raw casting into a weighted, soulful treasure that is ready to be worn, loved, and lived in.

Nature doesn’t do "mass-produced," and neither do I. My custom commissions celebrate the organic architecture of tree bark, turning deep, evocative textures into wearable sculpture. Whether crafting a rugged wedding band or a bold statement piece, my goal is to create a tactile connection between you and the natural world.

This particular bronze torque was commissioned by a lovely client who wanted a striking statement piece to complement her existing collection of my bangles. As with all my work, it began as a simple block of wax, slowly taking on a life of its own through the carving process.

There is an undeniable magic when the blue wax model returns from the casters. It’s always an exciting moment; in wax, the piece is virtually weightless, but once transformed into metal, it takes on an entirely new character—grounded by a beautiful, satisfying weight.

It is a profound honour when jewellery can serve as a bridge to a cherished memory. This commission was particularly meaningful: after the passing of her husband, a client reached out to have a bangle created. To bring her comfort at a very sad time she requested a bangle with the same signature tree bark texture I had crafted on a wedding ring I had previously made for her husband—a piece he truly loved after losing his original band. I am deeply moved when my work can offer even a small sense of comfort and connection during life’s most difficult and challenging times. 

If you'd like something with my special texture then please get in touch.