Behind the Scenes
Charlotte Tabor | Jewellery Designer/Maker based in South East London
Jewellery Made for Living
With over a decade of craftsmanship behind her, Charlotte designs for the way we actually live. Her philosophy is simple: jewellery should be as resilient as it is beautiful.
Her inspiration is gathered on long walks through the idyllic woods of Lesnes and Bostall Hill Woods. From the vibrant carpet of spring daffodils and bluebells to the rhythmic drumming of woodpeckers, Charlotte is constantly observing the natural world. She 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 Charlotte specialises in organic, bark-like textures. Unlike high-polish pieces that demand constant care, her designs embrace the passage of time. As the silver naturally oxidises, it settles into the deep crevices of the texture, enhancing its character and making it uniquely yours. In Charlotte's world, a scratch from a busy day isn't a flaw—it’s a part of the story.
The Art of the Wax
Charlotte’s signature style begins with specialist blue wax. Interestingly, she reaches for woodworking tools rather than traditional jewellery files to hand-carve her designs. By playing with the temperature of the wax and the flame of a lighter, she softens edges and coaxes out the organic 'bark' effect that mimics the timber she finds on her 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, Charlotte finishes 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.
Special Commissions
Nature doesn't do "mass-produced," and neither do we. My specialized commissions celebrate the organic architecture of tree bark. By featuring this deep, evocative texture as the focal point of your custom design, I create a tactile connection between you and the earth. Whether it’s a rugged wedding band or a statement pendant, we bring the spirit of the woods to your personal collection. All my commissions start in wax. This is a bronze torque commissioned to wear with her Beech Wood Narrow bangles which she adores.
It is a profound honour when jewellery can serve as a bridge to a cherished memory. This recent commission was particularly meaningful: after the passing of her husband, a client reached out to have a bangle created.
She requested the same signature tree bark texture found on the wedding ring I had previously crafted for him—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 transitions.
Not just jewellery!
The 6 PM Ritual: Spirit Measures in Bark & Gold
Growing up, 6 PM was a sacred hour. My parents would head to the antique corner cupboard to open the bar, a small ritual that marked the end of the day. To celebrate those golden memories, I’ve designed a spirit measure that turns a simple pour into an experience.
Carved with my signature tree bark texture, these measures have a substantial, satisfying weight in the hand. With a 24ct gold-plated interior that glows against the silver, they are a beautiful luxury—the kind of piece you don’t necessarily "need," but will make every well-earned drink feel like a special occasion.
Sometimes a commission comes along that pulls me completely out of my comfort zone. This dining table centerpiece—a solid silver "log box"—was exactly that. The challenge wasn’t just the carving; it was figuring out how to create a wax cylinder large enough to begin with.
After months of failed trials with various tubes, I had a "eureka" moment: a drainpipe. I had to carefully melt the wax to avoid air bubbles, then continuously roll the pipe as the wax solidified to ensure an even shell. While carving the bark texture was a joy, the technical precision required to cut the box and fit a seamless lid led to several heartbreaking restarts.
It took a full year of perseverance and problem-solving, but the result was worth every hour. Cast in a staggering 3kg of hallmarked silver, it remains one of the most ambitious and rewarding pieces I have ever created.
