Making a Relic
It all starts with a story. The myths I write undergo several iterations, with characters, plots and messages changing and morphing over time until I hit upon the version that feels 'just right'. The hardest part is trimming the story down so that it fits on a card - there are notebooks full of longer versions floating around my house!
Then I sketch out many different ideas of what the piece could look like, based on the tone and message of the myth. I usually have a good idea of the design in my head, but I always try to come up with 3 or 4 additional ideas and it almost always leads to me discovering something I like even more.
Once I'm happy with the sketches, it's time to make prototypes. I use lots of different techniques (some more sophisticated than others!) to properly visualise how a piece will look, feel and hang. I love using polymer clay for quick models, wax carving, forging, sandcasting, and even 3d printing digital sculpts using a variety of software.
After lots of experimenting, the final prototype is then sent to the foundry. They're experts in the ancient and dangerous art of casting - creating moulds from an original piece to capture all the details, and pouring the molten metal to replicate it exactly. It's a metalworking technique humans have been using over 4000 years (and possibly even longer).
The finished castings come out looking a bit dull, so they undergo a thorough cleaning and polishing to bring out the natural lustre of the silver. Then it's time to set any stones, using various different setting techniques to secure them in place. My personal favourite style is flush setting, where the stone lays flat against the metal. I love how organic and clean it looks, and it's a very satisfying process. Bezel settings are also one of my preferred styles, as they are incredibly secure and less vulnerable to knocks and scrapes than claw settings.
The chain is added, and the amulet is complete! Each piece is then hand delivered to Dublin Castle where the metal is analysed and hallmarked with our unique symbol by the Irish Assay Office. One of each design is selected to feature in a photoshoot (they're the ones you see here and on our social media) and then they are ready for their new home.
When you select your amulet, it is laid in one of our custom, handmade cipher boxes and wrapped in wine coloured tissue paper. Your fable is sealed in a custom envelope and care instructions are added to complete the package. You will receive a tracking number so you know exactly where it is and it will be delivered to your chosen address by our delivery partner.
