Jenny Deans Jewellery

02/06/2026

The Melting Story

It took weeks to make.

It was gone in 15 seconds.

A few months ago I made a decision I’d been sitting with for a while.

I had a piece in my collection that I loved. My Gold Graduated Curve Neckpiece. A showstopper, honestly. But it had never found its perfect client, and I’d been holding onto it, waiting.

Then I started thinking seriously about taking my work into solid gold. It had been on my mind for a long time, and I knew it was the direction I wanted to go. Gold prices right now are extraordinary, and buying new metal to experiment with felt like a big ask. But I already had this beautiful piece sitting there, waiting for a purpose.

So I made the decision. I drove up to Dunblane to visit my friend Jo at the Central Scotland School of Jewellery (), and we melted it down together.

Nothing was lost. Just transformed.

That gold is now becoming something completely new. My first ever gold collection, and I honestly can’t wait to share it with you.

If you’ve ever made something and had to let it go, I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

23/04/2026

Caption: The Meditative Process (Honest Version)

There's something deeply meditative about repetition in jewellery making.

Each tiny unit. Each careful placement. Each moment of focus.

This is granulation work—one of the oldest goldsmithing techniques, dating back thousands of years. It requires patience, precision, and a kind of quiet presence that I've come to love.

But here's the truth: it doesn't always work.

I'm currently trying to master 18ct gold granulation, and let's just say there have been more mishaps than I'd like to admit. Pieces that didn't quite come together. Moments where I had to step back, breathe, and start again.

But that's the nature of true craftsmanship. It's not about perfection on the first try. It's about the dedication to keep going until it's right.

When this collection finally comes together, each piece will carry all of those hours, all of that focus, and all of that determination. That's what makes it meaningful.

What draws you to handmade jewellery? Is it the story, the craftsmanship, or something else entirely?

13/04/2026

Join me at Coburg House Art Studios for a 10-week block of inspiring, hands-on jewellery making. This friendly and supportive class runs every Monday morning from 10am - 1pm.

You’ll have the opportunity to learn and practice a range of techniques, including saw-piercing, soldering, texturing, forming, and chain making.

Whether you are a complete beginner or a more experienced maker wanting to develop your skills or work on a specific project, this class is designed to meet you where you are.

Together, we’ll develop ideas for your own personal project, and I’ll show you any additional techniques you need to bring your vision to life.

With a maximum of just five students, you’ll benefit from plenty of one-to-one tuition, guidance, and practical tips. I bring almost 20 years of teaching experience and a genuine love for problem-solving to help you create a piece you’re truly proud of.

You can sign up on my website or drop me a message here to save the last space for yourself.

30/03/2026

Here are some questions I get asked regularly:

Do you take commissions? Yes! I love working with clients to create bespoke pieces or adapt existing designs. Whether it's adjusting size, length, metal type, or creating something entirely new, I work closely with you to ensure your jewellery feels exactly right.

What metals do you use? I work primarily with recycled sterling silver, Argentium silver, and gold (18ct and 22ct). I source metals from UK companies that refine recycled metals, avoiding newly mined metals due to ethical and environmental concerns.

How long does a commission take? It depends on the complexity of the piece and my current workload, but I'll always give you a realistic timeframe when we discuss your project.

Can you adjust the size or length of a piece? Absolutely. I want every piece to fit perfectly, so I offer personal consultations in person or by correspondence for adjustments. And if you need something tweaked later, just get in touch.

Do you offer repairs? If something happens to a piece I've made for you, I'm happy to help. My pieces are built to last, so repairs are rare, but I'm always here if you need me.

Where can I see your work in person? I usually have a small section of work in the Coburg House shop in Edinburgh, which is open every weekend. I also have a collection of work in the Craft Central shop in Dunblane. Otherwise, you can always find all of my work online on my website.

What other questions do you have? Drop them in the comments!

28/03/2026

Looking back through my work, I can see how each collection has evolved from the one before.

My main degree show piece from 2002, "220 Squares 8760 Circles," was made from tapering square jump rings in oxidised copper, hammered flat and threaded up into a scarf piece with small hole-punched pieces of cartridge paper in between each layer. Even then, I was exploring rhythmical repetition and sculptural form.

Since then, my work has moved through different materials and techniques, but the core ideas remain: repeated elements, fine details, and sculptural qualities that tie each collection together.

Revisiting earlier work reminds me of where I've been and helps me see where I'm going. Some techniques I've refined over decades. Others I'm still exploring and developing.

The through-line is always there: timeless elegance, sculptural design, and a love of intricate, tactile forms.

What draws you to pieces with history and evolution behind them?

28/03/2026

Let me take you through the process of making one of my filigree pieces.

It all starts with creating the filigree wire itself. I take two very thin sections of wire and twist them tightly together by hand to create a twisted wire, which then gets flattened and used to make filigree. Every wire is handcrafted by me.

For pieces that include granulation, I create each granule individually by heating small sections of wire until they become molten and form perfect spheres. It's an ancient technique that still feels like alchemy every time.

Once I have all my elements, the real composition begins. I arrange units in different ways, photographing compositions as I go. These photos become the foundation for developing the final design. One piece naturally flows into the next as I experiment with how the units sit together.

Then comes the meditative process of assembly. Depending on the design, I fuse or solder sections together. There's a lot of heating, shaping, and refining. Each step requires patience and precision.

Finally, every piece is finished, polished, and hallmarked at the Edinburgh Assay Office before it's ready to be worn.

The process is personal and intentional. Every piece is handcrafted by me alone, so each one carries a part of me.

What part of the making process fascinates you most?

21/03/2026

Time! (Or more accurately, lack of it.)

Time in the studio versus time at my computer versus time working for the University versus time teaching versus time with my family.

A challenge most of us have is that balance and how to keep all the plates spinning without anything dropping! Anyone know of any good cloning companies? 🤣

But here's what I've learned: I've embraced the rhythm of it all. My jewellery practice, my teaching, and my work with the University all feed into each other. Teaching keeps me connected to the joy of learning and experimenting. Organising courses reminds me of the bigger creative community. And the making, that's where everything comes together.

Recently, my work was featured in the current exhibition at Coburg House Gallery alongside other talented makers from who were highlighted in ArtMag. It's a reminder that even when time feels scarce, the work I do matters and connects with people.

The challenge is real, but so are the rewards.

What's your biggest challenge right now? And what's something you're celebrating?

19/03/2026

16/03/2026

My jewellery is for women who value individuality, authenticity and effortless elegance.

She knows what she loves and chooses quality over quantity. She's confident and calm, with a quiet playfulness beneath her composure.

She's drawn to intricate craftsmanship, texture, and the tactile beauty of something truly handmade. She loves supporting independent makers and values knowing the story behind each piece, feeling that it carries intention and care.

She loves being asked where she got her jewellery and sharing those stories. She has pieces she wears every day and showstopper pieces for when she wants to make an impression.

Each piece from Jenny Deans Jewellery is made with care and intention, a gentle reminder to bring calm and beauty into everyday life.

Does this sound like you?



Image thanks to