Business Details
21 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Bespoke Jewellery Design
Rachel Jeffrey Contemporary Jewellery has been crafting exceptional pieces for over 26 years, with our workshop and shop based at The Mill in Wheathampstead since 2005. Our founder, Rachel Jeffrey, brings 30 years of goldsmithing expertise to every creation, combining technical mastery with artistic vision inspired by natural forms. We specialise in bespoke commissions, including royal family pieces like the Queen Mother's Pearl of the Dee brooch, and offer hands-on jewellery-making experiences through our acclaimed school. Our commitment to quality craftsmanship ensures each piece is made on-site using platinum, gold, silver, and ethically sourced gemstones.With appearances on Channel 4's Kirstie's Homemade Home and Channel 5's Secrets of the Royal Jewels, we maintain a reputation for excellence in both design and education. Our workshop provides full transparency through the creation process, allowing clients to witness their unique pieces being made. This combination of heritage skills, modern design, and educational outreach establishes us as a trusted authority in contemporary jewellery creation.
Services
Bespoke Jewellery Design
Jewellery School
Royal Commission Pieces
Wedding Ring Creation
Jewellery Remodeling
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- 30 years of goldsmithing expertise with royal family commissions
- Onsite workshop for complete transparency in creation process
- Personalised design service with direct client involvement
- Accredited jewellery school offering professional training
- Ethically sourced materials with full provenance transparency
Services
Bespoke Jewellery Design
Our bespoke design service creates unique, handcrafted pieces tailored to individual stories and occasions. Clients collaborate directly with Rachel throughout the process, from initial concept to final creation. Using platinum, gold, silver, and ethically sourced gemstones, we transform personal narratives into wearable art. This service includes remodelling heirloom jewellery and creating commissioned pieces for special events.
Jewellery School
The Rachel Jeffrey Jewellery School offers comprehensive training from beginner to advanced levels. Courses include one-day workshops, 10-week terms, and masterclasses in techniques like enamelling and stone setting. All tutors have over 50 combined years of professional experience. Students learn traditional silversmithing skills in our well-equipped workshop at The Mill, with options for corporate events and children's classes.
Royal Commission Pieces
Rachel has created prestigious pieces for the Royal Family, including the Queen Mother's Pearl of the Dee brooch. This service involves designing significant commemorative pieces that incorporate historical elements and royal symbolism. Each commission combines meticulous craftsmanship with meaningful design, as demonstrated by the limited edition brooches created for the Queen Mother's centenary celebrations.
Wedding Ring Creation
We offer a complete wedding jewellery service including custom-designed rings and hands-on creation experiences. Couples can design their own rings under Rachel's guidance, with options for traditional or contemporary styles. The service includes stone selection, design consultation, and the option to incorporate family heirlooms into new creations for a deeply personal touch.
Jewellery Remodeling
This service transforms inherited or unused jewellery into modern wearable pieces. We repurpose metals and gemstones to create new designs that maintain sentimental value while updating style. The process includes design consultation to ensure the new piece reflects the client's personality, with full transparency about material usage and craftsmanship techniques.
People
Rachel Jeffrey
Goldsmith & Silversmith
With 30 years of experience, Rachel combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Her work, inspired by natural forms, has earned royal commissions and television appearances. She established the jewellery school to share her expertise.
Questions
Can I create a completely custom jewellery piece?
Yes, our bespoke service allows full customisation from design concept to material selection, with direct involvement throughout the creation process.
Do you offer jewellery-making classes for beginners?
Yes, our school provides courses for all skill levels, including one-day workshops and term-length programs in traditional silversmithing techniques.
How long does a commission take to complete?
Bespoke commissions typically take six to eight weeks, with initial design consultations and progress updates included in the process.
Can you work with inherited jewellery?
Yes, we specialise in remodelling heirloom pieces, incorporating existing metals and stones into new, wearable designs that maintain sentimental value.
Are your gemstones ethically sourced?
We prioritise ethically sourced materials and provide full transparency about stone provenance and craftsmanship practices.
Have you worked on notable commissions?
Rachel created the Pearl of the Dee brooch for the Queen Mother and has appeared on Channel 4 and Channel 5 television programmes.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Christine Andrews
Nov 15, 2021
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Beautiful range of gold and silver jewellery- some unusual designs too. Always a pleasure to shop there.
Judie Caunce
Aug 14, 2021
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Beautiful pieces - expertly crafted. I love wearing my blushing heart pendant beautifully simple yet elegant at the same time. A unique skill.
Alison Sharkey
Sep 21, 2019
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Amazing service. Rachel and team set my daughters sapphire in a beautiful silver setting. Attention to detail was faultless, and loved that it was made sturdy enough to wear it constantly.
Penny Richardson
Dec 27, 2018
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I had a wonderful day creating a beautiful silver ring with the help of Rachel and Clive. I will be returning to make a silver bangle in 2019. A lovely relaxed atmosphere in the workshop amongst like minded people.
Robert Simmons
Nov 24, 2017
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I have had a number of bespoke items made for my girlfriend, and every time the experience and end product has been faultless. Rachel and the team are so friendly, and make what can be a daunting task for a man, very simple! Much to my girlfriends delight, Ill be back! Couldnt recommend highly enough and a browse in the shop is well worth it if passing through/by the village!
Carli Adams
Jul 10, 2017
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I have recently purchased some jewellery from Rachel's shop for my mum's birthday. It was gorgeous and she could not have been more helpful. Thank you
