One of the most rewarding parts of what we do at Nude Jewellery is bringing a client's vision to life from scratch. This is the story of a bespoke geometric fox pendant — designed, carved, cast, and finished in our London studio within a fortnight.
The Brief
Our client came to us with a beautifully detailed reference image of a geometric fox head. The front view was impeccably drawn, though the side profile required some careful interpretation on our part to ensure all angles worked in harmony. Once we had a clear picture of the finished piece, we turned our attention to how best to make it.
Why Wax?
After considering the manufacturing options, we chose to carve the piece in wax rather than work directly in metal. Wax is considerably more forgiving during the carving process — it allows for gradual, precise removal of material — and it helps keep the commission at a more accessible price point for the client.
Beginning with a fresh block of wax is not unlike facing a blank canvas. The first step is mapping out the perspective lines and identifying exactly where material needs to be removed.
Carving the Form
We started by marking out the essential lines that would guide the sculpting of the fox's head. Geometric designs demand exceptional precision — maintaining perfect symmetry across both sides requires removing tiny amounts of wax at a time, building up the three-dimensional form gradually and patiently.
Once the basic form was established, we shifted focus to refining and sharpening every edge. With geometric work, even the slightest curve in what should be a straight line becomes immediately apparent once cast in metal. The wax must be absolutely perfect before it goes anywhere near the casting flask — dust particles, scratches, and small holes all become harder to address once the piece is in silver.
Casting & Finishing
After the wax carving was complete, the fox head was cast in silver. Following a thorough clean and polish, we took the piece to our specialist platers, who applied a layer of 18ct rose gold vermeil — a warm, luxurious finish that beautifully enhances the angular geometry of the design.
To complete the pendant, we selected a diamond-cut geometric chain that echoes the angular character of the fox head. The pairing felt immediately right.
The Result
The finished pendant combines contemporary geometric styling with traditional hand-craftsmanship. The rose gold vermeil adds warmth and depth to the fox's sharp facets, while the diamond-cut chain provides the perfect finishing touch.
“Needless to say Chloë ABSOLUTELY LOVED the bespoke fox pendant!! And it’s easy to see why. It’s fantastic. Thank you so much for all your hard work with it.” — John
We were absolutely delighted with how this piece came together — and it has us excited about the possibilities of geometric animal head designs in the future.
If you have an idea for a bespoke commission — however detailed or however rough — we would love to hear from you. Find out more about our bespoke process or get in touch with our London studio to start the conversation.