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Absolutely beautiful. I'm in love with my new engagement ring!
Founder
Franni Ball
Franni has a passion for creating perfect pieces which can be treasured for a lifetime. She has been manufacturing jewellery since 1999 and still enjoys creating special pieces when she's not running CCJ!
Founder
Sam Morris
Sam is an award-winning Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain and has heads up the design at Century Cottage Jewellery. He met Franni in 2004 and together they founded and grew the business, serving thousands of happy customers.
Our Team
Hazel Garnham
Designer
Harriet Carr
Jeweller
Rebecca Ridley
Jeweller
Our Story
Gallery
How we make the perfect ring
For You
At our quaint, independent jewellery studio nestled in the heart of the UK, we specialise in crafting bespoke rings that capture your unique story. The journey to your perfect ring begins with a personal consultation, where we delve into your vision, preferences, and the significance behind your piece. We discuss everything from preferred metals to ethereal gemstones, ensuring every detail resonates with your personal narrative.
Following our initial meeting, we embark on a collaborative design process. Sketches and 3D models bring your ideas to life, allowing for adjustments and refinements. This iterative process ensures the design is a true reflection of your desires.
Craftsmanship lies at the heart of our work. With meticulous attention to detail, we handcraft your ring using traditional techniques blended with modern precision. Each gem is carefully selected and set, ensuring the final piece is not only beautiful but also enduring.
Our Commitment to a Greener Future
We're deeply committed to ethical practices and sustainability. We exclusively use conflict-free gemstones and materials, ensuring that our beautiful pieces are not tainted by human suffering or environmental harm. Our lab-grown diamonds are a testament to innovation, offering the same stunning beauty without the ecological footprint of mined stones. We take pride in reducing waste and promoting recycling in our crafting process, actively contributing to a healthier planet. By choosing us, you're not just acquiring exquisite jewellery; you're also supporting a business that cares deeply about the environment and the wellbeing of people globally.
The Process
The Inspiration
Drawing inspiration from East Sussex's serene landscapes and your unique stories, we craft bespoke jewellery that captures the essence of both nature and individuality.
The Making
Using traditional techniques and local materials, we transform these inspirations into stunning, handcrafted jewellery, each piece a wearable work of art that tells a story.
The Outcome
The outcome is a captivating piece, where the rolling hills and your personal narrative intertwine in silver and gemstones, creating a timeless treasure of wearable art.
So, Franni...
What was the first piece of jewellery you made and would you wear it now?
Oh, let me tell you about the first piece of jewellery I ever made. It was a rather simple copper ring, embellished with a tiny piece of sea glass I'd found on a walk along the East Sussex coast. It was quite the amateur effort, if I'm being honest, with its wonky setting and all. Would I wear it now? Well, for sentiment's sake, perhaps around the workshop, but it's more of a keepsake, really, reminding me of where I started.
What’s your favourite material to work with?
As for my favourite material, I have a particular fondness for silver. There's something about its versatility and the way it captures the rustic charm of our countryside here in East Sussex that just speaks to me. It's malleable yet durable, perfect for crafting both intricate details and bold statement pieces.
What part of making jewellery is your favourite?
The part of making jewellery that I cherish the most is definitely the design process. Sketching out ideas, often inspired by the natural beauty that surrounds us here — the rolling hills, the blooming gardens, and the rugged coastline. There's a certain magic in translating the beauty of the landscape and the tales of our local lore into a tangible piece of jewellery.
What piece of jewellery that you’ve made are you most proud of?
The piece I'm most proud of, you ask? Well, that would be a necklace I crafted, inspired by the ancient yew trees of our local churchyard. It featured a series of silver leaves and berries, each one painstakingly detailed, with a centrepiece that captured the gnarled texture of the yew bark. It was a true labour of love and a homage to the enduring spirit of our landscape.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Inspiration, for me, comes from the stories and natural beauty of East Sussex. The history, the folklore, and the changing seasons offer an endless well of creativity. I also find inspiration in the materials themselves; sometimes, a piece of metal or a unique gemstone can spark an entire design.
What aspect of jewellery making was the hardest to master?
Now, the hardest skill to master was, without a doubt, stone setting. Achieving the precision and delicacy needed to securely and beautifully set stones took quite a bit of practice and patience. It's a skill that really tests your mettle, but mastering it opens up a world of possibilities in jewellery design.
