About me

Hi. I'm Dawn (that's me there, in my woman shed!), I'm an independent, one-woman jewellery designer and maker based in Hertfordshire and specialise in making one of a kind, bespoke and commissioned pieces of silver, gold and copper jewellery 

I live on a houseboat on April Island in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire and work in a shed perched next to the boat and river. It's an idyllic spot and we have trees, moorhens and owls all around us.

Everyone always asks what it's like to live on a boat. Believe it or not it's actually the warmest place I've ever lived, once the log burner is going (but then I always did tend to live in quite old drafty characterful houses before that). It's certainly an interesting, different sort of a life though. If you're intrigued to find out more, you'd be welcome to look me up on TikTok for some short video insights into my life and jewellery making activities. 

One of the biggest differences is that you feel the seasons more keenly and the elements having way more control over what you do (or don't do!) on a daily basis. Happily, I've discovered I like it that way: the bonuses of a life so close to nature, definitely outweigh any of the tribulations and I find myself constantly inspired by the beauty of boat life. 

I've been making and designing jewellery since a taster session in silver jewellery back in 2016. To start with, I made solid silver rings, bold and striking (a little Anglo Saxon?) in design.

I then discovered copper electroforming and set up Found by Dawn mid-pandemic, in January 2021, creating and selling copper necklaces and rings using found leaves, stones, shells and bits of broken glass. And yes, that's how I got the name for my handcrafted jewellery business!  

In September 2021, I started a Diploma in Silver Jewellery, graduating with a distinction the following summer.

Then, in Autumn 2022 I launched The Windblown Collection, which was inspired by the dripping rain and glinting sunshine at the end of Storm Eunice.

I've now regretfully - but not unhappily - returned to the world of paid work (apparently financial independence is a non-negotiable for me!) but the day job is only four days a week, giving me a glorious jewellery day (which I treasure!)  each Wednesday.

During my eight month career break, I found that I love working in precious metals like silver and gold. After a slight pivot in direction, I take on commissions for one of a kind, bespoke and unusual jewellery. So if you're thinking 'I want a bespoke piece of jewellery' or 'I've seen a ring I like, who can make it?' or 'I've got an idea for a necklace I'd like', I'm your woman!

Over the next 12 months, I'm also going to be exploring various jewellery making techniques like wax carving and silver clay, to make one-off, striking, individually crafted necklaces, rings and earrings - inspired by nature, the elements and boat life on the River Stort.