ABOUT - Dorset Hill Jewellery

Hi there! I’m Sammy, a Metalsmith and Jewellery Designer.

Here you will find out all about Dorset Hill Jewellery and how this all started. I’m based in the beautiful County of Dorset, near the picturesque Isle of Purbeck and the stunning Jurassic coast, from which I draw endless inspiration.

I am a busy mum of 4, previously a Care Assistant and Psychiatric Nurse. I have always loved Art! Whether drawing and painting, ceramics or crochet, I came to Silversmithing down a long road of creativity. I found therapy in beading and bead embroidery, using tiny glass beads 1mm across. I enjoyed a Silverclay jewellery workshop, a lovely birthday gift, and I started chatting about Silversmithing. The talk was all about tools! This sounded expensive but alluring, and I was captivated by the thought of working with solid silver. I went to research and quickly became hooked by mysterious terms such as ‘quench and pickle’ and there began a journey of self-teaching, this was back in 2009. Skip a LOT of reading and experimentation amid 4 small children, and it’s 2015 – I opened my Etsy shop and Dorset Hill Jewellery was born!

Driven by the desire to create meaningful one-of-a-kind jewellery, I aim to make each piece unique and special, truly designed for the individual.

Eco- Friendly and Sustainable

I have a passion for working with Silver. Each piece I craft is thoughtfully designed and carefully handcrafted, using traditional techniques and hand tools, many of which are unchanged since ancient times. I find immense joy in the creation process.

The responsible sourcing of materials is incredibly important to me. I strive to lessen the impact my work has on the environment. I use 100% recycled silver which is identical to freshly mined Silver but has been reclaimed and refined. All gemstones are carefully and individually chosen from a few trusted ethical suppliers. I also buy repurposed stones which have been removed from jewellery bound for scrap.

Additionally, my packaging is 100% recycled, biodegradable and plastic-free. I always add a hand-drawn name tag to complete the parcel.

I love designing and creating interactive courses and workshops. Since 2021 I have been a Visiting Tutor at AUB Academy, (Short Courses at the Arts University Bournemouth). Originally teaching ‘Mixed metals and Stone Setting’ an intermediate course, from 2024 I’m teaching ‘Silversmithing Stage 1’ also working with 10-12 year old children at Saturday Art School. Teaching at AUB has opened the doors to more opportunities and classes. I absolutely love it!

Where can you find me currently?

I teach Silversmithing classes at Jenny Greenhow Jewellery’s lovely studio at Herringston Barn, near Dorchester.
Saturday workshops are a great way to try your hand at making silver jewellery, there are a variety to choose from at Jenny’s, taught by myself and other local artists. These include a taster morning creating an affirmation ‘word ring’, and full day workshops creating bangles, spinner rings, keum boo, wax carving, casting, acid etching, stacking rings, stone set rings.. all good fun!
I teach Saturday Art School (10-12 year olds) at AUB entitled ‘Jewellery Making Workshop’ I love working with the children and seeing what amazing pieces they create.
I am teaching Silversmithing Jewellery (Stage 1) at AUB, this is suitable for total beginners, its a 10 week course held on a Wednesday evening.
Dorset Hill Jewellery is also for sale at Ballard and Bay Gallery, Swanage. It feels great to have my work on display in this gorgeous gallery.

commission a special piece of jewellery!

I’d love to make something unique just for you! Feel free to get in contact and we can discuss possibilities! You don’t need to have a concrete plan to begin with, we can start the ball rolling with just a few ideas. For instance, a special gift could incorporate a certain favourite place, the landscape feature of a holiday, a meaningful lyric, birth stones of course, a stamped message, quote or date. I can give you an idea of cost with no obligation to buy. See a few past commissions below…