Last year, Untouched World contacted our company, Benjamin Black Goldsmiths, to discuss the possibility of creating a unique jewellery range that would be made from recycled silver. It had to complement their lifestyle fashion collections and stay true to their brand values of simplicity, sophistication and sustainability.

Untouched World is the first and only lifestyle fashion company in the world to be recognised by the United Nations for sustainability.

As we already do a lot of remelting and remoulding of existing jewellery, we were excited by the idea. We worked with Untouched World to refine the final designs for a collection, which was officially launched to their customers in December 2016.

Recently we were commissioned to create a signet ring in sterling silver, set with an onyx gemstone, with a gold monogram overlaid on top of the onyx.

We worked with the customer to design a monogram. The gold contrasting with the black onyx made for a striking finish.

Contact us to talk about creating your bespoke signet ring.

Here's just one example of one of our many jewellery remakes. The customer provided us with these rings. We then worked with her to design a new ring that would utilise the gold and some of the stones.

After melting down the gold, the ring was forged.

Then the diamonds were set and after a final polish a new ring emerged.

If you have old, unworn jewellery at home, bring it into us. Together we can create something special.

They also have a sophisticated style that's a little bit 1920's gangster, a little bit victorian regal.

At Benjamin Black hand crafting custom made signet rings is something we love to do. We work alongside our customers to create unique signet rings that are significant, infused with personal meaning, and made to last for generations.

When it comes to engraving on signet rings, there are several options - having a monogram engraved is just one of the many.

What is a monogram?

A monogram is created by combining two or more letters to form one symbol. We have designed several monograms for customers' signet rings, utilising their initials.

If you're considering having a monogram engraved on your signet ring, you can begin with either choosing the style you would like, or we can provide you with some options. Once we have finalised the look and feel - the font you like best etc - we then set about designing the monogram. Again, either you can design it, or we can provide you with sketches.

Once the monogram has been refined and confirmed, it is then hand engraved onto the top part of the signet ring.

Here is an example of a signet ring we designed, hand made and hand engraved with a monogram, created using the customer's initials.

If you're considering having a signet ring made, talk to us about creating a bespoke design.

When working with pounamu (greenstone) in our jewellery, we work closely with a professional carver, who supplies us with exquisite made to order pieces.

Garth Wilson has family connections with pounamu that go back hundreds of years to the Maori tribes Ngati Mahaki and Ngati Waewae - the original traders of pounamu on the West Coast of the South Island.

Here are just a few pounamu pieces we have had the honour of hand crafting with precious metals.

Pounamu and white gold koru pendant.

Yellow gold and pounamu ring with koru design.

Pounamu drop earrings with yellow gold bands.

At Benjamin Black Goldsmiths we love hand crafting jewellery and accessories for men who appreciate quality craftsmanship, innovative design and attention to detail.

The term "signet" or "seal", from the Latin “sigillum” ("seal"), diminutive of signum ("sign"), dates back at least to the second half of the thirteenth century, when the signet ring was a substitute for a signature on official documents, in a time when few people could write.

But actually, men have been wearing signet rings for thousands of years - dating back to ancient Egypt, more than 4,000 years ago. Many signet rings were discovered in the tombs of pharaohs and some senior officials. These rings were used to signify the authority and to seal business transactions.

Egyptian signet ring of Tutankhamun, XIVth century BC. AD
Etruscan gold and carnelian signetring, Vth century BC. AD

Nowadays signet rings are generally rings that look great and embody significance - rather than having a physical purpose. At Benjamin Black Goldsmiths, we custom make signet rings engraved with customers' coat of arms, initials, or simply as a uniquely designed fashion statement. However, every time, the care and detail that goes into each signet ring means it will be cherished as a legacy piece that will last for generations.

Custom made gold signet ring with fouled anchor, crafted for a retired Navy serviceman.

Custom signet ring hand crafted for New York fashion blogger, Mr Essentialist.

Custom made gold signet ring.

Custom sterling silver and chrome diopside signet ring.

Sterling silver signet rings available now at Benjamin Black Goldsmiths from $190.

If you're considering having a signet ring custom made, get in touch with us, we would love to hear from you.

This fabulous ring is one of our more popular designs. We have made it in various precious metals and gemstones for different customers. We love movement of the metal, with a curving band gently ascending to embrace the middle bezel setting. Like all of our designs, every piece is lovingly hand crafted in our NZ-based workshop, made with purpose and made to last for generations.

We crafted this parrticular ring using the customer's metal and diamonds. From old to new, a complete transformation into a piece she will wear and cherish for years to come. If you have old, unworn jewellery you would like to have remade into something special, get in touch with us.

Do you have old, unworn gold jewellery you would like to be reformed into a new wearable design? Contact us to talk about creating your bespoke piece.

Why choose a custom engagement ring instead of an 'off the shelf' ring?

Here are 5 reasons to create a custom made ring:

Uniqueness - Working with a jeweller to create a bespoke, custom made ring means your design is one-of-a-kind. Even if you choose an existing 'design', your piece will be made purposefully for you and you only. There's something special about knowing your piece has been made with you in mind from start to finish.

Value for money - Many people are unaware that a custom made piece doesn't necessarily mean a higher cost. If you work with a manufacturing jeweller, you are involved in the process from start to finish, and you are able to work with the artist to have a piece made that fits within your budget.

Experience - There is something special about working with a professional jeweller to make a piece of jewellery. The process is intimate. At Benjamin Black Goldsmiths, we enjoy forming lasting relationships with our clients - and just like the enduring love your ring symbolises, it's wonderful to cherish the experience as a lasting memory for years to come.

Satisfaction - When you commission a ring, you can rest assured you will receive exactly what you wanted. Whether you have a design in mind, or you work with a jeweller or jewellery designer to create something different, you are involved at every step of the way. The end result is a ring you have helped to create - and is exactly the ring you envisioned.

Guarantee - Forming a relationship with your jeweller means you have a place to go back to for years to come. At Benjamin Black Goldsmiths, we provide a complimentary checking and cleaning service for our customers. They know they can come back to us if they ever have any concerns, or for a professional clean to keep their ring looking at its best.

Are you considering having a custom ring made? Contact us to talk about how we can create a bespoke piece for you. 

When Carl and Ashleigh approached us to craft their bespoke engagement ring, we knew it would be a special piece. They a wanted a ring that was both contemporary and reflected their love of the ocean.

Here's what Ashleigh had to say about her beautiful ring...

"MY ENGAGEMENT RING IS INCREDIBLE and I was totally blown away with it when Carl proposed on the Old Ghost Road for our six year anniversary (topped off with an amazing bottle of No.1 to celebrate from Benjamin Black Goldsmiths).

Thank you for taking Carl's ideas, going out of your way to make time to meet with him (despite us living away from Nelson), your quick correspondence and attention to detail in this incredible handcrafted engagement ring design. This ring so perfectly represents our passion for the marine environment and your talent is simply breathtaking Benjamin (I have had so many compliments on this gorgeous design and craftsmanship).

It has been such a pleasure and privilege working with your company and seeing all the other outstanding jewellery you design and create. We can't wait to continue this journey with you and have our wedding bands designed and made with you (among other things)!"