The 18ct Gold Rubellite Pendant I Gemma Bolt commission

Every commission is a conversation. But occasionally one comes along where the entire process centres on a single question — which stone is exactly right for this person?

With Gemma Bolt, that question drove everything. And the answer, when we found it, was immediately obvious to both of us.

The Brief

Gemma wanted a solid gold pendant. Something with genuine presence and warmth — a piece that felt chosen for her rather than simply made. From the very first conversation it was clear that the stone was going to be everything. The gold would serve the stone. The design would serve the stone. Every decision would be made in service of finding the right one.

So that's where we started.

Finding the Stone

We looked at a lot of options. Different stones, different colours, different characters — working through what felt right against Gemma's personality, her style, the way she carries herself.

The rubellite was the answer.

A variety of tourmaline in deep, saturated pink-red, the rubellite has a warmth and richness that very few other stones can match. It isn't the showy brilliance of a ruby — it's something deeper, more considered. A stone with genuine personality rather than just surface impact.

We looked at several rubellites before finding the right one. The colour needed to be exactly right — not too red, not too pink, but that particular depth of tone that would truly sing in solid gold. When we found it, we both knew immediately. There was no deliberation. That was the stone.

The Design

With the stone selected, the design built itself around it. A solid gold hanging pendant, the rubellite set as the undisputed centrepiece — every design decision made in service of letting that stone be exactly what it is.

I sketched the setting, developed it in CAD, produced a 3D print to check how the pendant would hang and move before committing to gold.

At the Bench

Cast in solid 18ct gold, the pendant went through the full process of hand finishing at the bench. Filing, refining, polishing — working every surface until the gold had the quality it needed.

The rubellite was set by hand. Stone setting in gold requires absolute precision — the metal needs to hold the stone securely while allowing light to pass through and illuminate that extraordinary colour from every angle.

The Finished Piece

We absolutely nailed it. And Gemma knew it too.

That moment — when a client sees the finished piece and the reaction is immediate and genuine — is what this work is for. No hesitation. Just recognition that this is exactly right.

The Piece

The Gemma Bolt Commission — 18ct Gold Rubellite Hanging Pendant Material: 18ct solid gold Stone: Rubellite tourmaline, individually hand selected Technique: Lost wax casting, hand finished at the bench, stone set by hand Design: Original by James Robinson

Every stone in my vault has been chosen for its character, its origin and its story. If you'd like to find the right stone for your commission, I'd love to help.