My First Real Commission: The Story Behind Liquid Silver

Well...... technically it’s not my first ever commission, I've actually made loads of custom items from paintings to resin jewellery (largely for demanding nieces!). In fact, this isn't even my first paid commission, that first was taken by my mum, who requested me create a silver pendant for an old family friend's birthday. She selected a beautiful piece of Peanut Obsidian from my ever-growing collection of stones as she thought I looked like flowers, which the family friend would love as a lifelong avid gardener!

This order is different though...

This was the first time someone outside my family saw one of my metalsmithing projects, something I'd just created for fun, and said, “I want one. How much?”

The piece they saw was called Molten Gold Links. I’d made it out of copper wire, spent six hours hammering and forming the links, before I electroplated it in 24ct gold. Originally I’d planned to make it in silver and then plate that, but after seeing how the gold looked over copper, with that darker, slightly brassy undertone, I ended up loving the vibe and kept it as it was.

I posted a photo of the finished piece on socials, thinking nothing of it really. Just proud I’d finished it. But straight away, a Facebook friend commented saying she loved it and wanted one. But could she have it in silver?

I wasn’t sure if she meant it at first. I had to check it wasn't just an overeager/flippant comment. I asked if they realised how much silver costs these days, especially for something chunky like this. We’re 80's/90s kids, we grew up with silver being cheap as chips, but now it’s around 70 to 80 pence a gram, even more for shaped sheet or wire. This necklace used about 45 grams of silver, and that’s before you even factor in the time and tools.

But she was serious. She wanted it, and she was happy to pay a fair price.

That’s when it hit me. Someone saw something I’d made, off my own back, not for a commission or a gift or a favour, and they wanted one. No prompting, no pressure, no "go on then, I'll support your little business." Just genuine interest.

I made the silver version just for her. I called it Liquid Silver, as the texture on the hammered polished metal looked organic and fluid. Plus I'm a massive Tank Girl fan and Liquid Silver is the name of the club where she sings Cole Porters most famous track. Same chunky links, same textured finish, this time in proper 925 sterling silver.

The pricing is always awkward, some imposter syndrome version of me feels bad for charging for my time, even if it took a whole day of annual leave, knackered all my nails again and left me with a blister from accidentally leaning on the freshly soldered toggle!

I ended up getting ChatGPT to price it up using standard jewellers approaches (will do another post on how it works it out as it includes more than you think!), I priced it up based on materials and added an approx minimum wage labour for 3 of the 8hrs it took (as I'd originally underestimated how quick I could do it a second time!). Luckily, despite me saying I'd be happy if they covered the cost of materials, my buyer was very kind and offered extra to cover my time, so whilst I won't make a profit, I've got some funds back to buy more silver!

Honestly? That moment meant a lot.

Not because it was the biggest sale ever or because I think I’ve "made it", but because someone genuinely wanted something I’d created. And that gave me a little boost of belief.

So yeah. Liquid Silver was my first proper commission. Not from a stranger, but from someone who saw something I’d made and chose it. And that, for me, feels like a turning point.

Portfolio Links to the items mentioned....

The Peanut Obsidian Pendant

The original necklace, "Molten Links"

My first proper paid commission, "Liquid Silver"