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Hallmarking

Although we were closed to new orders for most of March, behind the scenes I’ve been busy taking care of a good spring clean of the workshop, tackling a lot of the boring admin jobs ready for the new tax year, and also making a little time for a much-needed break. So, now we’re fully open for business again and things are returning to normal, what’s going on in the workshop?

Well, as our sterling silver money clips have been out of stock for a month or two, they’ve become a bit of of a priority to say the least! Due to the UK law regarding precious metals and hallmarking, selling goods made with precious metals is not quite as simple as working in other materials. Of course there’s also the expense of keeping sterling silver in stock (the raw materials for a sterling silver money clip cost around 40 times more than my copper ones)!

hallmarks
Dealers’ Notice

So what’s involved? Well unlike copper (which I keep large sheets in stock and cut off pieces to order), I only order silver sheet in small batches. When it arrives with me, I cut and file it to size, before giving it a brushed polish finish to get it as close as possible to the finished article without actually forming it. These flat pieces are packaged and sent to the Edinburgh Assay Office for testing and hallmarking on what will eventually be the inside rear of the finished money clip. Only when they’re returned to me are they finally ready to be completed with your personalised text, texturing and forming to shape.

They may take a lot longer to create and cost a little more, but there’s nothing quite like the feel and weight of sterling silver. Buy with confidence, secure in the knowledge that your sterling silver money clip has been hallmarked at the Edinburgh Assay Office.

Rustic Sterling Silver Money Clip

‘Raw Silk’ Sterling Silver Money Clip

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Money Clips

Money Clips

Money Clip Gift Ideas

Of all the many things we make there’s no doubt I like nothing more than creating a new money clip design. I’ll confess that until two years ago I’d never owned or used one, but now I’m never without mine.

Therefore, as a gift idea they’re simply perfect for the man who already has everything. Because there is no real design limitation, they can be personalised to suit anyone. It’s also the type of gift that it doesn’t really matter if the recipient already has one, as I find it’s not possible to have too many! I have two ‘favourite’ money clips right now and rather more back-ups, depending on where I’m going! I’m always thinking about whats going on my next one too of course.

So currently there are around 20 hand stamped and etched money clip designs on our website. These examples give a rather good idea of how much detail and content we can fit on each clip. Whilst I love making each and every one of them, I love nothing more than receiving a request for a custom one.

Money Clip Designs

So, what can we do? Well hand stamping offers the most simple (also effective) form of personalisation. Hence the popularity of initials on the front and short message on the rear to make a really special gift. In addition, dates and coordinates are also a popular choice. Consequently, we’re happy to look up the latitude and longitude of any location and hand stamp this on the rear of the money clip. Hence, these make particularly good gifts for wedding favours, making brilliant keepsakes and usable everyday items too.

If it’s something more eye-catching you’re looking for, then our etched money clips certainly offer greater design opportunities. These can feature images and text relating to occupations, hobbies, pastimes, music, travel, cars, etc., the list is endless. Initials and messages can also be etched in just about any size and style of font.

My personal favourites are the ones that combine both etching and hand stamping. Hand stamping gives some texture and earthiness to the copper, and as a result of this, a more rustic feel is achieved. Additionally, by texturing the edges of the money clip with a ball pein hammer a beautiful weathered appearance can be achieved. An added bonus to hand stamping and texturing is that the process also ‘work hardens’ the copper making for a more effective spring tension within the clip.

Finally the Finish

Whilst bright new shiny copper is lovely, aged, rustic, distressed copper looks even more stunning. The rich coppery tones I strive to achieve on our money clips is all due to the final few processes.

Once sanded and textured an application of an ageing patina darkens the copper anywhere from a light brown tan colour to near pitch black. The use of patina is twofold. Primarily it is to make the design really stand out. The recessed areas of the etched image or hand stamped letters retain the dark patina and consequently provide a clear contrast to the copper colour. Secondly, a light application of patina adds age to the clip, highlights the textures and brings out a vast array of rich coppery tones that ‘new’ copper simply doesn’t have. The lightest of polishes with fine wire wool and several protective coatings of Renaissance Wax then completes the clip.

There’s no substitute for actual ageing though. Because of this, I find that the older and more used that a money clip is, the better it looks. This is one of the many things I love about copper in general.

Create Your Own Bespoke Money Clip

So, buy any of our money clips as listed, or add your own personalised touches to our existing designs. Since no machine processes are involved, no two money clips will ever be exactly the same. However, if you’re feeling inspired to create a truly one-off gift for yourself or someone else, why not get in touch now and we’ll help you create a stunning bespoke design that’s perfectly suited.

Finally, if you’re completely stuck for ideas we can always offer a full custom design for you. Tell us as much as possible about the recipient and we’ll take care of the rest!

Money Clips

All our money clip designs are also available from our Etsy Store

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Wedding Favours

If you’re looking for unique, personalised wedding favours that are also practical keepsakes, then you’re in the right place.

We can customise any of our designs with names, initials, dates and special messages to create the perfect memento for any occasion.  Tie clips, money clips and key rings are perfect a perfect choice for male wedding favours, whilst our customised pendants, bracelets and other jewellery items can be personalised to make perfect bridesmaid favours.

We have a discount scheme for bulk orders, we don’t charge extra for custom work and of course all our creations come beautifully gift boxed.

Contact us today to create the perfect keepsakes for your special day.

Mens Wedding Favours
Mens wedding favours. Custom money clip set.

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Scottish Gifts & Scotland Inspired Designs

Scottish Inspired Designs

Considering we’re lucky enough to be based on the beautiful coastline of the Moray Firth, it’s only right we should be adding some Scottish themed gift designs at last.

We’ve got plenty of design ideas for Scottish gifts with Scotland inspired images, but for starters we’ve added a beautifully detailed dragon and saltire, etched copper money clip. Etched initials can be added to the front or rear of this design to make the perfect personalised gift. Click the image for full details!

Scotland Money Clip
Etched copper Scotland money clip.