Behind the Kiln — The Story of Our Handmade Ceramic Stones
Every personalised ceramic pendant begins long before a design is printed or a silver bezel is set. It starts with a beautifully crafted ceramic stone — a small canvas shaped with precision and intended to hold colour, detail and memory for years to come.
Our stones are produced in Italy, a country with deep roots in ceramic artistry. Once they arrive in our workshop, they become the foundation on which we build each personalised piece. What follows is a blend of digital craftsmanship, steady hands, and the transformative power of fire.
From Italy to Our Workshop: The Ceramic Base
We source our ceramic stones from a specialised Italian manufacturer known for producing durable, high-quality ceramic surfaces. While their exact production methods remain proprietary, the stones arrive:
- smooth and polished, ready for artwork
- perfectly shaped in round, heart, oval or rectangular form
- stable enough to withstand high-temperature firing
These four stone shapes serve as the core of our personalised jewellery designs. Though the silver casing around the stone may vary — from classic frames to more artistic silhouettes — the ceramic centre provides a consistent, reliable surface for vivid colours and fine detail.
Step 1 – Preparing Your Artwork
The process begins with your chosen image: a saint, a loved one, a drawing, initials or a piece of artwork. We optimise the colours and contrast to ensure they fire properly inside the kiln.
Ceramic pigments vs normal inks
Unlike traditional printing, ceramic pigments must withstand intense heat. These special pigments bond with the ceramic surface when fired, creating long-lasting, fade-resistant imagery.
Step 2 – Printing & Laminating
Your final design is printed onto a specialised transfer paper using ceramic inks. The sheet is then laminated to stabilise the pigments during firing.
Step 3 – Water Transfer Application
The printed sheet is dipped into warm water, allowing the design to separate from its backing. It is then placed by hand onto the ceramic stone, carefully smoothed and aligned. This step requires precision — even the smallest imperfection becomes permanent once fired.
Step 4 – Kiln Firing at 980°C
This is where the magic happens. The ceramic stone, now carrying your artwork, is placed into the kiln and fired for over 12 hours. The temperature reaches approximately 980°C, hot enough to:
- melt the glossy ceramic topcoat
- fuse the design into the stone
- create a durable, unified surface
After firing, the design is no longer a separate layer — it becomes part of the ceramic itself. This is why our pendants do not fade, peel or wash away under normal use.
Step 5 – Mounting the Stone in Silver
Once cooled, the stone is fitted into its sterling silver casing. Each bezel is handmade by our silversmith, ensuring a precise, secure fit. The final piece is polished, inspected and prepared for packaging.
This delicate process — printing, transferring, firing and setting — transforms every ceramic stone into a piece of wearable art.
Watch the Process
See how a design becomes a finished ceramic pendant in our behind-the-scenes workshop video:
FAQs
A: No — kiln firing permanently bonds the design into the ceramic surface.
A: Most images work well. Clear, high-contrast photos produce the best results.
A: Ceramic is durable for everyday wear but can crack if dropped on a hard surface.
Discover the Beauty of Ceramic Craftsmanship
Each ceramic stone reflects hours of careful work — from the first print test to the final firing. Whether you are honouring a memory, celebrating a special moment or creating a meaningful gift, the result is a pendant that will last for years to come.