Our Craftspeople
Every Ashes into Glass gemstone is made at Barleylands Glassworks in Billericay, Essex.
Our founders have worked with glass for over thirty years and have been creating jewellery for more than twenty. Today, each piece is crafted across three specialist workshops, where we work the molten glass, cut and polish the gemstones, and set them into the jewellery.
Our craftspeople come from the local community, many with experience in a skilled trade, and all with a natural feel for working with their hands. They learn their craft here at Barleylands, with skills and knowledge passed from one craftsperson to the next.
The Hotshop
In the Hotshop, our glassmakers create each gemstone from molten glass and cremation ashes. Layers of coloured glass, cremation ashes and clear glass are brought together, with the coloured glass creating the backdrop and the clear glass covering the ashes and keeping them visible within the finished gemstone. The ashes form a natural pattern within the glass, making every gemstone unique.
The Coldshop
The craft of the Coldshop is to shape and perfect the gemstone by cutting and polishing the glass. It is precision work, using specialist lathes, cutting wheels and polishing compounds to bring each stone to its final form.
The Setting Workshop
We work with specialist jewellery makers to create our settings. In the Setting Workshop, we customise and prepare each one, set the gemstone and ensure the quality of the finished piece. Your jewellery is laser engraved with your personal message, and rings are sized to fit your finger.
Made to be worn. Made to last.
We believe something this meaningful should be made to last. Your gemstone is specially toughened for everyday wear, so you can wear it with confidence. It is designed to resist damage from knocks and bumps, as well as exposure to water, sunlight and household and personal-care products. The coloured glass will stay vibrant and will not fade over time.
