There is something unmistakably British about strolling a coastal path, spotting wild ponies on a heath or brushing past a hedgerow alive with bees. Those small moments of nature are exactly what Heath and Caroline Reeves translate into sterling-silver keepsakes at their converted blacksmith’s forge in rural West Dorset. From a single snaffle-bit bracelet to entire collections inspired by shells or songbirds, Reeves and Reeves jewellery distils countryside stories into pieces that can travel anywhere.
1 A studio rooted in place and partnership
Reeves and Reeves is first and foremost a husband-and-wife collaboration. Heath’s background in design meets Caroline’s three decades in the jewellery world; together they sketch, prototype and finish each piece under one roof. Their workshop—once a working forge on the grounds of Forde Abbey—looks onto kitchen-garden borders and rolling pasture. That setting is not a marketing flourish; it fuels the shapes seen across their earrings, necklaces and cuff bangles. Horses graze two fields away, so equestrian themes feel genuine. A short drive reaches the Jurassic Coast, explaining the scallop shells and starfish dotted through the Coastal range.
2 Materials chosen to last
The company works almost exclusively in hall-marked sterling silver, adding details in 18-carat gold plate or rose gold to create gentle contrast. Every gemstone is natural, pearls are cultured, and plating thickness meets Assay Assured standards rather than light flash-coating. That matters when jewellery is worn daily: claws stay firm around stones, gold layers resist rub-through, and silver holds its crisp edges after years of polishing.
Key specifications
| Component | Standard used by Reeves and Reeves jewellery | Practical result |
|---|---|---|
| Base metal | Sterling silver (92.5 % purity) | Keeps its white tone; easy to clean |
| Plating | 18 ct gold, thick micron level | Colour stays true rather than fading |
| Stones | Genuine semi-precious gems or pavé CZ | Bright sparkle without cloudiness |
| Pearls | Cultured, hand-selected | Subtle lustre; each one unique |
3 Signature collections at a glance
- Animals – From sleepy fox studs to an origami-style balloon dog pendant, these pieces add a playful wink to everyday outfits.
- Birds & Bees – Delicate swallows, owls and honeybees capture the movement of garden life in motion.
- Coastal – Starfish, sand dollars and scallop shells evoke summer days on Dorset beaches.
- Equestrian – Horseshoes, stirrups and snaffle bits pay tribute to Britain’s riding culture.
- Birthstones & Sparkles – Petite claw-set gems mark birthdays or simply brighten winter knits.
- Plant Life – Oak leaves, acorns and tiny daisies reflect woodland walks around the workshop.
Each range stays true to the brand’s restrained line work—clean silhouettes, subtle texturing, and just enough polished surface to catch light without shouting.
4 Five hero pieces worth knowing
4.1 Sterling Silver Snaffle Cuff
A softly curved snaffle bit sits at the wrist crest, joining two solid-silver bars. The hinge is concealed so only the equine motif shows. Light enough for desk work, sturdy enough for stable chores, it has become a bestseller among riders and style editors alike.
4.2 Pavé Horseshoe Necklace
Sixteen millimetres tall, covered in pavé-set cubic zirconia, the horseshoe hangs on an adjustable chain that layers easily with shorter chokers. It offers just the right sparkle for office lighting and evening luminance.
4.3 Rose-Plated Stirrup Ring
Fine silver shank, miniature stirrup at centre, warm blush plating on the upper bar. Wear it solo for subtle equestrian flair or stack two in alternating metals for a mixed-tone look.
4.4 Daisy Necklace
Every petal shows hammered facets, catching light in tiny flashes. A touch of 18 ct gold accents the stamen, proving that botanical pieces can feel grown-up rather than whimsical.
4.5 Turtle Pendant
A solid-silver shell with hand-engraved scutes, suspended from a trace chain. Its underside is curved like a real carapace so the pendant lies flush against the skin. Ideal for holiday packing—no snagging on swimwear straps.
5 Design details that elevate everyday wear
- Mixed finishes. Many pieces combine high polish with satin sections or light hammering. The interplay emphasises contours without resorting to heavy oxidation.
- Sub-two-gram earrings. Several stud pairs weigh less than a paperclip, so lobes stay comfortable from breakfast to last orders.
- Adjustable chains. Almost every necklace arrives with multiple fastening points, an easy fix for layered looks or varying necklines.
- Discreet hallmarks. Quality stamps sit on reverse sides or clasp ends, keeping front-facing surfaces clean for photography and formal events.
6 Styling ideas for different moods
- Desk to dinner – Pair the Pavé Horseshoe Necklace with a silk blouse; add the matching stud earrings for continuity.
- Weekend wander – Choose the Oak Leaf bracelet and Daisy studs to echo spring walks; stack slim bangles in alternating metals.
- Statement minimalism – Let the large Starfish pendant hang solo over a plain black crew-neck; its scale becomes the outfit’s focal point.
- Layered boho – Mix a sterling Snaffle Cuff with crocheted linen and a stack of bead bracelets; the purity of silver grounds looser textures.
Because most Reeves and Reeves jewellery hovers between delicate and mid-weight, pieces layer without tangling or clashing. Metals share the same alloy and plating specifications, so tones remain consistent across collections.
7 Gift presentation that feels thoughtful
Open the signature grey-white box and a branded pouch lies nested in tissue, ready to slip into a tote or carry-on bag. That pouch isn’t mere packaging: soft microfibre prevents scratching during travel and doubles as a polishing cloth in a pinch. A care card explains cleaning—warm water, mild soap, soft brush—so even first-time silver owners keep their present looking new.
8 Sustainability and local commitment
- Responsible sourcing – Silver and gold plate meet EU standards for traceability and nickel safety.
- On-site craftsmanship – Small-batch production in Dorset reduces freight emissions and allows quicker quality inspections.
- Longevity over trend – Classic shapes and durable materials encourage wearing for years, not seasons, lowering fashion’s turnover footprint.
By focusing on well-finished sterling rather than disposable costume alloys, Reeves and Reeves jewellery leans toward heirloom potential rather than fast-fashion novelty.
9 Caring for your pieces
- Daily routine – Remove items before swimming or applying perfume; rinse under fresh water after ocean dips.
- Monthly polish – Use a non-abrasive silver cloth to restore shine, especially on high-polish areas.
- Annual check – For clasps or hinges, a quick inspection ensures springs and solder joints stay secure.
Consistent care extends lustre and preserves plating, letting designs age gracefully alongside cherished memories.
Conclusion
From a quiet forge in rural Dorset, Reeves and Reeves jewellery turns the soft imagery of British countryside life into sterling-silver designs ready for city commutes, seaside holidays and everything between. Each piece starts with a sketch, passes through expert hands and emerges hall-marked, polished and ready to collect stories of its own. Whether you choose a snaffle cuff that nods to equestrian heritage or a starfish necklace recalling summer tides, you carry a little slice of English landscape wherever you roam—lightweight, timeless and made to last. Keep Reading
