The Gin Rin story
Rachel created Gin Rin Jewellery in the summer of 2020, but it had existed in her head for many years prior to that.
What sparked this little lightbulb was a lifelong love of gemstones, and strangely enough, some very nice Koi Carp at a local garden centre.
Rachel has always been attracted to rocks and minerals and was even a member of fossil club at school. Her fascination only grew as she got older and she loved discovering new gemstones and learning about their properties and histories.
Uncovering associations with meanings and healing qualities appealed to her inquisitive side and she relished the idea that these natural treasures could be of benefit to our mental and physical wellbeing. She admits to having a soft spot for the potential of magic.
Believe it or not, the idea to make jewellery came to Rachel while she was admiring some Koi Carp at a local garden centre. She struggles to articulate the revelation she experienced, but there was something about the vibrant colours and metallic scales, glistening in the sunlight, that gave her the same dopamine rush she feels when looking at gemstones. She decided that feeling ought to be readily available. Wearable even.
So after a lot of research and exhilarating daydreams, Rachel set out to learn the basics of silversmithing and requested her boyfriend build her a workshop in the garden so she could continue learning independently.
Rachel spent all her free time honing her skills and developing her style until she was ready to set up her little jewellery business.
And guess what.. in Japan, the metallic glittery scales of those revelationary fish are referred to as 'Gin Rin'. And as another nod to the epiphany (or efishany) the signature Gin Rin stone setting features a fin like edge.
Rachel lovingly crafts each piece of jewellery by hand, using traditional silversmithing methods and 100% recycled precious metals.
The gemstones she selects are as beautiful as they are unique and Rachel has a real passion for the lesser known, weird and wonderful gems.
One of the most important Gin Rin values is originality, and Rachel is very proud to offer customers jewellery that is exclusive to them – no two pieces are ever the same, nor could they be exactly replicated.