Deborah Cowin Commissions

Deborah Cowin is the master goldsmith and diamond grader at The Necessary Angel.

“I was born in Liverpool and brought up in the Peak District before settling in Cumbria. Originally I wanted to become a lawyer until I chose a silver smithing elective while at sixth form and became hooked! I went on to study Silver Smithing & Jewellery at Chesterfield College of Art, it did not lead directly to a position in the jewellery trade, but in 1990 I realised by ambition and opened The Necessary Angel in Keswick. I became a qualified diamond grader in 2005, having trained with the World Diamond Council in Antwerp . This enables me to source the most spectacular diamonds for my jewellery and my customers.  

I specialise in one-off original pieces and personal commissions of jewellery in platinum and 18ct gold. This can be a design using a stone that has been especially sourced for the piece or one that includes precious stones that the customer already owns but would like re-modelled into something new.  

Although I am passionate about diamonds, they are not my only one. I really love Opals, their vibrancy, and the fact each one is unique. Their colour and uniqueness makes them fabulous in commissioned pieces.

Customers can be involved in a commission from the outset, choosing their own stones with a little guidance from myself, and helping with ideas while I sketch the design (usually supported with tea, coffee or a glass of wine!).

I really enjoy working on individual commissions, so each piece is completely different- just like my customers!''