The Gift of Kent: Introducing my Hop pendant
I'm lucky enough to call the county of Kent my home. It's where I was born and where I now have my jewellery shop and atelier. There's so much wonderful Kentish produce as well as inspiring makers and producers. My new Hop pendant pays tribute to my home county and all that grows, and all who live here.
Here I am as a child enjoying Kent's greenery.
Kent, The Garden of England
In the southeast of England, Kent blends rural beauty, history and local culture. Kent is just a stone's throw from the capital but boasts rolling green fields, orchards and has become synonymous with the humble hop. These unassuming flowers have a long-history - they've been used in herbal medicine as well as to brew one of the nation's favourite drinks.
Historic Tunbridge Wells
Beyond the farms and fields, Kent is also known for its characterful towns and Tunbridge Wells is often the top of visitors' lists (although I know I'm biased). The historic spa town of Tunbridge Wells, home to the Chalybeate Spring, balances Georgian elegance with modern life. Queen Victoria granted the Royal prefix to the town 1909. At its heart is The Pantiles where I have my jewellery shop. You can read more about the history of The Pantiles here and peak into the history of my shop here.
Beyond Tunbridge Wells
There's so much to discover throughout Kent. I love to drag my daughter on day trips to the many historic houses we have close by. You can read about some of our favourite day trips from Tunbridge Wells here.
Kent has always felt like a good place to be a creative and lots of designers and artists have flocked to the towns along the coast - like Whitstable, Margate, Ramsgate, and Folkestone.
My Kentish Hop pendant
An old school friend asked me to make a Hop charm and I've decided to add it to my collection, as it seems like the perfect tribute to Kent. Emma is a talented local artist specialising in yacht portraits @emma.jordanhay.
Below is the hand-carved wax model of the original pendant I handmade for my friend. Carved by my wonderfully skilled wax carver.
Here are the finished designs. I'm so happy with the way the finished piece has turned out.
The Story of Kentish Hops
Back in the 16th century, Flemish farms bought hop cultivation to Kent. The county's fertile soil and mild climate provided the perfect ingredients for the crop and, by the 19th century, Kent was the centre of British hop farming. The distinctive oast houses —buildings designed for drying hops — still dot the landscape today, iconic reminders of Kent's brewing heritage. Though the hop industry has shrunk over the years, there’s been a recent resurgence thanks to craft brewing. Local farms continue to produce traditional English hop varieties like Fuggle and Goldings, which lend a floral, earthy character to real ales.
The pendant is available in Diamond or Peridot. But you can personalise the Hop pendant with your choice of gemstone. Please contact me if you would like a quote for an alternative stone. You can shop the Hop pendant here.
