Student Spotlight: Sonja Bessant's Lost Wax Jewellery Journey

Sonja Bessant is a London-based jeweller with over 13 years of experience and a passion for wax carving. As a student in the Metal Bones Lost Wax Jewellery Course, I recently asked her a few questions about her jewellery journey, favourite designs, and what she has enjoyed most about learning and working with wax. Here's what she had to say.

How did you first get into wax jewellery making?

I’ve been making jewellery for over 13 years and throughout that time I’ve often used wax in commissioned pieces. What started as traditional wax carving around a central stone, mainly for rings, gradually turned into a real passion as I began experimenting more and more with the material. I fell in love with the process and the endless design possibilities wax allows. That freedom to create is what I love most about it.

What style of wax jewellery do you love creating most?

I now love working with my wax iron, melting and shaping wax into organic, free-flowing forms. I’ve recently finished a collection without stones, but I’m really excited to start incorporating stones into future pieces.

What has your wax jewellery journey been like so far?

I’ve quickly realised this takes far more practice than I first imagined. The number of wax rings I’ve melted back down because they “weren’t quite right” is honestly ridiculous. At this point, the wax probably knows me on a personal level. But when a piece finally comes together and other people love it too; it makes all the remelting completely worth it.

What is your favourite wax design you’ve created and why?

My latest coral inspired collection is definitely my favourite design so far. I love how organic and unique each piece feels. The design is incredibly versatile too; different sizes of the same form work beautifully as earrings, rings, and necklaces. And honestly, my customers love a matching collection just as much as I do.

What advice would you give to someone nervous to start wax carving?

There’s honestly nothing to be nervous about. Just start experimenting! If something doesn’t go to plan, simply melt it down and begin again. That’s the beauty of working with wax. You can even repair broken pieces pretty easily, so a full restart often isn’t necessary. Just give it a go. You’ve got nothing to lose (except maybe a little bit of time… and patience!). Honestly!

What did you enjoy most about the metal bones lost wax jewellery course?

I loved how well the course was structured and how much detail you went into, especially around stone setting techniques. Sometimes it was the smallest comment you made that completely changed the way I approached a problem. You’re always so patient and explain everything so clearly, which makes it incredibly easy to follow and learn from. Thank you so much!!

Designs by Sonja Bessant

Thanks to Sonja for sharing her jewellery journey with us.

Follow Sonja's Work

Instagram: @sonja.bessant
Website: www.sonjabessant.com

Written by Cassandra Djodan

Share