My pewter is 94% tin, 4% antimony, 2% copper. Tin on its own is a very soft material and not practical for everyday use. Antimony and copper is therefore added as hardening agents. Tin is an environmentally friendly material as tin mining has little or no effect on its surroundings.

Traditionally pewter contained approx 14% lead. This caused the traditional dull grey finish. All my designs are lead-free so will stay shiny.

Pewter was introduced into Britain around the 2nd century A.D. by the Romans. At first it was used predominantly in ecclesial items. By the 14th century almost every market town would have a pewterer in its craft guild. By the 17th Century practically every household in Britain owned and used pewterware products on a daily basis, items such as plates, tankards candlesticks, buttons, bowls and many other everyday items. However, the introduction of cheap mass-produced crockery, glass and alternative metals assisted in the decline of pewter production and threatened this part of British heritage and history forever.

Today, a handful of small-scale dedicated British pewtersmiths continue to promote high quality designs and product made in pewter. At Unique British Gifts, we are proud to feature the work of our favourite pewtersmith.

As a 10 year old she started making jewellery from the plumbing leftovers provided by her father. Today, a graduate of The Royal College of Art, she produces high quality pewter with a sophistication and look that is inspirational.

Her products, individually handcrafted in lead-free Pewter, cry out for you to touch and hold them. She describes her work as: "Designs for Everyday, for Everybody." Her designs are a combination of sculptural forms and function, both working to compliment each other. The soft flowing lines and feminine curves of her designs are used to enhance the materials used.

We feature the sort of table-top objects you will find in most houses, but with that unique 'something special' added to their look and feel: serviette rings, salt & pepper pots, napkin rings, coasters, a wine stand, pocket watches & Christening gifts.

Caring for pewter: To keep its polished lustre it should be either: Cleaned with soapy water, then dried immediately with a soft cloth or use a silver polishing cloth. Pewter items should not be put into a dishwasher.

Each piece of our pewter is individually handcrafted and, by nature, may vary very slightly from the image shown.