Our Story

Hi I’m Mel! 


I didn't plan to become a silversmith.

For eight years, I worked in a café in New Zealand. It wasn't a bad job. But it wasn't lighting me up either.

Then 40 started creeping up on me and I had this feeling: now or never.

So I signed up for an 8 week silversmithing course on a whim. The first piece I made was a textured copper band. Copper, because it was cheaper than silver in case I stuffed it up. And I did stuff it up. But something about working with my hands, shaping metal, watching it transform, it felt right.

By the end of those 8 weeks, I knew I couldn't go back.

There was about three weeks between finishing the course and handing in my notice at work. I had no plan. No safety net. Just a dream, a supportive husband and a lot of uncertainty.

I set up in the corner of the garage. Bought a jeweller's bench, a torch, some tools. And I made my first piece outside of class: a teardrop shaped moonstone ring for a friend.

When I finished it, I felt good. Not perfect. Not polished. Just… good. Like I'd made something that mattered.

That's when I knew. This was mine.

The Silver Finch

I named the business after my maiden name, Finch. It's my legacy. My way of saying: I was here, and I made something beautiful.

I specialize in custom, hand fabricated sterling silver jewellery designed around naturally one of a kind Australian opals. Every piece is made with intention. I don't take shortcuts. I hand fabricate everything from scratch using traditional metalsmithing techniques.

I source my opals directly from the miners who cut and polish them in Australia. I work exclusively with bezel settings because I believe opals are too delicate for prongs. The opal is always the hero.

My work is timeless, not trendy. It's made to last, made to be worn  and made for people who want something meaningful, jewelry that marks a moment in their life or simply because they deserve something beautiful and made just for them.

Some of my clients have collected 12+ pieces over the years. They come back not because they need more jewelry, but because they love the experience of having something made specifically for them.

I've been doing this for five years. I've created over 650 custom pieces. And every piece that leaves my bench represents my name, my legacy, and the standard I've set for The Silver Finch.

 

Ready to Start?

I'd love to make something for you.