I'M ALF.
I MAKE BOLD SILVER JEWELLERY,
IN KENT.
Welcome to my corner of rebellion. I'm the designer, maker and unapologetic silver obsessive behind The Soldersmith, working from a garden studio in Hildenborough, just outside Tonbridge.
BRAVE LOOKS GOOD ON YOU
To me, sterling silver isn't just metal. It's a dare. A badge of bravery. A declaration that you're done with blending in.
I don't do basic. I don't do mass-produced, soulless, could-belong-to-anyone jewellery. I make pieces for people who refuse beige, bend the rules occasionally, and would happily wear something fabulously bold to the supermarket, with their PJs or to walk the dog.
This isn't about trends. It's about you. The everyday brave. The quietly bold. The wildly creative.
HOW I GOT HERE
For 32 years I had a corporate job. For a lot of those years I also had a bench, a saw, and a growing suspicion about which of the two I really belonged at.
In 2021 I stopped suspecting and jumped. The Soldersmith has been my full-time studio ever since.
So when I ask you to be a little bit brave, every day, I'm not asking anything I haven't done myself.
INSTINCTIVE SMITHING
My pieces don't start on the flat page of a sketchbook. They start with the metal.
I cut, heat and hammer sterling silver in an experimental way and let it lead, sketching in three dimensions as I go. I call it instinctive smithing.
It takes a little bravery. Push too far, apply too much heat or hammer too hard, and the piece cracks or melts. But that's where the most incredible forms come from: jewellery that simply doesn't conform.
WHAT YOU'RE BUYING
Made by hand, by me, with 19 years at the bench.
100% recycled sterling silver.
Hallmarked at the London Assay Office, with my ALF maker's mark.
One of one. When it's gone, it's gone.
Sent out in a tin with a care card and an Everyday Brave badge.
I TEACH TOO
I've taught around 180 people to saw, file, solder and set stones, most of whom had never picked up a piercing saw. If you'd rather make your own bold silver, come and join me at the bench.
WHERE TO FIND ME
My work is stocked at Chic et tralala in Sevenoaks, and I'm at fairs through the year (see Events).
Everything appears on Instagram first: @thesoldersmith.
Tonbridge Business Awards finalist, 2025 and 2026.
KIND WORDS
"Our morning workshop was fantastic. We learnt, in detail, the process of how to make either a silver bracelet or earrings. Alf is a great teacher and we all came away with a beautiful piece of jewellery. A fabulous birthday treat from friends!" LOUISE
"Beautiful craftsmanship on a custom piece for my daughters 21st. Collaborative design process, friendly & excellent attention to detail. Highly recommended." GRAEME
You in?
Because ordinary is everywhere. Be Everyday Brave.