A Short Pause, Some Big Decisions, and Looking Ahead to 2026

Over the next few days, Hare & Moon Jewellery will be taking a short pause.

From 1st January 2026 my website will be closed for five days while I review prices, stock levels, and how I move the business forward into 2026. I wanted to take a moment to explain why I’m doing this, what it means for you as a customer, and what’s coming next.

This isn’t a dramatic reset or a goodbye — more of a quiet, practical recalibration.

Why I’m Closing the Website Briefly

Running a small, handmade jewellery business means wearing a lot of hats. Designing, making, photographing, writing, packing, teaching, promoting — and somewhere amongst all of that, making sure the numbers still make sense.

Over the past year, I’ve been trying very hard to absorb rising costs rather than pass them on. I know how much thought goes into purchasing handmade jewellery, and I never want price increases to feel careless or automatic. But at this point, it’s important that Hare & Moon Jewellery remains sustainable, not just creatively, but financially too.

Taking the website offline for a few days gives me the space to:

• Review pricing properly, rather than rushing changes live

• Check current stock levels and materials

• Make sure each piece is priced fairly for both you and me

• Set the business up thoughtfully for the year ahead

This pause is about intention, not interruption.

The Reality of Rising Silver Prices

One of the biggest factors behind this review is the cost of silver.

Over the past 12 months, the price of silver has increased significantly. This affects every part of my process — from sheet and wire, to findings, chains, and even the silver clay used in classes. Like many independent jewellers, I’ve been absorbing these increases for as long as possible, adjusting margins rather than prices.

However, that approach has its limits.

Continuing without any adjustments would mean undervaluing the materials, time, and skill that go into each piece. That’s not something I want for the business long-term, or for the work itself.

I want to reassure you that:

• Price increases will be kept as low as possible

• Changes will be considered piece by piece, not blanket increases

• Accessibility and value will remain important to me

Handmade jewellery should feel special, considered, and worth investing in — never inflated for the sake of it.

What This Means for Silver Clay Tuition

Alongside reviewing jewellery pricing, I’m also taking this time to look carefully at my silver clay tuition offering.

For now, private silver clay tuition is on hold while I:

• Review material costs

• Reassess pricing

• Decide which class formats are genuinely sustainable

• Refine the types of classes I want to offer going forward

Teaching is something I really enjoy, but as many of you know, silver clay is a particularly material‑heavy medium. Rising silver prices impact classes just as much as finished jewellery, and it’s important that they’re structured in a way that works for everyone involved.

Important reassurance

Any classes already booked will of course be honoured in full. Nothing that has already been paid for or confirmed will change.

Classes Still Going Ahead (and Still Bookable)

While I review the wider tuition side of the business, I want to be very clear that some upcoming classes are absolutely still going ahead — and still available to book via my website.

I currently have spaces available on my:

Introduction to Silver Metal Clay Classes

📍 The Little Studio, Ash (near Canterbury)

📅 31st January (2 spaces left)

📅 7th March (3 spaces left)

These are relaxed, beginner‑friendly sessions designed for anyone curious about working with silver clay. You’ll learn the basics, create your own piece of fine silver jewellery, and leave with something truly handmade.

Spaces on these classes are limited and are already filling quickly. If you’ve been thinking about booking, I’d really recommend securing your place soon to avoid missing out.

If you’ve been meaning to book, these dates are unaffected by the website pause and can still be purchased online.

Looking Ahead to 2026

This short closure is part of a wider intention to move into 2026 with clarity and confidence.

Rather than pushing through on autopilot, I want to:

• Create work that reflects my signature style

• Offer classes that feel rewarding, not draining

• Price my jewellery honestly and sustainably

• Keep Hare & Moon Jewellery calm, considered, and creative

Small businesses evolve quietly, often behind the scenes. This pause is one of those behind‑the‑scenes moments — not always visible, but important.

Thank You

Finally, I just want to say a genuine thank you.

Thank you for supporting handmade work. Thank you for choosing independent jewellery. Thank you for your patience while I make these necessary adjustments. And thank you for continuing to support Hare & Moon Jewellery — whether by purchasing, attending a class, sharing my work, or simply following along.

Your custom and encouragement mean more than I can ever properly put into words.

I wish you all a very happy, healthy, and creative 2026, and I look forward to sharing what comes next.

With gratitude,

Sam at Hare & Moon Jewellery