The initial set was carefully researched at the local library and a model painstakingly carved in wax. Woodcocks were so well received by the client that they were re-made for Ruffs general range of up-market jewellery.
The response to subsequent advertisements in the likes of “Country Life” and “The Field” confirmed their attraction not only to achievers of the “Right and Left at Woodcock” but also to shooting people everywhere.
At about this time Woodcocks were shown to Tony Jackson, then editor of the specialist magazine, “Shooting Times”, and he was impressed enough to give mention of them in that publication and in particular to members of the newly formed Shooting Times Woodcock Club. They have proved popular within the club but, it should be stressed, they are not solely for achievers of the “Right and Left at Woodcock”.
One of the first purchasers of Woodcocks invited us to make him a matching set of Grouse cuff links. Through strong ties with the STWC, we were able to seek the advice of Colin McKelvie at the Game Conservancy at Fordingbridge, down the road in Hampshire and where we had access to more specialised reference books on the subject and one or two stuffed examples. Grouse are made extra special by being made only in red gold or red gold plate on sterling silver.
Partridge and Pheasant were the obvious successors and the same amount of meticulous research and carving also went into their creation. The result is four sets of very unique cuff links, each pair of which is still finished by hand.
