Introducing
Objets d’Art & Special Commissions
Mike Shorer’s work extends far beyond fine jewellery and trophies into a wide-ranging practice of bespoke objets d’art and special commissions. These projects often defy categorisation — decorative, symbolic, deeply personal, or technically demanding — and are united by exceptional craftsmanship, discretion, and originality.
From musical instruments and sporting equipment to ceremonial regalia, sculptural gifts, and commemorative works, each object is designed and made entirely by hand. These commissions are created in close collaboration with the client and are often charged with personal meaning, memory, or narrative.
The works shown here are not for sale, but serve as examples of the breadth, sensitivity, and technical range of Mike’s practice.
“Even the bass drum pedal works.”
The Beatles Shea Stadium Sculptural Model
Commissioned by a successful rock band promoter and drummer, this extraordinary sculptural piece is a highly detailed model of The Beatles’ Shea Stadium set, crafted in sterling silver and 18 carat yellow gold.
Taking several months to complete, every element was exact and engineered to function accurately including the bass drum pedal. The bass drum is engraved and oxidised with the name The Silver Beatles, referencing the band’s original early name. A tour de force of precision, homage, and technical ingenuity.
Bespoke Guitar Decoration
Custom guitar commissions range from gilded and patterned metal sheets applied to instrument bodies, to silver and gold-plated skull tone and volume controls, and jack plug socket surrounds. Each element is designed to complement both the instrument and the musician, combining visual impact with durability and performance awareness.
Bespoke Belt Buckles
These belt buckles demonstrate the breadth of possible designs, created in precious metals and finished with gemstones or vitreous enamel. The gold example was commissioned as a trophy for the winner of the European Championship of Online Poker (ECOOP). I have made some outrageous trophies over the last few decades for Barry Hearn’s Matchroom Poker tournaments. The silver and blue enamel buckle was a personal experimental piece, created by melting scrap silver and applying enamel in a freeform, flame-controlled process. Designs may be paired with exotic leather belts, supplied to complement each piece.
“Honoured to have made this treasured memory box for her as-yet unborn grandson.”
Memorial ‘Memory Box’
This deeply moving commission was created for a lady suffering from terminal cancer, who wished to store personal mementos for her unborn grandson. Referred to by her family as The Wise Owl, the box was designed to reflect this symbolism. Traditional silversmithing techniques were used throughout, with poems written by the client engraved inside a secret compartment in a facsimile of her handwriting. A profoundly personal object, created with sensitivity and respect.
Civic Regalia, Newhaven Chamber of Commerce
Designed and sponsored by Mike in his role as President of Newhaven Chamber of Commerce, this civic regalia was created using silver, brass, bronze, 23 carat gold, an old-cut diamond, and champlevé enamel. Ultramarine blue enamel represents the sea, with translucent green enamel depicting the South Downs. Anchors and compass motifs reflect Newhaven’s maritime heritage and global trade, while the chain links reference the textures and construction of local fishing boats. A matching Vice President’s regalia was also created in silver.
Visit the studio or start a commission
Butterfly Anniversary Brooch
“As on old romantic at heart, I was enchanted by this story.”
Commissioned as a 30th wedding anniversary gift, this brooch tells a romantic and deeply personal story. The butterfly motif incorporates a hidden numerical reference — 726 — using seven pink tourmalines, two blue sapphires, and six further pink tourmalines, marking the hotel room in which the client proposed three decades earlier. Diamonds were added for brilliance, and the piece was mounted on traditional en tremblant sprung wires, allowing the wings to move delicately when touched or breathed upon.
Decorated Snooker & Pool Cues
Snooker and pool cues can be enhanced with silver or gold inlays, incorporating diamonds or coloured gemstones to bespoke designs and patterns. These commissions combine traditional craftsmanship with personal expression, transforming sporting equipment into functional works of art.