Jewellery firm in hectic race to craft King’s ring

Jana Reinhardt, run by Ross Cutting and Jana Reinhardt, forged a specially-commissioned ring for new TV series The Royals on E!

The ruby and sapphire-encrusted ring formed a central part of the story line in an episode shown on Monday.

Mr Cutting said: “We had to put all our other projects on hold and then just concentrated on this, working 14-hour days to crack on with it.

“We are really hoping it’s going to be a springboard for us, locally.”

The Worthing couple’s skills and experience in the industry meant all the work on the ring could be done in-house, allowing them to complete the swift turnaround.

Mr Cutting said the film crew had approached several companies without success.

“It’s a very unusual ring but it is based on a 16th century ring made for the King back then,” he said.

“We made it six months ago but haven’t been able to talk about it until now, when the show aired.

“It’s made it on the TV, so they must have been pleased with it.”

The couple have cause for a double celebration after the commissioned ring was followed by a grant of £25,000 from West Sussex County Council, as part of the Be the Business initiative.

They have recently moved to a new premises in the Oaklands Business Park, with the grant contributing to the move and new equipment, allowing them to expand their operations.

Mr Cutting said: “Traditionally, a lot of our work comes from London and now we are really keen to commission jewellery for local people.”

Miss Reinhardt was working as a freelance goldsmith in London before starting the firm, meeting Mr Cutting, who is a setter, around four years ago in a workshop in Torquay.

The couple now live in Worthing, juggling the business with caring for their two children.

“We get on really well with each other,” Mr Cutting said.

“Most people say it must be hard working together but we work well together.”