The Making of Dark Crystal Jewellery: A Journey Through Thra

In the vast, mystical land of Thra, the Crystal has long dictated the balance of light and shadow. A source of untold power, it was fractured, giving rise to the sinister Skeksis and the gentle Mystics (urRu)—two halves of what was once whole.

For Licensed to Charm, the art of jewellery-making is not unlike the Great Conjunction itself—a delicate harmony of creation and craftsmanship, balance and artistry. And now, celebrating The Great Conjunction 2025, we unveil a brand-new relic of the Dark Crystal world—the Skeksis Ring, an intricate tribute to Thra’s most infamous rulers.

Join us on a journey through the making of our Dark Crystal jewellery collection, a process as intricate and magical as the world it honours.

Forging the Legends of Thra: How We Create Dark Crystal Jewellery

Every Dark Crystal piece in our collection is not just jewellery—it’s a story sculpted to capture the spirit of Thra. From the wise urRu to the tyrannical Skeksis, each necklace, ring, and earring is shaped with the same devotion that brought Jim Henson’s vision to life in 1982.

At the heart of this collection stands Toby Whiting, founder of Imagkia Studios, a master of illustration, sculpture, and 3D design. Licensed to Charm commissioned Toby to design a range of officially licensed jewellery, bringing to life Jen, the Skeksis, the Crystal, and sacred relics like the Mystic Valley Pebble Necklace.

But no journey through Thra is easy…

Step 1: The Ritual of Design – Sketching the Magic of Thra

Before metal and flame, before silver and stone—there is the vision.

With Jim Henson’s style guides and the film’s rich mythology as his compass, Toby embarked on a quest of research and creation. Rewatching the film, studying every feather, claw, and crack in the Crystal, he began to sketch the foundations of what would soon become wearable relics of Thra.

The Mystic Valley Pebble Necklace, for instance, embodies the wisdom and serenity of the urRu, its smooth, organic form symbolising connection to the land. Each design in the collection began as detailed drawings, serving as sacred blueprints for what was to come.

Step 2: Awakening the Shard – Sculpting in 3D

From sketches, the designs were transformed into 3D models, digitally sculpted to capture every intricate detail. Toby’s work is both art and alchemy, ensuring that each Skeksis claw, each Mystic’s symbols, and every texture is perfectly recreated.

3D printing brought these digital relics into physical form, crafting resin prototypes—the first step in bringing the Dark Crystal world into reality.

Once perfected, the designs were submitted to The Jim Henson Company for approval, ensuring they remained true to the legendary lore of Thra.

Step 3: The Alchemy of Thra – Lost-Wax Casting in Silver

Once Henson approved the designs, the pieces were sent to a master jeweller in Birmingham’s famed Jewellery Quarter, where they underwent the lost-wax casting process—an ancient technique as old as the Crystal itself.

🔹 First, wax moulds of the designs were created.
🔹 These were then encased in plaster and heated to high temperatures, melting away the wax and leaving a hollow impression.
🔹 Molten sterling silver was poured into these moulds, forging the final piece in fiery perfection.
🔹 Each casting was then cleaned, polished, oxidised, and hand-finished, ready to be approved by Henson.

The result? Exquisitely detailed jewellery, each piece imbued with the spirit of Thra.

Unveiling the Skeksis Ring – A Dark Crystal Exclusive

👁 Behold the newest addition to our collection—the Skeksis Ring.

Sinister, commanding, and intricately detailed, this ring captures the essence of the Skeksis, the rulers of the Crystal Castle and architects of Thra’s suffering.

Designed to mirror the Skeksis’ reptilian form, the ring embodies:
🔹 Beak-like jaws that whisper deception and power
🔹 Prominent brow ridges echoing their ancient knowledge
🔹 Scaled textures, reminiscent of their decaying, grotesque form

But why now? Why here?

Because The Great Conjunction is upon us once more.

It was at the last Great Conjunction that the Skeksis and urRu were born, divided from a single form. And now, as we gather at The Great Conjunction 2025, we honour this moment in history with the debut of this mighty relic.

Attendees of The Great Conjunction will be the first to witness this dark creation in person!

Join Us at The Great Conjunction – A Gathering of Gelflings, Mystics & Skeksis!

🕰 Saturday 8th February & Sunday 9th February, 2025
📍 Elstree Film Studios, Borehamwood WD6 1JG

This isn’t just an event—it’s a portal into Thra.

✨ Meet legendary guests from the Dark Crystal universe
🛍 Shop rare collectables and our handcrafted jewellery
🎭 Immerse yourself in panels, workshops, and the Podling Party
🎥 Relive the magic with a screening of The Dark Crystal

🔥 EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Buy Any 2 Dark Crystal Pieces & Save 25%! 🔥

✨ Witness the grand unveiling of the Skeksis Ring—and be among the first to claim one!

Can't make it? The Skeksis Ring will launch on our website after the event—but only for those bold enough to wield it.

🔮 Discover The Great Conjunction
🛍 Shop The Dark Crystal Collection

This is your destiny, Gelfling. Will you answer the call?