About Us

Our Story

My name is Steve Erhardt, and I handmake all of the jewellery and other items I sell under the name Ben and Cocoa. I have been creating jewellery for almost 20 years (since 2006), learning the art and craft through a mixture of training, practice, and hands-on discovery.

When you buy from Ben and Cocoa, you are supporting a small business and a family. You are investing in a piece of jewellery that is carefully made using high-quality materials that are responsibly sourced. All of our gold and silver is recycled, then shaped into beautiful pieces using traditional artisanal skills rather than mass-produced by machines.

Below, you can learn a little more about me and the story behind Ben and Cocoa.

Why am I a maker and a jeweller?

Probably because of my dad. When I was growing up, if we wanted or needed something, he made it. My brother wanted a speedboat, so he built one — and we water-skied behind it for years. The same with a go-kart. When I wanted a “RAM pack” for my ZX81, my dad made that too. I was fascinated by the process of learning skills and turning ideas into something real.

Years later, when my wonderful wife wanted a fingerprint necklace after our son was born in 2006, I wondered how they were made. I learned how to do it, made one… then another… and I was completely hooked. I taught myself to solder cufflink settings, gradually built my skills, and discovered what would become my true craft.

Today, I still love every part of the process — the fire, the hammering, the sawing, the shaping — and especially the transformation from raw metal into something delicate, personal, and beautiful.

Jewellery is my main passion, but it isn’t my only one. I also enjoy working with leather, wood turning, warm glass, and more. You’ll see many of these influences throughout my work. You can also watch me make on YouTube at youtube.com/steveerhardt, where I share behind-the-scenes videos and even a few tutorials if you’d like to try making something yourself.

Where does the name “Ben and Cocoa” come from?

Ben and Cocoa are our dog and cat.

Ben is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Pomeranian, and he is an absolute delight. He loves nothing more than long walks with the family or a lazy lie-in on the bed.

Cocoa is a Ragdoll with a big personality. Her particular talent is inventing new ways to wake us up at 6 am for breakfast.

Together, they remind me every day that the best things in life are simple, personal, and made with love — exactly what I try to put into every piece of jewellery I create.