One-Of-A-Kind Skull Link Necklace

I created this beauty for Esqueleto's two year anniversary party.  I'm really pleased with how it came out, and quite honestly if no one snatches it up, I'll happily hang on to it myself!  The skulls are oxidized silver with white diamonds connected by 14k gold rivets.  The party is happening tonight from 6-9 during which you can view all of the specially created skull themed pieces by Esqueleto's amazing array of designers, as well as Chloe Aftel's work.

always

I recently created this sweet understated take on a mother's necklace.  The twins initials are stamped onto a silver disk with a gold bezel and pretty diamond.  I hope she will never take it off!

beauty

I adore this version of the twig ring in 18k yellow gold with diamonds nested on either side of the center stone.  Congratulations to the lucky lady that received this beauty!

how sweet it is

This ring has the most darling story behind it.  The client approached me because he knew his girlfriend would love my twig ring.  He then had the wonderful idea to make her a custom ring cast from a branch he sourced from the backyard of her childhood home.  I thought this was the sweetest idea and loved being in on the secret.  In fact, he snuck all the way down to Southern California to the house she grew up in to pull it off!  He wanted a dainty vintage feel, so we went with a beautiful princess cut diamond.  She was wonderfully surprised and he can now call her his fiancé.  I want to start offering this customization service to others as well.  Have a favorite place that you can pluck a small branch from?  Turn it into a gorgeous custom ring that she'll never forget.  Contact me if you're interested in making your very own special ring.

all mine

Things have been very busy, as they so often are around the holidays, and even more so when you make something that people want to buy to give for the holidays.

Last week I had a moment to breathe and I decided it was about time that I make my engagement ring.

My fiancé took my advice (good boy) when he proposed and did so with what will become by wedding band. I had my Grammy's gorgeous diamond that I wanted to use, and seriously....trying to find a jeweler the engagement ring of her dreams? Good luck.

My ring is inspired by the heavy Egyptian influence during the Art Deco design period after the discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922. I've always been fascinated by the mystery that surrounded the excavation, as well as the allure of far away places.

I hand carved my ring in wax and then cast it in 18k yellow gold, my absolute favorite. Two pyramids capture the bezel set diamond, flanked by slithering snakes with diamonds in their heads. Just strangely awesome enough for my taste.

Ahhh, to be in love!

11/11/11

The amazing couple for whom I made these wedding bands got married on 11/11/11. Best wedding day ever, I'm a tad jealous.

Hers is a simple yellow gold band with diamonds that descend and radiate out from the center stone on her engagement ring when placed on top.

His is my shipwreck wood texture band in a masculine weight with a slight wave.

I love how they weren't concerned about matching, but rather getting a ring that fit their individual personality.

I'm a big believer in choosing a ring that YOU love. After all, you're the one that is going to wear it always and forever.

Sparklers

I have a confession. I don't wear jewelry everyday. Most days I'm dirty and covered in metal dust or polishing compound and wearing jewelry just doesn't make sense. There have been countless times when, running frantically from the studio to complete an errand in record time, I have been caught. A jewelry designer not wearing jewelry. Busted.

But these? I would wear these daily, or more like never part from them.

That was the general idea behind this recent custom project. A pair so lovely and sparkly that you can't help but want them on your ears at all times. Also, a pair so petite and lightweight that they will be enjoyed instead of nestled snugly in a jewelry box.

These scattered diamond hoops turned out just as I had hoped and may even make an appearance in my permanent collection.

starry night...

This recent commissioned piece was inspired by Van Gogh's classic Starry Night painting. I used various sizes of diamonds and Australian Sapphires in this totally unique cigar band. It was so much fun carving the swirls and striations into the metal. I really just let myself go and be creative with this one, and i'm so glad I did.

it's not easy...

Custom design, that is. But, it in the end it is so worth it. I had the chance to work with an amazing couple recently that I was very excited to design for.

The process of custom work generally begins with a lot of back and forth and sketches and quotes and decisions. I'm always really nervous when I actually start creating the piece(s). I sort of dread that time between starting to make something and actually seeing it take shape-the unknown, I guess.

In the end I'm usually very pleased with what I've created, but the nerves seep in again when it is time to present to a client. Wedding jewelry is so important. Will they like it? Will they love it? Will the size be just perfect?

This client was ecstatic when I presented her with her reworked engagement ring, and nothing makes me happier.

Her ring and band were inspired by one of the couple's favorite places, a river in the wilderness that they hold dear to their heart. Her rings in white gold capture the movement of water in the subtlest of ways.

His band is a good solid men's hammered ring in yellow gold.

I'm in love.

love & marriage...

I recently made this set of bands for a Bay Area couple that got married at the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park. Um, hello? How awesome is that? If I could get married anywhere it would be at a museum, the OMCA to be precise.

I love how the raised part of her band wraps around the ring like a blade of grass. It looks good from any angle. The diamonds add an extra bit of specialness. I also made pretty little gifts for the bridesmaids, so stay tuned to see those.

transformation

I think that proposing to the love of your life with a ring that has previously belonged to a loved one is oh-so-sweet. But, sometimes said ring needs a little update to become a dream ring.

I recently gave this pretty estate piece a makeover and its owner was one happy lady.

the ring originally had a wide straight band. I laid out the pattern and went to town.Voila! Pretty vintage ring with a sweet modern touch.

all together now...

As a general rule, "family" jewelry (mother's rings and necklaces where a birthstone represents each child/grandchild) is hideous. The idea, however, is quite good. I'm all about jewelry having meaning to the wearer, but it has to be pretty too, right? This custom necklace is meaningful and pretty. The two rings signify the union of marriage and four little diamonds twinkle, one for each little darling in the family. It's wonderfully classic with a long opera length chain that adds a modern twist.

love grows

I've pretty much fallen in love with every engagement ring I have created thus far. This one in particular really stole my heart. There comes a point in the design process where grand ideas must be translated into a piece of jewelry that is wearable. This is most important with an engagement ring because it is worn always and forever. This piece really nails that delicate balance. The ring was created to look as much like a tree branch as possible without being too literal. It is earthy and organic without compromising a modern sophisticated elegance. Not to mention, the diamond-wow! The ring has moved on to its new happy home, but that doesn't mean I'm not still dreaming about it....

what a pair!

I'm in loooove with this set of custom wedding bands I created! They compliment each other without being too matchy-matchy. Hers features an organic texture and beautiful diamonds all the way around. His is oxidized silver in the center (cast from a piece of fan coral) with textured white gold sides that mimic her band.

Visit her engagement ring here

pretty little necklaces all in a row...

One of my oldest and dearest friends got married recently, and as my gift I created these dainty little silver and diamond necklaces for all of the girlies in the wedding party. On the back of each is engraved "J+C" in reference to the bride and groom. They looked fantastic with our lovely floor-length dresses and pearl stud earrings & bracelets.