holiday preview

I've been working hard to update the website with so many pretty new pieces!  As with most things in life, it's taking a tad longer than I had hoped, so here is a little look at what will be online in time for holiday shopping!

14k gold & diamond stargazer bar ring $725

sterling silver & diamond stargazer triple drop earrings $350

14k & diamond weathered bar necklace $650

assorted diamond weathered bands $210-$495

oxidized sterling silver diamond scale earrings $495

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.

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....

concrete cuffs

New cuff bracelets! Cuffs are my favorite because they stay put on your wrist and whatever is suppose to be showing (the diamond, in this case) stays visible. The concrete cuff bracelet features clean lines and a slightly rough and rugged surface inspired by city streets. The matte silver and oxidized silver look oh-so-cool when layered. I've been wearing these daily-I cannot get enough! They will be showcased in the Marin Store's November catalog, but if you simply cannot wait until then, contact me and I'll see what I can do :)

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.

blossom stackers for spring!

New blossom stackers-spring has sprung! You'll find a diamond nestled in the center of every one. Mini coin stackers too in 14k gold and silver with a diamond. Sure, one looks great, but the more the merrier. After all that is the idea with stackers.

Lovely Ladies Layer Their Sarah Swell Necklaces...

I recently sent Taylor of Sterling Style a selection of my Treasure Coin and Flotsam & Jetsam necklaces to sport on her amazing blog. I adore Taylor's style and was happy to see her wear them with an array of outfits. These pieces are not really of the statement variety, but more the kind of jewelry that you reach for every day. The kind of jewelry that becomes part of you, that you wear-instead of it wearing you. As Taylor demonstrates, these delicate pieces go with any outfit under the sun. Even more importantly, they go with life.

Check out the original post here

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