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.

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.

jewelry crush: Tiger Glyn

As a designer, of course I admire other designers. Currently crushing on the rings stocked by London based Tiger Glyn Jewellery. The gallery carries the work of many designers, although unfortunately they are not listed next to their pieces of art. So, I'm afraid I'll have to share these beauties sans creator. Whomever you are, you're amazing.

The Alchemists

It feels so good getting press. Its like all the hard work I've bee doing is validated in some small way.

This feature in 7x7 Magazine, a really amazing lifestyle publication in San Francisco, is especially sweet. I have my own little write up and am quoted in the main text. See #2.

Check out my featured Ridgeback rings at sarahswell.com

...just a little teaser

A tiny glimpse of what's to come. Ridgeback rings!

another lovely customer...

Annie, an amazingly talented photographer, wears my slice stacking rings as her wedding set-how clever! She's also a fan of my Weathered Locket, which she purchased at the Sarah Swell trunk show held over the summer at Stephen Gallant Jewelers. You look beautiful Annie! Rock on!

You can view Annie's photography on her website

bejeweled customers

For some time now I've been wanting to photograph and share the amazing variety of lovely customers that wear my jewelry. What better time to start than the present? Up first is the stunning Catie who wears 5 of my worry stone stacking rings all one one slender finger. She's bright like sunshine and wears these delicate rings so well.

Stay tuned to see more real people decked out in Sarah Swell Jewelry.

Find Catie's worry stone stackers here

Ring Envy

As a jewelry designer, I pay a lot of attention to what other jewelry designers are doing. I have been quite taken for quite some time with Israeli-born goldsmith Daphna Simon. The weighty luxury of Simon's 18 karat sculptural pieces is almost palatable.

I want them on me. Now, please.