This piece was the perfect redesign project. We started with a bracelet given from my Client’s father to her mother. My Client recalled that it was one of the first gifts that her dad gave to her mom when they were just starting out together. When a piece already has a story behind it, it makes the project that much more special. The cool part about this piece is that it contained a whole bunch of oval-shaped rhodalite garnet gemstones, bursting with this beautifully rich raspberry color. We knew that this was going to be something very special, so we immediately began on the design plan. Read on to see more about how this Rhodalite Redesign came to life.
A nesting trio
Interestingly enough, this Client has been an avid collector of my pieces, so for her design we wanted to do something unique to highlight the garnet and give her something that is unlikely to be found in my “ready-to-purchase” collections. The Client mentioned that she loves a wide band, so we started there. In order to use her materials in the best way possible, we came up with this idea to create a “nesting” trio of the rhodalite garnets at the center of the ring. The best way to accomplish that from my end was to use CAD (computer-aided design) to specifically form out this customized setting. My Client is also quite fond of two-toned metals, so with that in mind, we decided to cast the gemstone setting in 14K yellow gold and utilize 14K yellow gold accents on the side of the ring, to add to the pop.
There’s no such thing as too much sparkle
As you can see from the above image, we started building the band by giving it waves and texture in a width that is sure to make a statement. Then I started the process of installing the custom setting and adding the accents in 14K yellow gold on the sides. We were undecided as to whether we should leave the accents in plain 14K yellow gold or incorporate a few diamonds inside the gold accents for a little extra sparkle. After a quick check-in with my client, the diamond sparkle was a “go”, which made me so happy!
The perfect shape
Once the fabrication was complete, I was excited to see how well this two-toned beauty was coming out and through rounds and rounds of polishing, she finally started taking her rightful shape. After carefully adding the diamonds, the piece really started to pop. Now all that was left was to set the three rhodolite garnet stones in the center.
A stunning vision
I love it when a piece finally starts coming together. I could tell even before setting the garnets, that this was going to be a stunner. It makes me so excited to see a vision that's in my head come to real life in 3D. Once the piece was set, it was time for several rounds of cleanup and then off to the video and photographic part of the process.
Rich raspberry rhodalite
Here she is! My Client was so happy with the results and I couldn't be more pleased with how this Rhodalite Redesign project came to life. She's full of sentiment, a unique aesthetic and a pop of rich raspberry color that is to die for! The best part about this project, there are still more rhodalite garnet gems left for this Client to create additional pieces with. You know how much I love to reuse gemstones...I wonder what her next project will be?
"A long-time admirer and collector of Kristen's beautiful works, I knew she would be the perfect person to help me with a special re-design! I've been hanging onto a piece of my mother's jewelry for awhile; a traditional bracelet given to her by my dad early in their marriage, I couldn't part with the sentimental piece but wanted to give it an "upgrade" to incorporate it into my own style- and be able to enjoy it more often! I am so thankful for Kristen's creativity and patience throughout the process; she channeled my input and personal style and used her design expertise to create a piece more perfect than I could have ever imagined! I am beyond thrilled with how this ring turned out, and it brings back the happiest memories when I wear it! It was fun to share the redesign with my parents- my mom immediately knew the stones, and I love hearing the story of this gift, over and over! With a few gemstones left from the original bracelet, I can't wait to see what gorgeous pieces we create with the remainder!" -SM
Do you have a redesign in mind? Or maybe some materials laying around that you're just not sure what to do with? Reach out and let's chat! I love creating new pieces using sentimental materials and welcome your challenge any day!
