The Process

 

I use both fabrication and lost-wax casting methods to create a piece of jewelry.  I work in both gold and silver, and strive to accommodate both aesthetics and functionality.  I want my work to be not only beautiful, but enduring.

 

We Meet and Discuss Your Desired Design

 

I will meet with my clients and as we discuss what you would like, I am sketching, measuring, and taking notes.   I often meet with my clients more than once, to have them choose gemstones or other materials, approve designs, and discuss cost. However, if your location or schedule does not allow for this, we can discuss details through Skype, email and/or telephone conversations.    Designs evolve a number of ways: through design components desired by my client, through functionality needs, and often by the existing gemstones and building materials I will need to use.

 

Design Prototype for Visualization

 

Typically, a piece is built around the gemstones or a defining design element , to the scale or size desired.  As a result, I am able to show you a prototype of your ring, in the form of a wax carving, prior to casting, or a drawing to scale with your gemstones, so that you will be able to visualize the final piece of jewelry before you agree to it’s production.

 

 

Develop and Finalize Piece

 

Everything I do is made by hand, with great attention to detail.  With fabrication, I am building the piece with sheet, wire, and other components, typically using my torch and solder, and then setting stones and polishing.  Casting is a multi-stage task, involving carving a wax model, making a temporary mold, pouring the molten metal, and then proceeding to additional building, stone setting, and polishing. Both forms of production are effective, but each produces a different type of final form.

 

 

Deliver Your Custom Jewelry

 

This is probably my favorite phase of the process...to see my clients' faces when they see, for the first time, their finished piece. What this job allows me to do is to design artwork specifically for my clients that is meaningful to them and can be worn forever.