My work as a custom jeweler offers me the opportunity to go where my imagination may not naturally go on it's own. It is a unique collaboration where a person entrusts me with their collected gems and dreams of a one-of-a-kind heirloom piece.My most recently completed project was a particular joy for me to create. The client is a lovely lady who I've enjoyed a warm relationship with for years. We share a passion for beautiful jewelry and have enjoyed exploring the latest fashions in the cases of The Diamond Cellar.
Her visit to the store one afternoon this summer was the beginning of this most enjoyable project. She arrived, as many customers do, with a sandwich bag of old rings and half pairs of long forgotten earrings set with sapphires and diamonds. She had seen some vintage style jewelry in a recent fashion magazine and had fallen in love with the idea of a "spray" brooch.
I would never have thought to create a brooch because they have not been a much requested item, but think they are fabulous. They can add great drama to an outfit! It was a lively conversation and a quick game of "tic, tac, toe" where we drew out rough sketches to make sure we were on the same page. From the notes I made that day, I made a formal rendering to scale, giving her a solid view of what I was planning.
I loved the whimsy of the curving lines and the challenge of organizing the mismatched gems. I loved designing an object that reflected the richness of a bygone era. Best of all was the response last week from my client when she came in for the final unveiling. There is no question that we worked together to create this beautiful brooch and without her as the catalyst I'd have never had the opportunity to walk that path!
