Cast-in-Place: How I Created the Organic "Floating" Rough Diamond Ring

Artist’s Note: The Fire off the Bench

"Creating a Cast-in-Place ring is not for the faint of heart. In this process, I don't just set the diamond after the ring is finished; I place the stone directly into the wax model and cast them together.

This means the diamond must withstand the intense heat of the molten 14k gold. It is a high-risk technique—not every stone survives the thermal shock. But for the ones that do, the reward is magical. The gold contracts as it cools, locking the stone in a permanent, organic embrace that traditional prongs can never mimic. It creates a bond where the stone and the metal truly become one."  

— Dawn Vertrees

A one-of-a-kind "Floating Diamond" ring,
featuring a 4.2ct rough diamond cast-in-place within
14k solid rose gold hand-carved leaves.


The Fire & The Stone

Large Floating Raw Rough Diamond Engagement Ring in 14k Rose Gold, Antiqued Finish.

Introducing our floating diamond concept, a fresh take on traditional prong settings. I'm so excited to explore new possibilities with rough and faceted diamonds including ruby and sapphire gemstones.

Creative Process: Hand sculpted wax model using the lost wax process.

Cast-in-place: A process where the stone and the wax model I create is cast simultaneously in solid gold. The stone and metal become one thing, making the one-of-a-kind piece each time.

Material: 14k Solid Rose Gold

Finish: Polished with an antique finish.

Gemstone: 4.2ct Natural Rough Diamond

Gemstone Color: White/Light Silver Color

Ring Height: 8mm

Ring Length: 12.5mm

Bottom Band Width: 3.54mm

15 Years on Etsy... Now Growing Our Own Roots

Riverbend Pendant

 We have been planting seeds on Etsy since 2011. Now, it is time to grow in our own garden.

After 15 years, we are moving our jewelry collection to our own dedicated website.

Why the move? We want to move away from algorithms and get back to what matters: a direct connection with you.

By shopping on our own site, you support our small business directly and ensure our "roots" stay strong for years to come.

Come visit our new home:

Link: WWW.DVJEWELRYDESIGNS.COM

The Riverbend Set: Nature’s Texture in Silver

Living here in the foothills of North Carolina, my inspiration often comes from simply looking down at the forest floor or walking along the creek. There is a quiet beauty in the way fallen twigs and branches weave together at the water's edge.

For this design, I wanted to capture that exact texture—the rough bark, the organic curves, and the strength of nature.

Riverbend Sterling Silver Twig Pendant
by Dawn Vertrees

The Riverbend Pendant I created this pendant using the lost-wax casting method. I hand-carved the wax model to mimic the texture of driftwood and branches, weaving the silver to cradle the center stone. It feels ancient and grounded, like a piece of the woods you can keep with you.

Riverbend Sterling Silver Branch Earrings

The Riverbend Earrings To complement the pendant, I designed these earrings to look like curved branches found along the riverbank. They have an open, hoop-like feel but with an organic, uneven silhouette that frames the face beautifully. They are cast in solid sterling silver but are designed to be lightweight enough for everyday wear.

As always, these are hand-finished right here in my studio in NC.

Slowing Down for the Details: A Preview of What’s Next

I know we are approaching the season of hearts and chocolates, but this year, I have decided to step back from the Valentine’s Day rush. Instead of hurrying, I am taking a few extra weeks to truly immerse myself in the design process.

I believe that good things take time, and "perfect" takes a little longer. I am currently spending my days at the bench, fine-tuning the wax models for a brand-new release coming in late February. I want to make sure every curve of the branch and every gill under the mushroom caps is exactly right before they go to casting.

The new Mushroom & Fern pendant, hand-carved
and cast in solid Sterling Silver with a light oxidation finish to highlight the textures.

First Look: The Mushroom & Fern Series I am particularly excited to introduce this first set. Nature is, as always, my guide, but these pieces feel a bit more like a storybook coming to life.

I’m starting with a new pendant where I’ve carved a cluster of tiny mushrooms sprouting along one side, balanced by a detailed fern frond on the other. It frames the stone like a hidden window into the forest floor. I’ve also designed matching earrings that feature those same mushrooms climbing up a textured branch.

Forest Floor Mushroom & Twig Pendant Necklace

The Twig & Branch Designs To complement the mushrooms, I’ve been refining a series of organic twig designs. These are all about the flow of the wood—the way vines and branches naturally weave to protect what they hold.

I am working on a few variations of this pendant. Some are intricate and woven, while others are cleaner and more open. I’ve also created a pair of simple, elegant twig earrings with a gentle curve that will be perfect for everyday wear.

Matching organic branch earrings featuring
tiny sprouting mushrooms, cast in Sterling Silver.

The Finishing Touches When these are ready in late February, they will be cast in solid Sterling Silver. I plan to finish them with a light oxidation. This is my favorite way to bring organic jewelry to life—the darkness settles into the deep crevices of the bark texture and the details of the ferns, making the silver pop and revealing all the hard work I'm putting into these waxes right now.

Thank you for your patience while I refine these new creations. I can’t wait to show you the finished results!

New Release: The Oxidized Twig Ring with 1.8ct Rough Diamond

 Embracing the Forest

Our newest one-of-a-kind creation: An oxidized sterling silver twig ring featuring a cast-in-place 1.8ct rough diamond, designed to perfectly match our signature pendant.

We are thrilled to unveil the newest one-of-a-kind creation from DV Jewelry. Designed as the perfect companion to our beloved twig pendant, this ring is a true testament to organic beauty.

 The design that started it all: Our signature oxidized silver twig pendant, the perfect companion to the new ring.

Handcrafted in sterling silver with a rustic oxidized finish, the branch-like setting is cast directly around a stunning 1.8ct rough diamond. This unique "cast-in-place" technique ensures that the stone is securely cradled by the metal, making each ring truly unique.

Behind the Scenes:
Carving the Wax Model for the Cast-in-Place Ring

Coming Soon!

We hope you love this new addition to our collection as much as we do!

Check back soon for availability.

The Palette of an Artist: The Artist's Palette and Nature's Signature

"This image perfectly illustrates my philosophy: the gold smear was created with a palette knife, treating precious metal just as a painter treats paint on a canvas. It is the signature of an artist inspired by nature."

🌳

While I work with precious metals and gemstones, the traditional title of "jeweler" has never felt like the complete picture of what I do. When people see my work, like the piece in the image above, I explain that I see myself as an artist whose medium happens to be jewelry.

The image below the ring perfectly illustrates my philosophy. The gold smear, created with a painter's palette knife, symbolizes my sculptural approach to the craft. Just as a painter uses brushes to create a painting on canvas, I use carving tools to sculpt intricate details in wax. To me, that wax is simply my paint, and nature is my inspiration. 

My designs are different from the symmetrical, traditional pieces you often find in standard jewelry stores. They are wearable sculptures inspired by raw, untamed beauty.

Wearing a DV design is like wearing a tiny, intricate piece of art where you can see organic details that are unique to my hand-carved process.

Nature's Embrace: The Twig Weave Collection

Additional pictures and prices

Hand-sculpted sterling silver Twig Weave Earrings inspired by organic forms,
natural textures, and flowing woodland design.

Introducing the Twig Weave Collection

Twig Weave Earrings – Hand Sculpted in Sterling Silver

These Twig Weave Earrings were born from the quiet rhythm of nature — the way branches cross, bend, and grow together without force or symmetry. Hand sculpted one line at a time, each curve follows an intuitive path, just as vines weave through the forest understory.

The design balances strength and delicacy: slender sterling silver twigs intertwine in an open, airy weave that feels light on the ear while still carrying presence. Subtle organic texture captures the raw beauty of bark and branch, allowing light to move gently across the surface as the earrings sway.

No two pairs are ever exactly the same. Each piece reflects the moment it was created, carrying the emotion, movement, and intention of the process. These earrings are meant to be felt — a quiet connection to growth, grounding, and the natural world.

Perfect for everyday wear or as a meaningful statement, the Twig Weave Earrings are for those who are drawn to nature-inspired jewelry that feels alive, personal, and deeply rooted in craftsmanship.

Hand sculpted • Cast in sterling silver • Nature-inspired, one-of-a-kind design.

​Height: 37mm, approx 1.46" inches

​Width: 11mm, approx 0.43" inches

​So, the dimensions are approximately 1.46" x 0.43" each.

New matching Twig Weave Pendant
available in 2 weeks.

Polished Sterling Silver with a light oxidation.

Hand-sculpted sterling silver Twig Weave Earrings inspired by organic forms, natural textures, and flowing woodland design.

Polished Sterling Silver.

Twig Weave Earrings — hand-sculpted in sterling silver, inspired by nature’s quiet rhythm and the beauty of organic growth.

 

Unveiling the "Banyan Collection": Roots of Inspiration for Spring

The final Banyan Collection design, featuring the intricate,
woven root shank in antique rose gold, set with a stunning light blue aquamarine.
Launching Spring 2026.

 Unveiling the "Banyan Collection": Roots of Inspiration for Spring

Today, we're thrilled to introduce a design that truly embodies the heart of our craft: the Banyan Collection, set for our Spring Release. This collection is a deeply personal exploration of nature's enduring strength and intricate beauty, born from an imagination that finds wonder in the world around us.

The Banyan is a big tree, known for its aerial roots that grow down
from the branches to form new trunks.

The inspiration for this design is the majestic Banyan tree, which first sparked our original design journey. When living in Florida, the sight of the Banyan's powerful, flowing aerial roots back in 2003 inspired the very first concept for our signature leaf motif.

This new collection returns to that original source. Its aerial roots, gracefully descending and intertwining, create a dance of growth and resilience. This natural artistry sparked a vision—a ring that would mirror this organic complexity, a wearable sculpture that tells a story of connection and strength, moving beyond the traditional leaf to the foundational root structure itself.

My First Sketch

It began with a quick simple sketch, a moment where the intricate network of Banyan roots took form on paper.

The Vision Realized

After refining the initial concept with the help of advanced visualization tools, we are proud to introduce the final piece. The design features a densely woven network of Banyan-inspired roots, emphasizing texture and organic flow, beautifully capturing the original vision:

Details of the Banyan Ring

Metal: 14k Rose Gold with an Antique Finish

Center Stone: Oval, faceted Light Blue Aquamarine

Design: Intricately carved, interwoven root structure inspired by the Banyan tree's complex support system.

Release: Available this Spring.

We invite you to celebrate the natural elegance and powerful story behind the Banyan Collection. Stay tuned for the official launch date!

Skeeter: The Sterling Silver Tree Frog Pendant - A Little Warrior of Resilience and Luck

Skeeter is ready to leap!
Our hand-sculpted Sterling Silver Tree Frog Pendant,
designed with a hidden bail for a seamless look.

🐸

"This little tree frog is just too cute! His name is Skeeter. I sculpted this little tree frog as if he was ready to jump at whatever came his way... a mosquito, a moth, or that pesky little fly."

Skeeter is more than jewelry; he is a tiny, fierce warrior, hand-sculpted with passion to represent transformation, resilience, and luck. Wear him as your daily talisman, reminding you to be ready to leap at life's opportunities!

Etsy Shop

Why Skeeter is Special:

Original Artistry: Every detail was lovingly sculpted by hand in wax, ensuring his personality and life-like texture shine through.

Heirloom Quality: Cast in solid Sterling Silver (or 14K Gold options) using the traditional lost wax method, Skeeter is a treasure built to last for generations.

Focus on Design: The custom bail is hidden discreetly under his hand, ensuring the focus remains entirely on Skeeter's beautiful, ready-to-jump sculpture.

The stunning details of Skeeter! Close-up view of the
Sterling Silver Tree Frog Pendant, showing his expressive face and textured feet.

Product Details:

Size: Approximately 2 inches tall (from hand to toe) and 1 5/8 inches wide.

Material: Sterling Silver (shown). Also available in 14K Yellow Gold or 14K White Gold.

Finish: High Polished.

Bail: Hidden under his hand.

Want to see more of the creative process? Please visit my Blog: http://www.dawnvertrees.com/