Saturday, December 13, 2025

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

14k rose gold ring with antique finish. The band is intricately woven like banyan tree roots. It holds a large oval light blue aquamarine gemstone.

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 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


Sterling Silver Tree Frog Pendant, Skeeter, lying flat showing artistic detail and texture.
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.

Close-up of a hand-sculpted, high-polished Sterling Silver Tree Frog pendant on a light background.
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/

Thursday, December 11, 2025

The Dogwood Serenade


Dogwood hand created in wax using the lost wax method
Dogwood Wax Model


Cast Dogwood Necklace using the lost wax method.
Dogwood Necklace
Cast in Sterling Silver

When words failed, the North Carolina Dogwood spoke for me. This intricate wax design from January 2008 is a perfect example of my visual language.

💮

 This photo captures the very essence of my passion: the raw wax carving for the North Carolina Dogwood flower, created back in January 2008. This delicate shaping process is my true language.

Unlike the clamor of the hammer, the quiet, meticulous work of lost wax sculpting allowed my hands to perfectly translate the gentle curve of each petal and the smooth texture of the berries. It is a piece born directly from the peace and quiet poetry of the foothills.

Over a thousand wax designs have flowed from my fingers over twenty years, but this Dogwood remains a cherished sentence in my visual diary—a constant reminder of the gift I was given in the woods.

Which natural beauty from your childhood holds the deepest memory?

 — Dawn, Sculpting Stories Since 2004.


Wednesday, December 10, 2025

An Ole to Flow: Sculpting the Riverbend Creek Ring


I am thrilled to announce the launch of a brand new design series that is deeply personal and incredibly detailed, starting right here on the drawing board. This design has been brewing for a while, and it's time to translate the beauty of an idea into the precision of a wearable sculpture.


Part One

🍃

Introducing: The Riverbend Creek Collection

Every piece I create needs a name that captures its essence, its origins, and its movement. This collection is called The Riverbend Creek Collection.


The name is a nod to the flowing, sinuous lines of the leaves and vines that weave around the center stone, mimicking the curves of a creek winding through the landscape. More personally, it honors my roots in the foothills of the North Carolina mountains—a place of rich, natural, and enduring beauty. The "creek" represents the steady, organic movement I strive to capture in the metal.


From Idea to Pencil

Right now, my workspace is set up to capture the design's intricate "flow." This is where the magic begins—where the design is first translated from a mental image to paper. I am using my sketching tools to map out the exact dimensions and the graceful movement of the metalwork.

My Studio


The sketch I just completed establishes the foundation for the entire ring, ensuring that the final wax model will have that perfect, hand-sculpted quality. This initial drawing dictates the precise path of every stem and the placement of every tiny diamond accent, all flowing naturally toward the star of the show.


The Riverbend Creek Collection
Sketch


The Heart of the Creek: Alexandrite

Anchoring this flowing design will be a magnificent 6 x 8mm Oval Lab-Created Alexandrite. I keep the stone right here on my desk as I sketch because its unique personality dictates the dimensions of the entire setting. In the next few posts, I'll share why this specific USA-made gemstone—with its incredible color-change magic—is the perfect choice for the warmth of our chosen metal.


Stay tuned! The sketch is done. Next, we will dive into the materials—the beautiful 14k Rose Gold sourced from our Upstate New York refinery—and the Light Antique finish that will bring the Riverbend Creek design to life.


Monday, December 8, 2025

The Permanent Embrace: Where Imperfection Becomes Heirloom


 


For over 20 years, my work has centered on one philosophy: recognizing the profound, untamed beauty in the rough diamond. My process doesn't seek to polish away the history of the stone; it seeks to honor it. This is how the story of my one-of-a-kind, cast-in-place designs begins.

​When I first hold one of these rough, uncut diamonds, my heart sees not flaws, but opportunity. I look for all of the unique imperfections—the natural ridges and valleys—where I can invite the little Twigs to begin their work.

​The organic gold lines of the setting are more than just a frame; they are arms.


"The secret to enduring beauty lies in the hold"





My cast-in-place technique offers unrivaled security. As the metal solidifies, it gently shrinks around the rough diamond, creating a 'hard grasp' that traditional prongs simply cannot replicate. This isn't just a setting; it's a permanent union, ensuring your treasure is held tight, forever."

This ensures the light captures every facet of the uncut diamond, allowing it to sparkle and move freely. It is a constant reminder that beauty is authentic, effortless, and always catching the light, just like the wearer.

This is more than jewelry; it is a shared emotional connection, backed by 20 years of artisan mastery.


Rough Diamond Earrings


Available upon request.

Sunday, December 7, 2025

Twig Weave Collection: Organic Jewelry Inspired by Nature



Announcing the "Twig Weave Collection" by DV Jewelry Designs 
Coming Soon!
We are absolutely thrilled to give you a sneak peek at something truly special we've been crafting here at DV Jewelry Designs. 

Get ready to fall in love with our upcoming "Twig Weave Collection", a celebration of nature's delicate beauty and enduring strength, meticulously translated into wearable art.


 

​The Soul of the Setting: Crafting Unique Gemstone Rings with Lost-Wax Sculpture



Every gemstone ring in my collection begins in the quiet corner of my studio, carved entirely by hand in jeweler’s wax. Unlike mass-produced settings, each piece is sculpted as a tiny work of art — textured, organic, and designed to honor the gemstone it holds.


The Art of Wax Sculpting

I use traditional lost-wax methods to sculpt each ring. Every curve, bark texture, root, vine, or petal is shaped one stroke at a time.

Once I’m satisfied with the sculpture, it is molded so the original wax can be preserved forever — allowing me to recreate the design in sterling silver, gold, or platinum without ever losing detail.


This process gives each ring a soul.

Nothing is computer-generated. Nothing is generic.

Just real craftsmanship — from my hands to yours.


Featured Gemstone Ring: Hand-Carved Botanical Setting


This wax model is part of my Gemstone Ring Collection — a design that grew naturally as I carved the branches upward to cradle the stone. The structure is organic and strong, just like the trees and vines that inspire my work.



Features:

Hand-carved branch setting

Sculpted organic textures

Molded to preserve the original design

Castable in silver, gold, or platinum

Perfect for gemstones with character — raw, rose-cut, or faceted


View available gemstone rings here:

👉 Etsy

👉Shopify

Why My Gemstone Rings Are Different


No CAD

No prefabricated settings

No shortcuts

Every ring carries the mark of the artist

Every piece begins with sculpture, not software


Collectors often tell me they can feel the “life” in my designs — the movement, the natural flow, the organic lines.

That is the result of creating art first… and jewelry second.


Explore More


✨ View my full collection of gemstone rings

✨ Discover raw and uncut diamond designs

✨ Learn about the lost-wax process in my studio updates

Friday, December 5, 2025

Nature's Embrace: Unveiling the Twig Weave Collection



Unveiling the Twig Weave Collection

Welcome to the newest expression of our passion for nature-inspired design: The Twig Weave Collection. This line is born from the profound inspiration found in the enduring, interwoven structure of the forest—specifically, the resilient curves of vines and the strong, beautiful texture of old branches.

Every piece in this collection captures the delicate balance between wild, organic beauty and refined craftsmanship, celebrating life's interconnectedness and the strength found in nature's embrace.

What sets the Twig Weave Collection apart is its foundation in the meticulous process of lost-wax carving. Unlike jewelry that starts in a computer program, each curve, texture, and leaf you see began as a detailed wax model, carrying the signature and soul of the artisan from the very first moment.

🍃

The Twig Weave Moss Agate Pendant

The heart of the new collection is this breathtaking Twig Weave Pendant, cast in rich 14k Rose Gold with an Antique Finish. The interwoven branches of the setting flow organically around a magnificent Moss Agate Cabochon.


The Symbolism of Moss Agate:We chose Moss Agate for its deep connection to the Earth and its powerful symbolism of growth, new beginnings, and abundance. Its stunning internal patterns—a miniature, natural landscape—perfectly mirror the Twig Weave design, reminding the wearer of the vibrant life and deep roots that sustain them. 



The Twig Weave Earrings

Complementing the Twig Weave pendant and rings, the matching earrings offer a touch of organic elegance.

These delicate drop earrings are cast in warming 14k Rose Gold and finished with the subtle depth of our Antique Finish. The design mirrors the intertwined branches of the rest of the collection, creating small, beautiful vignettes of nature suspended from the ear.

Secured with classic and comfortable leverbacks, these earrings feature the same meticulous, hand-carved detail you see in the rings, ensuring the organic texture and dimensionality are fully present. They are designed to be light, graceful, and a timeless accent that beautifully connects the wearer to the natural world.


Design and Finish 

The pendant's design is an ode to endurance and protection. The intertwining twig setting acts as a protective shield for the stone, symbolizing the way nature supports and nurtures life. The warmth of the 14k Rose Gold, enhanced by the deep shadows and contrast of the antique finish, gives the piece an ancient, treasured quality that feels passed down through generations. This is more than an accessory; it is a wearable piece of the forest, beautifully refined for everyday elegance.

Every design was personally hand-carved by artist Dawn Vertrees.



This hands-on process ensures that every piece is truly unique, possessing a dimensionality and organic flow that cannot be replicated by machines. It is here, in the dark blue wax, that the piece's journey from concept to wearable art begins.

Twig Weave Wedding Set

The essence of the Twig Weave Collection culminates in our exquisite bridal designs—pieces crafted to symbolize enduring commitment and intertwined futures.

The Solitaire Engagement Ring & Wedding Band

"Coming Soon"

This spectacular set features a brilliant 1 Carat popular shaped white diamond solitaire held aloft by a setting that flawlessly embodies the Twig Weave design.

Cast in radiant Sterling Silver with an Oxidation Finish, the ring’s band forms a natural, organic cradle. The branches not only secure the diamond but flow around it, representing two lives beautifully intertwining and supporting one another through all seasons. The depth provided by the oxidation finish highlights every hand-sculpted detail, giving the ring a cherished, heirloom quality right from the start.


The Men's Twig Weave Band

Completing the set, the Men's Twig Weave Band carries the same organic texture, offering a rugged yet sophisticated complement to the solitaire ring. Rendered in substantial Sterling Silver with a rich Oxidation Finish, the band is a simple yet powerful declaration of commitment, featuring the continuous, beautiful pattern of the branches—a symbol of enduring, unbroken connection.

Together, these rings form a perfect, harmonious set, celebrating your love story with the timeless beauty of nature's design.

For additional Information & Availability:

Thursday, November 27, 2025

Raw Green Sapphire Twig Engagement Ring in 14k Rose Gold Handcrafted by DV Jewelry Designs






Redefining Fine Jewelry: Boldness Meets Structure

Tired of the expected? This ring is a statement piece for the person who curates a look that is strong, sophisticated, and undeniably unique. It expertly balances rustic texture with high-end, contemporary architecture, making it the ultimate accessory for the modern, alternative aesthetic.





✨ The Stone: Raw Sophistication

The center gem is a substantial, raw, faceted greenish gray sapphire. We celebrate the natural beauty of the stone's inclusions and moody color palette—a beautiful departure from traditional, flawless gems. It’s a jewel that tells a story, offering an opaque depth and subtle sparkle that is entirely its own.

🏗️ The Setting: Sculptural and Two-Toned

The setting transforms the classic ring silhouette into a wearable sculpture. Crafted with dynamic, opposing textures and colors.




  • Edgy Blackened 14k Rose Gold: The outer layers of the band feature antiqued branches, lending a dramatic, dark, and semi-matte finish that makes the ring pop.

  • Modern Rose Gold: A clean, contrasting undercurrent of polished rose gold peeks through the dark layers, introducing warmth and a contemporary, two-tone complexity.

This high-profile, intricate setting creates an optical illusion of woven metal that is captivating from every angle.




Why This Ring is a Modern Must-Have

  • Architectural Design: The strong, high-profile branch motif gives it an unmistakable, gallery-worthy presence.

  • On-Trend Raw Stone: Perfect for collectors who appreciate organic texture and unique character over traditional cut and polish.

  • Versatile Statement: A powerful choice for an alternative engagement ring, a significant anniversary gift, or a high-impact cocktail ring.