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

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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.

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.

One-of-a Kind Jewelry​

"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.

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.

Email us for additional information.

 

​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

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.

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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:

Contact Me @ dvjewelrydesigns@gmail.com

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

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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.

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The Twig Weave: Growth Held by Nature

 

Twig Weave Pendant featuring a Moss Agate gemstone,
handcrafted in the lost-wax method by DV Jewelry Designs.

In the quiet places of the forest, where branches curve toward one another and light filters through green canopy, there’s a kind of harmony that feels ancient and protective. That harmony is what inspired the Twig Weave pendant — a design shaped by the intertwining strength of living branches and the grounded calm of natural stone.

This piece isn’t just jewelry. It’s a symbol of growth, protection, and connection to the natural world.

🍃 The Meaning of the Twig Weave

Growth

Twigs are the newest parts of a tree — fresh, flexible, and full of potential. They represent new beginnings, creativity, and the courage to keep reaching upward.

Protection

The woven structure encircles the stone like a natural cradle, symbolizing support, safety, and the unseen forces that guide us.

Connection

Interwoven branches remind us that nothing flourishes alone. We grow because of the structures, relationships, and roots surrounding us.

Together, these meanings make Twig Weave a talisman for anyone in a season of change, self-discovery, or renewal.

 

🌿 Stone Spotlight: Moss Agate

The centerpiece of this version of the pendant is Moss Agate, a gemstone known for:

grounding and stabilizing energy

emotional balance and calm

deepening one’s connection to nature

encouraging steady growth

Its green, moss-like inclusions feel like a forest preserved in stone — the perfect complement to the twig-like frame.

🌾 Handcrafted With Intent

Each Twig Weave pendant is shaped by hand, meaning no two are identical. The slight variations mimic nature itself — organic, imperfect, and deeply alive.

The metalwork carries a textured, bark-like feel, while the stone sits securely at the center, embraced by the woven form.

🌲 Designed for the Nature-Connected Soul

This piece is perfect for:

lovers of the forest

gardeners and nature wanderers

those seeking new beginnings

anyone who wants a symbolic piece of jewelry with real meaning

Whether worn as a daily grounding piece or a special talisman, the Twig Weave holds the energy of growth and the comfort of protection.

🍃 A Glimpse Into the Forest Collection

The Twig Weave is part of a growing series inspired by woodland forms, natural textures, and the quiet strength of living landscapes.

Each piece carries its own story, its own symbolism, and its own connection to the forest.

More designs will be coming soon — all woven from the same source of inspiration: nature itself.

Gemstone Rings — From Hand-Carved Wax to Cast Metal

 🌿 The Art Behind My Gemstone Rings

Every gemstone ring I create begins in wax. I carve each detail by hand — the branches, the textures, the curves — building the design one small stroke at a time. This is where the ring’s personality is born.

Below are two versions of the same ring design, showing how a simple wax base can grow into a sculptural, nature-inspired piece of jewelry.

Wax Model & Finished Ring — Green Amethyst Leaf-Twig Ring

This design began as a hand-carved wax model, created to cradle a beautiful green amethyst in two organic leaf-shaped prongs. Every groove, vein, and curve was sculpted by hand to capture the natural movement of leaves wrapping gently around the stone.

The final ring is cast in solid sterling silver and finished with a rich oxidized patina, enhancing the depth of the twig texture and bringing out all the fine organic details.

A true nature-inspired sculptural piece — from raw wax to wearable art.

From Wax to Wonder: Carving the Foundation of a Tree-Inspired Ring

 

In this stage, nothing is polished, nothing is shiny, and nothing is “perfect.”

But the character of the piece is already alive.

This design features tree-trunk prongs that grow upward to cradle a natural gemstone. All of the bark texture you see is carved by hand. No molds. No templates. Just wax, tools, and time.

The stone sits in place during carving — something that surprises many people. It helps me shape the prongs around it exactly as the stone wants to be held. Every raw diamond or gemstone has its own personality, and my goal is to create a setting that supports it naturally, almost like growing a branch around it.

Once the carving is finished, this wax model will be cast in metal through the lost-wax process. The wax is melted away forever, leaving a perfect metal version of the sculpture you see here.

This is where the magic begins.

Thank you for following along with my process

Sharing these behind-the-scenes steps helps me stay connected to why I love creating — because every piece begins with an idea, a block of wax, and the desire to bring nature into wearable form.

If you’d like to see more of my work or upcoming designs, you can visit my shops:

🌿  Shopify

🌿  Etsy