New Asymmetrical Necklace in Lemon Quartz, Citrine & Amethyst

Asymmetrical Design using Amethyst

SOLD

This has been an amazing designs that I created a while back. I gave it to one of my Galleries and within a couple of weeks it was sold. Since then I have had several request for this piece so I decided to bring it back in Amethyst as well as Citrine and Yellow Quartz.

I designed a new necklace based on the original Asymmetrical Necklace plus I designed a smaller version of the "A" Necklace using Amethyst & Citrine Brioletts and Faceted Stones shown below.

Asymmetrical Design using Lemon Quartz

SOLD

The "Leaf Section" of the above "A" designs are 2 1/2" and Argentium Sterling Silver 925

In each design including the smaller Asymmetrical Designs below, the Clasp is in the front of the necklace instead of in the back which is usually impossible to attach plus you can adjust the length with a catch we have behind the stem in front. This is the most versatile necklace I have ever designed.

Asymmetrical Design (smaller version) using Amethyst

SOLD

All the same features of the larger Asymmetrical design have been incorporated into the smaller design.

Asymmetrical Design (smaller version) using Citrine

SOLD

Smaller Asymmetrical designs leaf section is 1 7/8", the briolettes are adjustable.

For additional photos, please e-mail or call me for front & back photos.

Thanks for looking!

Phalaenopsis Orchid Necklace is FINISHED!

She's Finished!

This piece is a Limited Edition Only. It will be 1 of 12 and this piece is Number 1. The Orchid Necklace, 2 of 12 is in Brazil. It was given as a gift by my mentor, Volker Kracht, a Master Jewelry & Artist who hand delivered the piece.
I am anxiously waiting his return to find out more about the one on the receiving end. I will keep you informed.
This was a design I've had for about 1 year...but procrastinated because I knew that the cost & time for making the first one would be enormous...plus I wanted to put a few more projects under my belt before I started sculpting this necklace. Once sculpted & cast, it took us more than 5 months to complete this necklace.
Now about this necklace: It has incredible accurate detail and was designed to wear comfortably. I have taken this piece to my Botanical Show last week and everyone who tried it on was amazed on how light the necklace was...and when they did try it on, the look on their face was priceless. It was as though they had stepped out onto the red carpet.
It has 3 Phalaenopsis Orchids, 17 buds and 33 leaves.
Each leaf in the necklace has movement, making this necklace flexible and adjustable, allowing us to add or remove leaves to adjust the length for a custom fit.
The necklace is Argentium Sterling Silver 925 and is stamped and has the "DV" logo. The Clasp is a very strong hidden clasp and was beautifully hidden under the leaves.
I am in the process of finishing up the matching "Phala" Orchid Bracelet and Ring.
Leaf Earrings are available in two different sizes.
As always, additional photos are available or visit my Ruby Lane Shop for additional Photos.

You can always Call or E-mail me for additional Information.

New Calla Lily & Turquoise Necklace

I LOVE TURQUOISE!

There is something about bright shiny silver and turquoise that just goes together so perfectly but adding my Calla Lily Stem with all it's texture just adds a new level of beauty.

I strung up the piece, put it on my velvet bust and waited until Don came home from work...I sat the necklace on the counter so that it would be the first thing he saw when he walked in the door. His reaction was very positive...and for him, that's a good thing. Don has a very good eye and having him in this business is great because he has some great feedback.

At this time the necklace is 17" long but can be adjusted.

The Sterling Silver Pendant is 1.75" wide x 2.50" tall

Note: This is also a pin as well as a pendant

$254

If you are interested in this piece, please call or e-mail me for more details as well as additional photos.

New Wide Leaf Band Ring - Garnet

This is a super comfortable ring that I love wearing...actually, my jewelry display is a blast to have around...in fact, deciding what ring to wear is such a new thing to me but I'm getting used to it!

This ring has 6 hand sculpted leaves 925 Sterling Silver that wraps around the top of the finger and in the center I have set a 9mm x 6mm Faceted Almandine Garnet which has a beautiful deep red color which is typical for a garnet containing iron. This is a natural non-treated stone.

This ring can have just about any stone or birthstone set in the ring (final price depends on the stone) and as always, Shipping, Insurance and Re-sizing is free.

Cost: $165

Free Flowing Leaf, Bud & Flower Bangle with Stones

I've had this design in my head for some time so I set up my mandrel and just started by adding my stems first and then added the leaves, buds and flowers and kept going until I was finished. I added 2-10mm x 8mm Amethyst Cab, 2-9mm x 6mm Peridot Cabs and inside three flowers I set 3mm citrine cabs.

The design took on a very natural free flowing design which is exactly what I love.

The Bangle measures 8" around and 2.5" across. If you have large hands like I have, I can add two hinges to open the bangle up with a safety chain.

This is a one-of-a kind Bangle in Argentium 925 Sterling Silver.

Cost: $396
Free Shipping & Insurance

I'm Going Tropical! Philodendrons, Banana Leaves, Hibiscus...

You would think because I'm heading to my next show at the Tropical Ranch Botanical Gardens in Stuart next month that this is where I had the idea about going tropical, it would have made perfect sense but noooo...we were in the Keys at our show and while staying at the hotel in Florida City they had beautiful tropical gardens around the pool and I looked down at a cluster of tropical plants growing together...there were banana leaves, palms, hibiscus, philodendrons and I said...this is my next projects!

My head was spinning but it was Don who suggested making a slider with a single Philodendron leaf first so this morning I made the larger leaf for an Omega Chain or a set of pearls using an enhancer and then I made a smaller one as a slider for a Hematite Choker.

The little leaves are 7/8" and 1 1/8" tall and will be cast in sterling silver first and then possibly 14kt next.

I plan to make a ring out of the smaller leaf which will wrap around the finger...I've curled the leaf around my finger and it was just perfect. My husband said I nailed the design beautifully!

High-Riser Designing Woman has passion for jewelry

I made the front page of our Sun-Sentinel's High-Riser Newspaper today.!

My friend, Beverly submitted my Blog to the newspaper and the next thing I know I'm getting an e-mail from Chris Guanche, a writer from the newspaper wanting to set up an appointment to write an article about me. He was so impressed with my jewelry, he scheduled a meeting immediately with me and with his photographer, I didn't even have time to get nervous. I was so excited to have my story told plus have my artwork shown to over 50,000 readers along the coast of Ft. Lauderdale up to Boca Raton!

Unfortunately they forgot to add my contact information so I've had several people searching for my information on the Internet. Well if anyone out there can find their way to this blog (which several have) you can e-mail me at dawnvertrees@bellsouth.net or call me at 954-594-2186 to find out where you can see my Jewelry.

New Earrings....YAY!

Cattleya Orchid Drop Earrings
Long time coming but they are here...new hand sculpted Cattleya Orchids are hand set with 4mm Citrines with French Ear Wires.

The Cattleya Orchids are 7/8" wide (petal to petal)
Argentium Sterling Silver stamped 925
Price: $149


Calla Lily Ear Thread Earrings
Too Cute!
These were extremely popular at our last show and I'm excited about taking these to our next show in the Keys this weekend.

These are amazingly comfortable. Each have U-bars that attach to the cable chain. Sterling Silver Ear Threads with Argentium Sterling Silver Calla Lilies.

Price: $74

I'm having a Garden Party...

...and all of the Phala Orchids & Buds as well as their owners out there are invited.

I'm not sure what goes on in my head when I start designing one of my orchid pieces but when I see those little Phala's...it's like looking at little faces and they are all saying...don't forget me.

So it's definately a party.

Update at the ArtiGras Show: Don & I have a wonderful time meeting everyone who came to our booth including the supportive staff at the show, the learning experience was priceless. We left the show totally satisfied but not only that, we left with a clear path to what we needed to do for our next show which will be in Islamorada March 8th & 9th.

I loved hearing all of the comments about my jewelry including the comments that "they had never seen anything like it". That was exciting because I was able to explain that it was because of my method of sculpting the wax as if it was my porcelain, something that's not the norm when learning how to make jewelry.

All comments were extremely positive but both Don & I agreed...we feel the Phalaenopsis Orchid designs really stole the show leaving me wishing I had more designs to offer.

So we both agreed, I need to expand my Phala Collection but I also heard one other request...PEARLS! I heard this load and clear. So I am developing a collection by combining the two, Freshwater Pearls & my tiny Phala Orchids shown to the right.

I don't usually show my pieces right after the casting but they were so cute, only 3mm 4mm & 5mm wide (around 3/8th"). The long stem on each flower is called a "Sprue". This is where the silver is shot from the outside of the plaster mold into the void where the wax piece used to be before it was burned out.

We'll cut those off and start cleaning up the orchids and I'm pretty sure I'll sand blast each orchid creating a soft glow.

This is going to be a growing collection so please check back in a few days.



March 5th...I'M POPPING IN HERE FOR A MINUTE.

I am in the process of designing 3 new cluster "Phala" Orchid rings. The first one will have a 10mm x 8mm stone, a beautiful Green Quartz (light pastel green) stone which sets up high with a cluster of buds, orchids & leaves wrapping around the stone.

This design reminds me of the traditional "Cocktail Ring" in Bloom!

...more coming soon!

Don & I also have some exciting news for all those hi-risers living along the S. Florida coast in a few days, so again, please check back...this is very exciting and a complete surprise to me!

Peeking through the leaves...

It's as if I'm standing next to a large tree trunk and looking between the leaves seeing the sun peek through the leaves.

I spent so much of my time walking through the woods next to Lake Norman back in the 70's.

It was so quiet there but if you looked close enough...it was so busy. Everywhere you looked something was blooming, leaves were getting larger and veins were searching for a place to land. I would sit by a tree and just look at the leaves while watching the birds and squirrels run from one tree to the other.

This one-of-a-kind hand sculpted pendant is cast in Argentium Silver 92.5 (see definition of Argentium below)

Pendant Height: 3/4" x 7/8" wide

10mm x 8mm Oval Citrine Cabochon Gem.

Citrine Color: Light to Med. Gold / Heat Treated

18"Rope Chain included.

When I sculpt each piece I lay out my stems around the stone that I've chosen and from there I hand sculpt each individual leaf curving them around each other as if they were blowing in the wind.

If you are interested in this piece or other pieces I have on my blog, you can e-mail, call or purchase this piece listed on Etsy by clicking on the title "Peeking through the leaves..."

Cost: $195.00

Argentium® Sterling Silver is a patented and trademarked alloy that is at least 92.5% pure silver, just like traditional sterling silver.What makes it different from traditional sterling silver is that a small amount of germanium replaces some of the copper that is usually the other 7.5% of sterling silver. There is two things I love most about Argentine Silver is that it's more tarnish-resistance. Although many say it's tarnish-resistant...that's incorrect. Argentine Silver will still tarnish, just slower than traditional Sterling Silver but the good news is that Argentine Silver is very white, almost giving a white gold look which is a good thing!

Busy, Busy, Busy...

It's been a month since we found out that we have been invited to participate as a "Homegrown Artist" in the upcoming ArtiGras Art Show Event coming up this weekend.

I have been working hard on at least 30 new designs and Don has put together a beautiful exhibit for us. Everything is coming along nicely and we are so excited!

As soon as pieces are photographed, I will add them to the blog.

Thanks to everyone for your support & wonderful comments!

New Double Leaf Pendant...Very Art Nouveau!

This 1 5/8" tall pendant caters a 10mm x 8mm Citrine Stone, two hand sculpted leaves and three small buds. (chain not included)

Cost: $139
Additional pictures are found on my Ruby Lane, you can click on the title "busy, busy, busy..."to see additional pictures or to purchase this piece.

One-of-a-Kind Hematite Orchid Necklace

This one of a kind necklace was designed by my husband, Don who has a vey good eye for
jewelry.

The necklace is a 18" Hematite Gem Necklace. Each necklace is intricately woven hematite beads with a sterling silver magnetic clasp beneath the Leaf Slide.

The Leaf Slide is a series of 15 of my hand sculpted leaves overlaping each other until they reach the Orchid below.

The Pendant is one of my hand sculpted Cattleya Orchids, which has amazingly acurate detail carved into each one.

The unique concept with this necklace is that you can wear this necklace three different ways as shown.

Cost: Sold

*Although this piece sold at my last show, I can create another one-of-a-kind piece. Please e-mail or call me.

Swiss Blue Topaz & Almandine Garnet Ring

I don't think I'll ever get tired of making rings...I love rings.

Once I added my first stone to my leafy rings I was hooked for life and now I've added little flowers and buds to make the design more interesting. I love a ring that can keep your attention for at least 5 minutes and this was does the trick. You have leaves that intertwine between each other. On one side you have a bud ready to open and on the other side you have an open flower with a 5mm Almandine Garnet.

On this particular ring I decided to braid the band which was perfect for sculpting my tiny leaves on each side as if they were little vines.

This ring is just beautiful all around and I'm so pleased to offer this ring on my blog as well as at the ArtiGras Show.

This ring has a 10mm x 8mm Swiss Blue Topaz plus a 5mm Almantine Garnet inside the flower. I have choosen stones such as Amythyst, Citrine, Almandine Garnet, Blue Topaz as well as Peridot...which is one of my favorite stones. I will always add a complimentary stone to go with the larger stones unless a client request their favorite stones to be added instead.

I have just finished making a matching one-of-a-kind pendant, as well as a beautiful bracelet with 4 large stones, 4 flowers and buds.

This Ring is a limited edition, only a small number will be made. Overall width of the ring is 20mm x 25mm

Ring can be re-sized.

Retail Cost $245

New Blue Pearl Necklace

Sterling Silver Leaves intertwine with Blue Freshwater Pearls.

I am so excited about introducing this necklace at the ArtiGras Art Fair in Abacoa in February. I sat down for a couple of hours just staring at the Steel Lady (my bust mandrel) trying to get a visual fix on this design and then I decided to stick some of my leftover Swarovski crystal pearls on the bust, this helped and now I was hoping I was on my way, so I thought. Well after three days, I'm still not finished, but I went ahead and photographed the piece anyway.I think after a few more hours of scratching & scraping...I'm going to cast this piece.

My mentor told me not long ago...

If you become satisfied with your work, what would you do after that?

I remind myself of that comment often!

What I do like about this necklace is the single pearl that would be in the middle of the necklace...I did not want to just stop and start with another pendant but I wanted to incorporate a pearl right into the design.

Update! This piece was a hit at the ArtiGras Show in Jupiter. The piece was so elegant and when the ladies tried the pearls on, it just hung beautifully. I was so thrilled!

I had the necklace available in Pink, White and Blue Pearls.

Check out additional photos and prices by clicking on the heading "New Blue Pearl Necklace"

Phalaenopsis Bracelet to match Japan Piece

When I look at this design, I think of pure elegance with its leaves and orchid buds draping down the top of your hand! ...and then too it's probably because the Japan Necklace was just cast in Silver and it turned out better than I expected.

have just a moment to add these pics...we are packing up the trailer for the show and I'm still running around picking up banners & card holders.

We are back from our show and this elegant Orchid Bracelet Sold in the first three hours of the shows first day.

Cost: SOLD

I'm in the process of making a new bracelet, if interested I'll notify you once this piece is completed!

My Dogwood Collection - UPDATED!

I have been sitting on this design for about 4 months and I think it's time to start.

I like to keep a few projects going at one time, it allows me to walk away from one, think about it while starting another. I guess I get bored easily.

I have already started the necklace part of this design plus I've made and cast the Dogwood buds. I wasn't pleased with my first Dogwood flowers, I guess that's why I put it aside.

I had joined "CageyCrafters" a wonderful forum a while back and a few of them gave me thumbs up on doing the Dogwood Flower, or the push I needed to start back on this design. They also gave me some great feedback on what flowers they would like to see me sculpt. I'll be posting their suggestions once I go through the list.

I pulled out some of my designs for this project that I thought I would post. I have designed a a beautiful bracelet, ring, a single Dogwood Pendant, plus a slider. I had also designed 4 sets of earrings plus one very elaborate necklace shown.

I plan to use a small cluster of Peridot Stones inside each flower and I feel with the detail I have in the pedals...the stones will make the flower. Another stone suggestion would be garnet or pink quarts. If done in 14K or 18K, I would like to consider emeralds, rubies, or green tourmaline...all equally beautiful.

As always the first product being produced will be in sterling silver plus I really have my heart set on peridot in the center.

I skipped over the necklace and started on the Bracelet. It just popped into my head, no drawing this time but woke up and started sculpting on it this morning. I wanted a few buds, definitely some leaves but three dogwood flowers for sure.

Don & I will be picking out stones tonight. I have about 6 designs that I just completed and the next step is setting the stones. I know that I will be looking for 3 mm, 4mm and 5mm peridot for the center of each Dogwood.

Well the new pieces are starting to take shape and I would like to introduce my first pair of Dogwood Earrings with 5mm Peridot Cabs in the center. They are 3/4" from tip to tip.

I have chosen a few beautiful Gems such as Peridot, Citrine, Blue Topaz, and Garnets. On these I have used 5mm Peridot Cabs for the center of the Dogwood Flowers.

Update! The Dogwood bracelet below is a one-of-a-kind Dogwood Bracelet with three Garnets set into each dogwood flower. This bracelet set beautifully on your wrist.

If you love Dogwoods, this collection is a must!

This one-of-a-kind Dogwood Slider is one of the most beautiful pieces I have sculpted. The detail is amazing. If your not into Sliders, this beautiful piece can made into a pin.

I will list the Dogwood Collection on Etsy.com with additional pictures including the back of each. The workmanship of this collection is worth seeing.

Additional items will be added this weekend.

New Leaf Band

I'm so excited about making this ring!

It's not finished by any means but I positioned a cab I had on hand on top of the band between the leaves as a visual. I'm finding I'm having to do a lot of that especially when working with green & blue waxes.

The setting still has to be made but once I decide on the stone, then it's off to the casters.

I haven't decided on a stone yet but I'm toying with the idea of a topaz, but the list is endless.

...but if any of you have a good suggestion on a really cool stone that's about 6mm x 8mm...I'm all ears.

One thing I really like about this ring design are the weaved stems on the inside of the band and although most people will not see the inside of the ring, detail is a personal thing with me. I want to design the jewelry to look as if I went outside picked up 15 leaves and weaved them together for a ring.

So if you order this ring and your proud of it...take it off and show people the cool detail inside.

As of now it's about a size 7 and will be available in about two weeks.

Please e-mail me if you are interested in this ring.

And as always....thanks for taking the time to view my blog.

Finished! The London Blue Topaz, Garnet & Peridot are my absolute favorite but I did put a diamond up to this ring and it was absolutly beautiful and a 9mm x 7mm Oval Citrine would also look stunning!

New Cattleya Orchid Pendant, simple but elegant.

This is a small Cattleya Orchid Pendant but Oh! What a statement it makes.

I wear my orchid jewelry everywhere and what better way to do so, I love Orchids and I want the world to know it!

This pendant comes with a very nice 18" Sterling Silver 2mm Byzantine made in Italy.

Cost: $96.00 Now Back In Stock!

The pendant only can be ordered for $59.

Other items available are Pierced Earrings $89.00, as well as a Pin or Charm $59

Size: 7/8" wide by 1" high

Materials: Sterling Silver Weight: 8 grams

This is also available as a Charm in 14kt or 18kt

All Designs are Copyrighted 2007-2008

Sterling Silver Cattleya Pierced Earrings

These earrings are adorable. Only 7/8" across with the detail you would fine in the original Potinara Susan Fender Cattleya found on the front cover of the The World's Most Beautiful Orchids by Greg Allikas & Ned Nash.

These earrings have post for pierced ears.

8 total grams of silver

Cost $89

Now Back In Stock

New Cattleya Orchid Ring with tiny buds & leaves.

Potinara Susan Fender Cattleya Orchid Ring

There is so much character in this little ring. I hand sculpted this Orchid using the Lost Wax Method.

The Orchid is a Cattleya Orchid with 3 small buds with two tiny leaves to the left and two small leaves on the right.

This is ring is a size 6.5 but can be sized at no charge.

Weight 9 grams of Sterling Silver. Orchid Measures 7/8" wide

Available in 14kt & 18kt

Cost $85