Custom Designs

How I start a Custom Design...

I'm in the process of designing a new Bangle for one of my clients. I was asked to design a new bangle based on one of my smaller bracelets sold in my Ruby Lane Shop. Here is the letter I received...

...This bracelet is wonderful, as are all of your designs. Can you give me an idea of what kind of ballpark $$ on having 2 and/or 3 of these made? I would like the sterling and differences in individual designs. I really like heaver jewelry.I would want you to choose the particulars of the appearance. I am not opposed to stones, patination, use of and inclusion of different metals, etc. Please forgive me for my endless questions and be assured that as this would be a purchase for my use, there would be no time constraints. Thank you for the help and I hope this is and will be a beautiful season for you.

Based on my original Leaf Bangle and her request, I designed this bangle for her. I was planning on 2 or 3 bangles like the one I designed to the right but each having their own unique design.

I like the design but was concerned about her width after further discussion. She was looking for a Bangle that was about 2" if not wider so I redesigned this bangle to one large bangle instead of three.

This (to the left) is just one bangle measuring 2.25" wide. I want to use several stones that sit next to the stems. Some of the stones that I'm considering 5 or 6 stones such as Citrine (yellow), Amethyst (purple), Topaz (blue), Tourmaline (Pink)

I would like to also incorporate 14K or 18k into this bracelet. Possible gold surrounding the stones.

But to get an accurate price, sometimes you have to spend a little more time on the piece. So I'll take you on one of my projects from start to finish.

At 9:45 am I started to lay out the stems for this bracelet. The process I use is called Lost Wax. I actually sculpt wax to make the piece. At 6:45 pm...this is what I had. It's only half finished but this will give me a good idea about the weight, cost and of course, how the bracelet will look once cast in Sterling Silver.

I have a lot of shipping to do today but I will continue to form this piece tomorrow so that I can get a weight from the wax to converted to the weight in silver.

I hope all of you find this interesting, I personally think it's all pretty amazing!

Hopefully I'll see you tomorrow! I will be starting another project at the same time. This is an amazing piece that has a wonderful story behind it.

Dawn

Latest Design - Cattleya Orchid Bracelet

When I sculpt my pieces I have half of design in my head and the other half comes out on the mandrel. This piece was no exception...I knew I wanted the Orchid at the very top but I knew I didn't want a typical design, totally symmetrical so I started on one side with two leaves, added my sculpted orchid and then to the right side of my orchid...

I added three tiny buds for new growth.

I hope you enjoy my sculpted designs and I always

appreciate your ideas, feedback or just to say hello.

Process: Lost Wax
Materials: Sterling Silver
Weight: 41 grams
Orchid Size: 2" x 2"

Hand Sculpted Cattleya Orchid Necklace

This is a beautiful hand sculpted Sterling Silver Orchid Pendant using the Lost Wax Method.

This is my signature Potinara Susan Fender Orchid found on the front cover of the book, The World's Most Beautiful Orchids put together by Greg Allikas & Ned Nash.

This Orchid caught my eye several years ago because of the velvet ripples in the lip or labellum and to me, it is the most beautiful orchid in the world. If you have time, Goggle the title and just look at the Orchid on the front cover...it's breathtaking.

I have added an 18" Sterling Silver 2.6mm Byzantine Chain which makes a beautiful statement on it's own.
It's just a beautiful piece and words can't describe the depth of detail that was added when sculpting this piece. Pictures do not do it justice.
Pendant Size: 2" wide x 2"

I have just finished the matching Ring, Earrings and two Bracelets to this Cattleya Orchid Collection.

Update: This piece was a Limited Edition and was replaced by my New Cattleya Orchid Pendant & Ring.  Cattleya Orchid Necklace

Asymmetrical Leaf Necklace with Amethyst Stones

Words can't describe how elegant this piece is.

When sculpting this piece I was thinking of a leafy vein just curling around whatever was in it's path, so it gracefully curled around my byzantine chain.

My Leaf Design was made in Sterling Silver which makes the Amethyst Stones pop!

I used two hanging Amethyst Teardrop Briolette Beads plus a beautiful 10mm x 8mm Oval Royal Purple Amethyst at the top of my leaf design.

The 2.6 mm Byzantine Chain is 18" long and has a "S" hook in the back but it can also be adjusted lengthwise from the front. It has a clever little clasp that holds the chain in place.
10mm x 8mm Oval Royal Purple Amethyst & Amethyst Teardrop Briolettes (HT)

I will be sculpting matching earrings, bracelet and a ring all with Amethyst stones to match the necklace.

For more information about this Necklace, please e-mail.