Nature's Craft by Dawn Vertrees

Welcome to my world of nature-inspired, award-winning designs! I’m Dawn Vertrees, a passionate jewelry artisan who brings the beauty of the natural world to life through my one-of-a-kind (OOAK) creations. Specializing in custom designs, I push the boundaries of traditional settings with innovative, hand-sculpted pieces crafted using the ancient lost wax technique. 

This time-honored method allows me to meld precious metals and gemstones into unique, organic forms—think delicate leaves, flowing twigs, and ocean-inspired motifs—that reflect the artistry of nature. Whether you're seeking a bespoke engagement ring or a statement piece, I invite you to explore the limitless possibilities of my craft, tailored to your vision.

Enchanted Hibiscus Morganite Ring by Dawn Vertrees

Etsy Shop

Introducing the Enchanted Hibiscus Morganite Ring, a stunning new design crafted through the lost wax process. This unique piece features a radiant 6.5mm round morganite gemstone, elegantly framed by hand-sculpted leaves, a delicate hibiscus flower, and a subtle twig detail. Cast in Sterling Silver with a light oxidation, this ring highlights the intricate depth of each component, offering a nature-inspired masterpiece for your collection. 

Material: Sterling Silver

Finish: Oxidized (Shown)

Stone: 6mm Round Faceted Natural Morganite

Height: 7.20mm

Top Width: 15.8mm

Bottom Band Width: 3.5mm

Other Gemstones are available, including Moissanite Diamonds. 

Want this in gold? Just send us a message for pricing.

 This ring will come with a small gift box.

Our Shopify Shop

Gothic Elegance: 14k Rose Gold 1.5ct Pear Shape Diamond Ring

14k Gold Gothic Elegance

Our Shopify Shop

Etsy Shop

Description:  

Embrace the dark romance with this stunning Gothic-inspired ring.  

Material:

Crafted from luxurious 14k rose gold, blending timeless beauty with a modern edge.  This ring is also available 14k, 18k, & Sterling Silver.

Gemstone:

Features a captivating 1.5ct pear-shaped diamond, expertly cut to maximize brilliance.  Other Gemstones or Diamonds are also available.

Design:

Intricate branch-like prongs create a nature-inspired frame, perfect for those who love unique, handcrafted jewelry.  

Occasion:

Ideal for special events or as a bold statement piece for everyday wear.  

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Pair it with a glass of wine for an enchanting, gothic-inspired moment!

Enchanted Hibiscus Morganite Ring by Dawn Vertrees

Introducing the Enchanted Hibiscus Morganite Ring, a stunning new design crafted through the lost wax process. This unique piece features a radiant 6.5mm round morganite gemstone, elegantly framed by hand-sculpted leaves, a delicate hibiscus flower, and a subtle twig detail. Cast in Sterling Silver with a light oxidation, this ring highlights the intricate depth of each component, offering a nature-inspired masterpiece for your collection.

Once cast, this ring will be featured on Shopify and Etsy. 

Pear-shaped Moissanite Engagement Ring

 Made by Dawn Vertrees Jewelry

Ships from North Carolina! Shorter shipping distances are kinder to the planet

Pear Shaped Engagement Ring

Materials: Sterling silver

Sustainable features: recycled metal. Items may include additional materials or use methods that aren't considered sustainable features on our site. Learn more

Style: Gothic

Recycled

Made to Order

The twig engagement ring features a beautifully crafted design that resembles natural branches, giving it an organic and elegant appearance.

The band is hand-sculpted and intricately shaped with textured, twisted twig-like patterns that extend around the entire ring, adding a unique and nature-inspired aesthetic. At the center, a 6 x 9mm, 1.5-carat pear-shaped Moissanite diamond is prominently set, held in place by delicate prongs that mimic the branching structure.

Diamond Shown:

6 x 9mm Radiant 1.5 carat Pear-shaped Moissanite

GRA Report Included.

Metal Options: Sterling Silver, 14k Yellow, Rose and White gold, 18k Yellow, Rose and White Gold

Your ring will come with a small ring tote and ring box.

Etsy Shop 

Shopify Shop

14k Olive Branch Leaf Ring Moissanite Diamond - Hand Sculpted Nature Inspired Jewelry

We're thrilled to introduce an exciting new chapter at DV Jewelry Designs with our unique AI Rendering concept! 

Drawing from the artistry of handcrafted wax models, we're now offering customers an innovative way to visualize their custom jewelry before it comes to life. Using advanced AI technology, we create stunning renderings of your chosen design—available in sterling silver, 14k, or 18k gold, adorned with your preferred 3mm stone. Once you’ve selected your perfect combination, we’ll cast your one-of-a-kind ring to your exact specifications. This seamless blend of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge design ensures a personalized experience like no other—stay tuned as we showcase this process and invite you to be part of the creation journey!

AI Rendering concept!

Elevate your style with this stunning 14k olive branch leaf ring, a perfect blend of nature-inspired elegance and craftsmanship. This unique piece features a sparkling 3mm moissanite white diamond set atop a beautifully hand-sculpted design, symbolizing peace and prosperity. 

The ring showcases 10 intricately detailed leaves and 3 delicate olive accents, adding a touch of rustic charm. Crafted from high-quality 14k gold, this ring is durable yet lightweight, making it ideal for everyday wear or a special occasion. Perfect as an engagement ring, wedding band, or a meaningful gift for a loved one. Embrace the beauty of nature with this one-of-a-kind wearable art!

AI Rendering concept!

 Material: 14k Gold  

Gemstone: 3mm Moissanite White Diamond  

Design: Hand-sculpted olive branch with 10 leaves and 3 olive accents  

Finish: Polished for a luxurious shine, satin finish plus antiquing.

Etsy/Shopify Link Coming Soon

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Original Hand Sculpted Wax Model

Crafting the Olive Branch Ring: A Journey Through the Lost Wax Process - Part 3

Hand Sculpted Olive Branch wax model with a 3mm round Diamond (shown) 

or a gemstone such as a Moss Agate, Emerald, etc...

Part 4 will be available once the ring has gone through the last process, casting the ring in sterling silver. 

The design consisting of 10 olive leaves and 3 olives.

What's Next?

Since you asked about the production process and we’ve been discussing the rose gold version of your wax model ring, I’ll assume you’re interested in the process of transforming a wax model into a rose gold ring, as this aligns with your earlier request. Here’s an overview based on general jewelry-making practices:

The production process for turning a wax model into a Sterling Silver, or 14k/18k gold ring typically involves several steps.

1. **Wax Model Creation**: The process starts with your wax model. Part 1 - 3

2. **Sprueing**: A wax sprue (a channel) is attached to the model, connecting it to a wax stem. This will later allow molten metal to flow into the mold.

3. **Investment**: The wax model and sprue are placed in a flask, which is filled with a heat-resistant investment material (a plaster-like substance). Once it hardens, it forms a mold around the wax.

4. **Burnout**: The flask is heated in a kiln to melt and burn away the wax, leaving a cavity in the shape of the ring within the investment mold.

5. **Casting**: Molten rose gold, an alloy of pure gold (typically 75% for 18K or 58% for 14K) mixed with copper (and sometimes silver) to achieve the pink hue, is poured into the cavity. This is done using centrifugal or vacuum casting to ensure the metal fills the mold completely.

6. **Cooling and Removal**: After the metal solidifies, the investment mold is broken away, and the rough cast ring is removed.

7. **Finishing**: The ring undergoes cleaning to remove residue, followed by filing, sanding, and polishing to smooth the surface. The stone is set, and additional detailing (e.g., texturing the leaf design) may be added.

8. **Quality Check**: The final piece is inspected for accuracy, durability, and finish before being delivered.

This process can take several days, depending on complexity and craftsmanship. 

Crafting the Olive Branch Ring: A Journey Through the Lost Wax Process - Part 2

 

Part 2

Creating the Olive Branch Ring begins with a vision brought to life through the lost wax technique, a time-honored method that turns my hand-sculpted designs into wearable art. 

The Wax Band - My Canvas

I designed a 5mm-wide wax band with a twig texture and incorporated a 3mm bezel to hold a round gemstone.

Fine-tuning the Wax Model

The process starts with creating a wax model, as seen in this photo and then adding a bezel so that I can wrap my leaves and olives around it. 

Using fine tip tools, I carve and place each delicate leaf to capturing the natural flow of an olive branch.

After tweaking the placement of each stem and leaf, I can start fine tuning each leaf and start preparing it to cast in silver.

...This is going to be an extremely comfortable ring.

Creating a model can take anywhere from 2 to 3 days but I will post pictures here of the finished wax model prior to casting.

If you have a comment, please post them below this post.

Thank you, Dawn.

Behind the Craft: Bringing the Olive Branch Collection to Life with Hand-Drawn Designs (Part 1)

"Material Choices"

The process starts with a pencil and paper, where I outline the organic shapes, you see here. Each leaf is carefully carved to mimic the natural flow of an olive branch, with small berries adding a touch of detail. This initial drawing (shown above) serves as the blueprint for the wax model I’ll sculpt next. Using fine carving tools, I bring the sketch to life in wax, refining every curve and texture to ensure the final silver cast reflects the handcrafted essence.

"Working with Material"

Behind the Craft: Bringing the Olive Branch Collection to Life with Hand-Drawn Designs

It all begins with a sketch. The Olive Branch Collection, inspired by the resilience and beauty of nature, starts with these hand-drawn designs that capture the delicate curves of olive leaves and the subtle elegance of their berries. As a lost wax jewelry artist, I pour my creativity into every line, laying the foundation for pieces that tell a story of hope and strength—especially meaningful in today’s economic climate.

"Optional Two-Tone Concept"

The process starts with a pencil and paper, where I outline the organic shapes, you see here. Each leaf is carefully carved to mimic the natural flow of an olive branch, with small berries adding a touch of detail. This initial drawing (shown above) serves as the blueprint for the wax model I’ll sculpt next. Using fine carving tools, I bring the sketch to life in wax, refining every curve and texture to ensure the final silver cast reflects the handcrafted essence.

For this collection, I’ve chosen sterling silver to keep the designs accessible, given the soaring gold prices. But I don’t stop there—I use advanced visualization tools to show you how these pieces could glow in rose gold or even feature a gemstone like peridot, as seen in the colored sketch. This allows me to offer variations without the high material costs, blending affordability with the luxury you expect from custom jewelry.

Part 2

"Creating My Wax Model"

From the wax model, the piece moves to the lost wax casting process, where molten silver transforms my sketch into a wearable work of art. The final steps involve polishing and setting any stones, ensuring each ring or band carries the same care that went into its initial drawing.

This collection is more than jewelry—it’s a reflection of perseverance, much like the olive branch itself.