"The Art of the Wax: Building a Durable, Organic Masterpiece"

Every custom journey begins with a raw,
rough diamond and the first layer of hand-sculpted wax.

Every custom design begins with the raw beauty of the stone.

This 4.2 rough diamond was chosen for its unique, organic shape.

I start by building a hand-sculpted wax "cradle" to find the perfect fit for the diamond.

At this stage, I am already planning how the branches will secure the stone without traditional prongs.

I start by building a secure "cradle" to ensure the
stone sits perfectly within the design.

In this stage, I begin applying the first organic wax layers around the base of the diamond.

These initial purple wax "twigs" act as the foundation for the entire setting. 

I focus on following the natural contours of the stone to ensure it sits deep and secure.

This is where I begin weaving the wax twigs over the diamond to
create a permanent, integrated setting.

This is the core of my "How It's Not Made" philosophy.

Instead of adding traditional metal prongs later, I hand-sculpt these wax twigs to climb over the diamond.

These twigs are the prongs—once cast in 14k gold, they will provide a permanent, unbreakable grip on the stone.

Sculpting them this way allows the jewelry to look like a piece of nature while being incredibly durable for daily wear.

These twigs aren't just for looks—they are the "prongs" that will keep
this diamond safe for a lifetime.

Once the "twigs" are perfectly positioned, I begin the most delicate part of the sculpting process. I use specialized tools to add realistic bark texture to every surface of the wax. 

I even add tiny knots in the twigs to make the metal look as though it was harvested directly from a forest.

These small details are what make a custom piece feel personal and alive.  

I carefully place each branch to highlight the stone’s unique shape
while maintaining total structural integrity.

This is the final stage before the wax model is sent to be cast in solid 14k gold.

Seeing the ring on the hand helps confirm that the proportions and scale are exactly right for the client.

The next time I see this design, it will be transformed from colorful wax into a durable, golden heirloom.

The Final Touch

"Jacob, my master jeweler, will perform the final polish to highlight the high points of the texture. We then apply an antique finish, which settles into the recessed areas to bring out the incredible depth and detail of the hand-sculpted twigs."

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Start Your Own Story 

Do you have a vision for a piece of nature-inspired jewelry?I love working one-on-one with clients to create a secure, durable home for a unique gemstone.Whether you have your own stone or need help finding the perfect rough diamond, I am here to help you bring that design to life.Contact me today to begin your custom design journey.

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Forest Whisper — Guided by Nature, Shaped by Emotion

“Forest Whisper” pendant, inspired by quiet woodland moments,
sculpted in sterling silver with a moss agate center.

Every piece I create begins long before wax ever touches my hands.

It begins in quiet moments — walking through woods, noticing how roots twist naturally, how moss grows softly over time, and how tiny mushrooms appear without forcing their way into the world.

Shop Forest Whisper Pendant

“Forest Whisper” pendant, sculpted in sterling silver with twisting branches, delicate mushrooms, and a moss agate cabochon.

This pendant was inspired by those quiet forest whispers — the kind that can only be felt when you slow down and truly listen to nature.

What you see now in silver once existed only as an idea shaped by emotion. The flowing lines were not drawn with rigid plans. They were allowed to grow naturally, just as vines and branches do in the wild.

At its heart sits a moss agate stone, carrying its own miniature landscape — a reminder that nature holds endless stories within even the smallest spaces.

Shop Forest Whisper Pendant

"Forest Whisper" pendant with moss agate cabochon resting in my hand, 
showing it's true size of 2" tall.

But before it became silver… before it held a stone… before it carried meaning for someone else…

It lived simply as wax in my hand.

Warm, soft, and full of possibility.

That moment — holding the wax form — is where every piece truly begins. It is where emotion moves through my hands into shape, where nature guides the design instead of being controlled by it.

This is why I create jewelry this way.

Not just to make something beautiful...

But to create something alive — something that carries the feeling of its origin, so that when someone touches it, they can feel the same quiet whisper that inspired it.

 

Detail of the “Forest Whisper” wax pendant as the artist fine-tunes tiny mushroom caps, sculpting the piece with care before casting.

“Forest Whisper” wax pendant resting in hand, showing the size and form before casting in silver.

A Mother-Daughter Journey: Crafting Heirlooms from the Heart

We are Dawn and Missy, a mother-daughter duo crafting meaningful jewelry with love. Dawn dreams up the next wearable sculpture while Missy keeps our small business running smoothly. Together, we create one-of-a-kind treasures handmade right here in North Carolina.

The Hearts Behind the Art

We are Dawn and Missy, a mother and daughter team. We craft meaningful jewelry with love.

What started as Dawn’s passion for sculpting and designing is now a thriving small business. We are known for our one-of-a-kind twig engagement rings and raw gemstone pieces.

Missy keeps things running while Dawn dreams up your next heirloom. We love connecting with our customers. We enjoy being part of your most special moments.

Every piece is handmade in North Carolina with heart and a whole lot of sparkle. 

Nature’s Blueprint: Sculpting the Larimar Ring Through the Storm

Original hand-drawn blueprint for the custom
Larimar ring, featuring the signature "DV" initials and climbing vine motif.

The Journey of a Custom Design

Every piece I create begins long before I touch the wax. It starts with a conversation. I believe that jewelry should be as unique as the person wearing it, so we begin by discussing your vision—the flow, the textures, and the story you want the piece to tell.

Phase 1: The Design

Once we have the design figured out through our collaboration, the "blueprint" is set. Because I work as an artist rather than a traditional jeweler, I’m looking for a design that feels alive and organic, moving away from mass-produced looks and rigid prongs.

Phase 2: Selecting the Soul

With the design finalized, we move on to finding the right gemstone. This is one of my favorite parts to share with a client. For a recent custom Larimar ring, I presented these three options:

• Stone A, B, and C 

By seeing the stones side-by-side on a clean palette, you can see the different "landscapes" within the Larimar. Whether you prefer a soft, misty blue or a deep, tidal pattern, this choice ensures the heart of the ring is exactly what you  envisioned.

Establishing the "Riverbend" texture on the purple wax base using a constant-heat tool set at 450°.

The Foundation of the Bezel

The Vision Takes Shape

Every project begins with a conversation and a choice. For this particular adventure, my client chose "Option B": a stunning 6.2mm Larimar cabochon. 

With the stone selected, I moved into the most critical phase—creating the base ring and the bezel that will eventually secure this treasure.

A look at the scale of the first hand-carved signature leaf against the
6.2mm Larimar setting.

Sculpting with Heat

Using my constant-heat tool set to 450°, I began the meticulous process of shaping the purple wax on the mandrel. This isn't just a standard setting; it’s a hand-sculpted bezel to hold the Larimar gemstone. 

You can see in the latest studio shots how the heat tool allows for pinpoint accuracy as I build up the "Riverbend" texture around the stone's seat. This high-temperature stability is what allows me to create such delicate, bark-like ridges that remain structurally sound for the final casting.

The Blueprint of Nature 

As I work, I keep my original sketch close by. It serves as my map, reminding me where the signature leaves will sprout and how the vines will eventually climb to meet the bezel. Even at this early stage, the ring is no longer just wax—it's the beginning of a wearable forest.

Refining the winding vines as they climb from the textured band toward the Larimar bezel.

Final Phase: Prepping for the Caster

Now that the base, the bezel, and the intricate vine-work are nearing completion, the final step of the carving process is the official "DV" signature. Once that is carved into the wax, I will begin the prep work to send the model to my master jeweler for casting.

This preparation is vital to ensure that every organic detail—from the 450° heat-textured bark to the veins in the leaves—is captured perfectly when the purple wax is transformed into solid gold.

To be continued...

How It’s NOT Made - Rooted in Endurance

Built for the Wild: The "How It's Not Made" Philosophy

Most jewelry is designed for the jewelry box. It’s made with thin prongs, hollow stems, and fragile settings that ask you to pause. They tell you to take off your ring before you mount your horse, or to leave your necklace behind before you hit the trailhead.

We don’t believe in pausing.

How It’s Not Made

At DV Jewelry Designs, we’ve spent 20 years perfecting a process that the traditional industry won't touch. We don't "set" stones in fragile cages. We cast them in place. We sculpt 14k gold and sterling silver directly around the raw, organic edges of diamonds and gemstones, mimicking the way ancient roots grip the earth.

"Because your life shouldn't have to pause for your jewelry."

For the Climber & Hiker

You know the sound of granite against a ring. In a traditional setting, that’s the sound of a stone falling out. In a DV piece, it’s just another day on the mountain. Our organic twig and root designs are low-profile and solid, built to handle the grit of the trail and the pressure of the rock.

For the Equestrian

A lead rope or a heavy rein can bend a standard ring in seconds. Our "How It’s Not Made" approach ensures that your jewelry is as rugged as the spirit of the ride. No snags, no warping—just art that stays as strong as the bond with your horse.

The Endurance Standard

"Forged in the fire and anchored in gold, our designs are built to stay where they belong—on your hand, through every summit and every stride."

A Wax Artist’s Palette: The Alchemy of Hand-Sculpted Jewelry

"A Wax Artist’s Palette: Where the alchemy begins. Every color represents a different level of hardness, carefully layered on my hand—my true canvas—to build a foundation of strength for each one-of-a-kind design."

From Wax to Wonder: The Art of the Carve

When you look at my workbench, you’ll see a vibrant mix of pinks, greens, and blues. These aren't just for show—each color represents a different hardness and flexibility in the wax.

In this custom ring, I use a "harder" wax for the structural base to ensure it holds its shape on the mandrel, while a "softer," more pliable wax is used to meticulously "grow" the organic vines around the diamond. This allows me to capture the delicate, overlapping flow of nature that defines my signature style.

My hand-sculpted palette of colorful waxes, each chosen for its specific hardness to build a foundation of strength and beauty.

Visualizing the Final Piece

Because these multi-color waxes can be difficult to imagine in a single precious metal, I want to help you see the final vision. This is a one-of-a-kind ring with a cast-in-place rough diamond. Since the wax model is lost during the casting process, I can only cast this ring once.

Precision in motion—using a heated tool to carefully "grow" the soft green and blue wax twigs around the rough diamond.

By showing you these recreations, I can give you a solid choice between styles prior to the final pour.

Your Choice: Silver or Rose Gold?

The metal you choose completely changes the "soul" of the ring:

Sterling Silver with Light Oxidation: This option highlights every tiny detail. The light oxidation sits in the deep crevices of the hand-carved vines, creating a beautiful contrast that makes the organic textures look like a piece of forest floor.

My hand-sculpted palette of colorful waxes, each chosen for its specific hardness to build a foundation of strength and beauty.

The completed 100% organic vision, where the twigs serve as the setting, locking the diamond in place forever during casting.

14k Rose Gold with a Light Antique Finish: The 14k rose gold offers incredible durability for daily wear. The light antique finish removes the harsh "new" shine, giving the ring a soft, heirloom quality that glows against the skin.

My hand-sculpted palette of colorful waxes, each chosen for its specific hardness to build a foundation of strength and beauty.

 

The warmth of 14k rose gold finished with a light antique glow, perfectly capturing the organic flow of hand-sculpted vines around a rough diamond. 

The Final Touch

As with all my work, I have hand-carved my "DV" initials into the wax. It’s a signature I’ve used for 20 years, inspired by my father, Hubert, who signed every one of his wildlife paintings. It is my promise to you that this piece was sculpted by hand, with heart, right here in the North Carolina foothills.

Cast-in-Place: How I Created the Organic "Floating" Rough Diamond Ring

Artist’s Note: The Fire off the Bench

"Creating a Cast-in-Place ring is not for the faint of heart. In this process, I don't just set the diamond after the ring is finished; I place the stone directly into the wax model and cast them together.

This means the diamond must withstand the intense heat of the molten 14k gold. It is a high-risk technique—not every stone survives the thermal shock. But for the ones that do, the reward is magical. The gold contracts as it cools, locking the stone in a permanent, organic embrace that traditional prongs can never mimic. It creates a bond where the stone and the metal truly become one."  

— Dawn Vertrees

A one-of-a-kind "Floating Diamond" ring,
featuring a 4.2ct rough diamond cast-in-place within
14k solid rose gold hand-carved leaves.


The Fire & The Stone

Large Floating Raw Rough Diamond Engagement Ring in 14k Rose Gold, Antiqued Finish.

Introducing our floating diamond concept, a fresh take on traditional prong settings. I'm so excited to explore new possibilities with rough and faceted diamonds including ruby and sapphire gemstones.

Creative Process: Hand sculpted wax model using the lost wax process.

Cast-in-place: A process where the stone and the wax model I create is cast simultaneously in solid gold. The stone and metal become one thing, making the one-of-a-kind piece each time.

Material: 14k Solid Rose Gold

Finish: Polished with an antique finish.

Gemstone: 4.2ct Natural Rough Diamond

Gemstone Color: White/Light Silver Color

Ring Height: 8mm

Ring Length: 12.5mm

Bottom Band Width: 3.54mm

15 Years on Etsy... Now Growing Our Own Roots

Hand-carved in wax by Dawn Vertrees, this design represents the fluid, organic strength of nature’s paths. Originally inspired by the banyan trees and nature of Florida, it now serves as a cornerstone of our independent shop at: WWW.DVJEWELRYDESIGNS.COM

Riverbend Pendant

 We have been planting seeds on Etsy since 2011. Now, it is time to grow in our own garden.

After 15 years, we are moving our jewelry collection to our own dedicated website.

Why the move? We want to move away from algorithms and get back to what matters: a direct connection with you.

By shopping on our own site, you support our small business directly and ensure our "roots" stay strong for years to come.

Come visit our new home:

Link: WWW.DVJEWELRYDESIGNS.COM

The Riverbend Set: Nature’s Texture in Silver

Living here in the foothills of North Carolina, my inspiration often comes from simply looking down at the forest floor or walking along the creek. There is a quiet beauty in the way fallen twigs and branches weave together at the water's edge.

For this design, I wanted to capture that exact texture—the rough bark, the organic curves, and the strength of nature.

Riverbend Sterling Silver Twig Pendant
by Dawn Vertrees

The Riverbend Pendant I created this pendant using the lost-wax casting method. I hand-carved the wax model to mimic the texture of driftwood and branches, weaving the silver to cradle the center stone. It feels ancient and grounded, like a piece of the woods you can keep with you.

Riverbend Sterling Silver Branch Earrings

The Riverbend Earrings To complement the pendant, I designed these earrings to look like curved branches found along the riverbank. They have an open, hoop-like feel but with an organic, uneven silhouette that frames the face beautifully. They are cast in solid sterling silver but are designed to be lightweight enough for everyday wear.

As always, these are hand-finished right here in my studio in NC.