Showing posts with label Cast-in-Place. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cast-in-Place. Show all posts

Thursday, February 26, 2026

Wax, Gold, and Grit: Crafting Jewelry Built for a Lifetime

Hand-sculpted purple and blue wax ring model by Master Wax Artist Dawn Vertrees, featuring organic leaf and twig textures with a cast-in-place rough diamond.
The Foundation: Hand-carving the wax model
to perfectly cradle a rough diamond.

  • The Artist's Vision: I begin every design by hand-carving the wax to cradle the specific textures of nature.
  • A Unique Perspective: My dyslexia is a gift that allows me to "see" these three-dimensional shapes before the carving even starts.
  • The Specialized Foundation: In this wax stage, I’ve already secured the rough diamond for my signature "cast-in-place" technique.

A side-by-side comparison of a purple wax ring carving and a finished 14k gold organic ring, highlighting the lost wax process and cast-in-place rough diamond technique used by Dawn Vertrees.
The Transformation: A side-by-side view showing
my hand-carved wax model transitioning into solid 14k gold.

  • The Magic of the "Split": This side-by-side view shows the direct transition from my hand-carved model to solid 14k gold.
  • Built for Life: Notice how the leaves and twigs replace traditional prongs—this is the heart of my "How It's Not Made" philosophy.
  • Durability First: By eliminating thin prongs, I ensure your jewelry is as strong as it is beautiful.

A finished 14k gold organic ring by Master Wax Artist Dawn Vertrees, featuring a rough diamond securely integrated into a leaf and twig setting without traditional prongs.
The Masterpiece: The finished 14k gold design,
showcasing the strength of the cast-in-place rough diamond and my
signature nature-inspired textures.

  • The Finished Masterpiece: After my carving is complete, my partner Jacob helps with the expert casting and finishing.
  • One-of-a-Kind Art: Because I focus on individual designs rather than collections, this piece is truly unique.
  • Shop the Look: You can find my latest nature-inspired creations on my website.




 

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

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


Close up of a rustic engagement ring featuring a large 4.2ct rough silver diamond. The diamond is held by hand-carved organic leaves in 14k rose gold with an antique finish. The setting uses a cast-in-place technique where the gold flows around the stone.

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

Thursday, January 1, 2026

New Release: The Oxidized Twig Ring with 1.8ct Rough Diamond

 Embracing the Forest

Oxidized sterling silver ring with hand-carved twig texture holding a 1.8ct rough diamond.
Our newest one-of-a-kind creation: An oxidized sterling silver twig ring featuring a cast-in-place 1.8ct rough diamond, designed to perfectly match our signature pendant.



We are thrilled to unveil the newest one-of-a-kind creation from DV Jewelry. Designed as the perfect companion to our beloved twig pendant, this ring is a true testament to organic beauty.




Oxidized sterling silver pendant with hand-carved twig texture holding a rough diamond.
 The design that started it all: Our signature oxidized silver twig pendant, the perfect companion to the new ring.

Handcrafted in sterling silver with a rustic oxidized finish, the branch-like setting is cast directly around a stunning 1.8ct rough diamond. This unique "cast-in-place" technique ensures that the stone is securely cradled by the metal, making each ring truly unique.

Hand-carved green wax model of a twig ring holding a 1.8ct rough diamond on a finger.
Behind the Scenes:
Carving the Wax Model for the Cast-in-Place Ring

Coming Soon!

We hope you love this new addition to our collection as much as we do!
Check back soon for availability.