When Nature Plates the Table: A Caprese Salad That Grew Into Dinner

 Some of my favorite creations begin long before I pick up a tool or step into the kitchen. They begin as a picture in my mind.

Whether I'm sculpting a ring in wax or arranging a meal on a plate, I don't think in straight lines. I think in curves, balance, and the way nature quietly arranges itself without ever looking forced.

Fresh Caprese Salad with Garden Herbs & Homemade Balsamic Glaze

A simple Caprese salad became the perfect reminder of that.

Fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, basil picked for both flavor and shape, tiny oregano leaves scattered like wild plants in a meadow, and a single rosemary sprig acting as the branch that guides your eye across the plate. A ribbon of homemade balsamic glaze became my brushstroke, connecting everything together.

Pan-Seared Salmon with Caprese Salad & Fresh Garden Herbs

Then something unexpected happened.

A jewelry client contacted me while I was plating dinner. Instead of starting over later, I realized the composition had been designed with room to grow—just like nature.

That open space welcomed a beautifully pan-seared salmon, transforming a simple Caprese salad into a complete meal without losing the elegance of the original design.

I love that idea.

Sometimes a creation doesn't need to be replaced. It simply needs room to grow.

Whether I'm sculpting sterling silver or plating dinner, the philosophy remains the same:

Nature doesn't grow straight.

It bends.

It curves.

It adapts.

And somehow, it always becomes more beautiful.

Perhaps that's why nature continues to be my greatest teacher.

🌿 Rustic Italian Herb Chicken with Penne Rigate

Every piece of jewelry I create begins with nature.

A twig becomes a ring. A leaf becomes a pendant. I don't force the design—I let nature guide it.

Recently, I realized I cook exactly the same way.

This dinner didn't begin with a recipe book. It began with the herbs growing in my own gardens, both indoors and outdoors. Instead of asking, "What herbs should I buy?" I asked, "What is growing today?"

That simple question changed everything.

Fresh herbs from my gardens, a glass of chilled white wine, and a comforting bowl of Rustic Italian Herb Chicken with Penne Rigate. Together with ChatGPT, we built this recipe around the herbs I grow at home, creating one of the freshest and most flavorful Italian dinners I've ever made. Sometimes the simplest ingredients create the most memorable meals.

🌿 Fresh Herbs Make the Difference

For this Rustic Italian Herb Chicken with Penne Rigate, every herb came directly from my gardens.

Fresh basil.
Fresh parsley.
Fresh rosemary.
Fresh thyme.
Fresh oregano.

Together with ChatGPT, we built this recipe around those herbs instead of adding them as an afterthought.

The result was one of the most flavorful Italian dinners I've ever made.

🌱 My Indoor Herb Garden

My indoor herb garden isn't fancy.

It's a simple shelf beside my kitchen window where herbs continue to grow year-round. It isn't about creating the perfect display—it's about keeping fresh flavor within arm's reach every time I cook.

Those little pots have become one of the most important ingredients in my kitchen.

Fresh herbs don't just season food.

They inspire it.

🍷 From Garden to Table

After the herbs were picked, they became the heart of this meal.

Tender chicken.
Perfectly cooked penne rigate.
A splash of white wine.
Freshly grated Parmesan.
Garden basil and parsley scattered over the top.

Every bite reminded me why I love cooking with fresh herbs.

It's the same feeling I get when finishing a new jewelry design.

Nature always knows best.

❤️ A New Creative Journey

For over twenty years I've shared the stories behind my jewelry.

Now I'm discovering that recipes have stories too.

They begin in the garden...

grow in the kitchen...

and end around the table.

Just like my jewelry, every recipe starts with nature.

And that's exactly where the best creations begin.

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

 Embracing the Forest

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.

 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.

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.

Driftwood Style Wedding Band in Sterling Silver by Dawn

Unisex Hand-sculpted Driftwood Inspired Wedding Band 

by Dawn

Additional Pictures & Price

Material: Silver Finish: Oxidized (shown)

Band Width: 11mm wide

Bottom of band is 8mm - 9mm wide.

Hand sculpted branch band with continuous 360 design...this is a beautiful detailed ring inspired by the driftwood used in my photo below.

Hand sculpted branch band with continuous 360 design...this is a beautiful detailed ring inspired by the driftwood used in my photos.

Teal Moss Kyanite Leaf & Twig Ring in Sterling Silver

 Hand-crafted Teal Moss Kyanite Leaf & Twig Ring

Description:

Material: Sterling Silver 92.5

Finish: Antiqued (Oxidized)

Gemstone: 6 x 12 Natural Teal Moss Kyanite

Cut: Rose cut- Faceted

Measurements:

Length: Approximately 15.3mm

Band Width: Approximately 3.20mm

Additional Pictures & Prices

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

Blue Natural Zircons Gemstones in a Sterling Silver Sea Fan Coral Hand-sculpted Ring

Blue Natural Zircons Gemstones in a 

Sterling Silver Sea Fan Coral Hand-sculpted Ring

This hand-sculpted ring features Sea Fan Coral with tiny air bubbles producing a pearly effect on the coral, and blue natural Zircons gemstones.

Additional Information

 

Gemstone: (1) 4mm Natural Blue Zircon

(2) 3mm Natural Blue Zircon

Material: Sterling Silver

Finish: (shown) polished with oxidation

Current Ring Size: 8.5 (can be resized)

Ring Length: 30mm (tip to tip)

Bottom Band Width: 6mm

Moss Agate Gemstone Twig Ring in Sterling Silver by Dawn Vertrees

 Moss Agate Twig Ring

A Crown of Twigs Encircled an Oval Gemstone, Representing Nature's Enduring Beauty.

Hand-sculpted Sterling Silver Ring with an Oval Moss Agate

Material: Sterling Silver

Finish: Oxidized (Shown)

Gemstone: Natural 14 x 10mm Oval Moss Agate Cabochon Gemstone

Overall Ring Length: 14.7mm

Band Width: 3.4mm

https://dawnvertreesjewelry.etsy.com/listing/1826449974

Available gemstones: Green Tourmaline, Opal, Appetite, Pink Tourmaline, Citrine, Moonstone, Australian Blue Opal, Spinel, and Peridot, to name a few.

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

Leaf & Twig Pendant, Green Moissanite Leaf Pendant - Starting Soon!

Moss Agate Leaf Necklace

Moss Agate Pendant

Still fine-tuning the design.

Moss Agate Leaf & Twig Pendant

"Starting Soon"

Please Check Back Soon.

Sterling Silver
Polished & Oxidized
Moss Agate 14mm x 10mm Gemstone

Forget-Me-Not Women's Statement Ring - Coming Soon!

Forget-Me-Not 

Statement Ring

Forget-me-nots are a symbol of true love and respect. Giving someone these tiny blooms is a promise to always remember and keep them in your thoughts. Forget-me-nots are also a symbol of fidelity and faithfulness. Coming soon!

Ocean Life Collection Fusion Collection - Starfish & Coral Engagement Ring

Completed!

View The Process Below

Dawn Vertrees Jewelry - Ocean Collection

Check out our Ocean Life Collection!

"The Sketch"

Not every creation begins with a sketch, but this time, I needed to transfer the vision in my mind onto paper.

7.5mm/8mm Round Diamond or Gemstones

Natural, Lab, or Moissanite Diamonds

Available in 14k Gold & 18k Gold

In 2011, I created the Fusion  line, and on March 21, 2013, I registered it as a "Jewelry Design." Receiving a Certificate of Registration was truly an honor.

VA 1-866-481

Floating Rough Diamond Engagement Ring

 A Large Floating Raw Rough Diamond Engagement Ring set in 14k Rose Gold with an Antiqued Finish is available from DV Jewelry Designs

4.2 Carat Floating Rough Diamond 

Additional Information

Click Here

14k Solid Rose Gold

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

Rose Engagement Ring, Flower Statement Ring - Gold Ring - Silver Band - Hand Sculpted Fashion Ring by DV Jewelry Designs

Hand-Sculpted Rose Ring with two leaves and 4 Rose thorns on the twig band.

Rose Wedding Band

Shown: Solid 14k White Gold with an Antique finish (please note at checkout if you want your ring with or without the antique finish)

Rose Height: 5mm

Bottom Band Width: 3.82mm

Available in solid White, Yellow or Rose Gold in 14k and 18k, polished or antique finish.

Also available in Sterling Silver polished or with an oxidized finish.

 

●Contact us to add the matching wedding band to your order.

● Gold rings will come with a ring box and small ring tote.

● Silver Rings will come in a mesh tote and gift box.

dvjewelrydesigns.com 

Sterling Silver Rough Diamond Twig Ring - Unique Branch Design Engagement Ring - Perfect Anniversary Gift by DV Jewelry Designs

Leaf & Twig Wedding Set

Natural Inspired creations by Dawn.

One of a Kind Twig Wedding Set

Creative Process: Hand sculpted wax model using the Lost-wax-process.

At the heart of this ethereal creation lies a magnificent 5.10ct natural rough diamond, cradled in an embrace of sterling silver twigs and leaves, each element meticulously sculpted by hand. The diamond, with its medium light silver hue, is as unique as your love story, reflecting the light with a raw and organic charm that only nature can bestow. The ring's sterling silver foundation is stamped with a purity of 92.5 and finished with an oxidized antique patina, enhancing the textured details reminiscent of a woodland fantasy.

Three hand sculpted leaves and twigs surrounding a 5.10ct natural raw diamond.

Stone: 5.10ct Natural Rough Diamond

Diamond Color: Medium Light Silver

Material: Sterling Silver 92.5 stamped

Finish: Oxidized Antique Finish

Total Ring Height: 8.15mm

Wedding Set Total Length: 15.37mm

Wedding Ring Bottom Band Width: 3.83mm

Wedding Band Bottom Band Width: 2.78mm

This ring is Available Now!

This ring comes with a cute little tote and a ring box.

Dawn Vertrees Jewelry...Elegance Uncut.

DV Jewelry Designs

info: dvjewelrydesigns.com

Custom Rough Diamond Engagement Rings

Discover the enchanting allure of timeless romance with DV Jewelry Designs' captivating Salt & Pepper Diamond Engagement Ring. This extraordinary 2-carat raw diamond, with its light semi-transparent silvery gray hue, is cradled in the warm embrace of 14k rose gold, culminating in a piece that's as unique as your bond.

Our artisanal process involves sculpting a wax model by hand, utilizing the ancient Lost-wax-process, which ensures that no two rings are ever alike. The ring is then crafted through a cast-in-place technique, where the diamond and wax model are cast simultaneously in solid gold. This intimate process fuses the stone and metal together, creating an unbreakable connection akin to the one you share with your beloved. The result is a one-of-a-kind piece, with a black ruthenium antiqued finish that adds an old-world charm to the modern design. The ring's height reaches a subtle 7mm with a length of 10mm on the finger, and a comfortable 3.71mm width at the band's base, promising a perfect blend of elegance and wearability.

 2ct raw Salt & Pepper Diamond

Stone: 2ct raw Salt & Pepper Diamond

Color: Light semi-transparent silvery gray.

Material: 14k Solid Gold

Finish: Black Ruthenium Antiqued

Ring Height: 7mm

Ring Length on Finger: 10mm

Bottom Band Width: 3.71mm

Additional Pictures and Prices

Embrace the artistry of DV Jewelry Designs!

This ring is Available Now

One-of-a-Kind Return Policy:

"Available Now Rings", One-of-a-kind rings can be exchanged.

"Made-to-order", One-of-a-kind rings are not refundable.

This ring comes with a small ring tote and ring box.

Dawn Vertrees Jewelry...Elegance Uncut.

DV Jewelry Designs