Floating Leaf Collection Sketch – Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring by Dawn Vertrees

 

Floating Leaf Collection
Sketch – Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring by Dawn Vertrees

For years I have created nature-inspired jewelry featuring natural diamonds, rough gemstones, twigs, leaves, and organic forms sculpted by hand in wax.

As the jewelry world evolves, I wanted to create a design specifically for those who love the beauty of lab-grown diamonds and gemstones while still appreciating artistic craftsmanship and meaningful design.

This sketch marks the beginning of a new collection.

The Floating Leaf Engagement Ring was inspired by a simple question:

How can a gemstone appear to float between two leaves?

The design features a one-carat round faceted lab-grown diamond nestled between two sculpted leaves that rise gracefully from a textured twig band. Rather than relying on traditional jewelry styling, the leaves appear to lift and present the gemstone as if it had grown there naturally.

The result is a ring that feels organic, elegant, and timeless.

While this first design showcases a round lab-grown diamond, the setting is being developed to accommodate a variety of lab-grown gemstones, including:

• Lab-Grown Diamond
• Lab-Grown Emerald
• Lab-Grown Sapphire
• Lab-Grown Ruby

Each gemstone brings its own personality to the design while maintaining the same floating leaf concept.

This ring will eventually become part of a complete wedding set. The matching wedding band will feature a simple twig design that complements the engagement ring without competing with it. Together they create a harmonious woodland-inspired bridal set rooted in nature.

As with all Dawn Vertrees Jewelry designs, every detail begins as an idea, a sketch, and a hand-sculpted wax model before becoming a finished piece of jewelry.

The Floating Leaf Collection was inspired by a simple idea: a gemstone lifted and offered by nature.

Two sculpted leaves rise from an organic twig band, cradling a faceted gemstone so it appears to float between them. The design creates a sense of lightness and wonder, inviting the question, "How is the gemstone staying there?"

Available with lab-grown diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies, each piece celebrates beauty, craftsmanship, and the organic forms found in nature.

This is the first sketch.

The collection is still growing.

💗

Oakwood Twig Collection Sketch Designs

Oakwood Twig Collection Sketch Designs

The Oakwood Twig Collection

The Oakwood Twig Collection begins here—where nature wraps, lifts, and offers each piece like a gift.

You don’t design in straight lines—and this collection doesn’t either.

It grew the same way branches do—naturally, without force, each curve finding its place. Every twig wraps with intention, every leaf settles where it belongs, and every detail is built to feel like it was always meant to be there.

These pieces aren’t just inspired by nature…
They’re guided by it.

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Where It Began

The rings are where this collection first took root.

Twigs wrap around the band like growing branches, forming structure without feeling rigid. Oak leaves layer gently into the design, creating a sense of protection and movement at the same time.

Crafted in sterling silver with 14K rose gold leaves, finished with soft oxidation in the recesses and a gentle polish, these pieces balance contrast and warmth in a way that feels natural and effortless.

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The Collection Grows

From there, the collection began to expand.

A sterling silver pendant lifts and presents a moss agate stone, wrapped in flowing twig forms and accented with oak leaves—never held tightly, always offered.

The earrings carry that same movement—light, organic, and alive—formed from oxidized sterling silver branches with oak leaves and acorns that feel as if they’ve grown into place.

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A Natural Pairing

The collection also moves into more personal pieces.

A solitaire engagement ring with a 1ct round diamond pairs with a coordinating oak leaf band, bringing structure and symbolism together. The design allows the stone to feel lifted and presented, while the band continues the language of natural growth.

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Still Growing

This collection is not finished—and it’s not meant to be.

Some pieces will remain simple and quiet. Others will grow more detailed and layered. But every design will follow the same path—guided by nature, shaped with intention, and created to be felt as much as seen.

These pieces already exist—just not in metal yet.
They’ve taken shape here first.

And I can’t wait to show you what they become.

Nature's Embrace: Unveiling the Twig Weave Collection

Unveiling the Twig Weave Collection

Welcome to the newest expression of our passion for nature-inspired design: The Twig Weave Collection. This line is born from the profound inspiration found in the enduring, interwoven structure of the forest—specifically, the resilient curves of vines and the strong, beautiful texture of old branches.

Every piece in this collection captures the delicate balance between wild, organic beauty and refined craftsmanship, celebrating life's interconnectedness and the strength found in nature's embrace.

What sets the Twig Weave Collection apart is its foundation in the meticulous process of lost-wax carving. Unlike jewelry that starts in a computer program, each curve, texture, and leaf you see began as a detailed wax model, carrying the signature and soul of the artisan from the very first moment.

🍃

The Twig Weave Moss Agate Pendant

The heart of the new collection is this breathtaking Twig Weave Pendant, cast in rich 14k Rose Gold with an Antique Finish. The interwoven branches of the setting flow organically around a magnificent Moss Agate Cabochon.

The Symbolism of Moss Agate:We chose Moss Agate for its deep connection to the Earth and its powerful symbolism of growth, new beginnings, and abundance. Its stunning internal patterns—a miniature, natural landscape—perfectly mirror the Twig Weave design, reminding the wearer of the vibrant life and deep roots that sustain them. 

The Twig Weave Earrings

Complementing the Twig Weave pendant and rings, the matching earrings offer a touch of organic elegance.

These delicate drop earrings are cast in warming 14k Rose Gold and finished with the subtle depth of our Antique Finish. The design mirrors the intertwined branches of the rest of the collection, creating small, beautiful vignettes of nature suspended from the ear.

Secured with classic and comfortable leverbacks, these earrings feature the same meticulous, hand-carved detail you see in the rings, ensuring the organic texture and dimensionality are fully present. They are designed to be light, graceful, and a timeless accent that beautifully connects the wearer to the natural world.

Design and Finish 

The pendant's design is an ode to endurance and protection. The intertwining twig setting acts as a protective shield for the stone, symbolizing the way nature supports and nurtures life. The warmth of the 14k Rose Gold, enhanced by the deep shadows and contrast of the antique finish, gives the piece an ancient, treasured quality that feels passed down through generations. This is more than an accessory; it is a wearable piece of the forest, beautifully refined for everyday elegance.

Every design was personally hand-carved by artist Dawn Vertrees.

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The Foundation: Hand-Carved Wax

What sets the Twig Weave Collection apart is its foundation in the meticulous process of lost-wax carving. Unlike jewelry that starts in a computer program, each curve, texture, and leaf you see began as a detailed wax model, carrying the signature and soul of the artist from the very first moment.

Every design in this collection was personally hand-carved by master wax artist Dawn Vertrees.

By creating professional master molds of these original carvings, I am able to offer these intricate, master-level designs at a more affordable price. This process also allows me more time at the bench to continue creating more pieces to go with this new collection.

This hands-on process ensures that every piece is truly unique, possessing a dimensionality and organic flow that cannot be replicated by machines. It is here, in the dark blue wax, that the piece's journey from concept to wearable art begins.

Twig Weave Wedding Set

The essence of the Twig Weave Collection culminates in our exquisite bridal designs—pieces crafted to symbolize enduring commitment and intertwined futures.

The Solitaire Engagement Ring & Wedding Band

"Coming Soon"

This spectacular set features a brilliant 1 Carat popular shaped white diamond solitaire held aloft by a setting that flawlessly embodies the Twig Weave design.

Cast in radiant Sterling Silver with an Oxidation Finish, the ring’s band forms a natural, organic cradle. The branches not only secure the diamond but flow around it, representing two lives beautifully intertwining and supporting one another through all seasons. The depth provided by the oxidation finish highlights every hand-sculpted detail, giving the ring a cherished, heirloom quality right from the start.

The Men's Twig Weave Band

Completing the set, the Men's Twig Weave Band carries the same organic texture, offering a rugged yet sophisticated complement to the solitaire ring. Rendered in substantial Sterling Silver with a rich Oxidation Finish, the band is a simple yet powerful declaration of commitment, featuring the continuous, beautiful pattern of the branches—a symbol of enduring, unbroken connection.

Together, these rings form a perfect, harmonious set, celebrating your love story with the timeless beauty of nature's design.

For additional Information & Availability:

Contact Me @ dvjewelrydesigns@gmail.com

Bringing a Wax Model to Life: A Nature-Inspired Ring in Rose Gold, Moissanite, and Sapphire

Designing jewelry is always a journey—one that begins with an idea, transforms through careful craftsmanship, and finally blossoms into a finished piece that reflects both imagination and artistry. Today, I’m excited to share the evolution of one of my newest creations: a wax model featuring a 6 × 8 mm pear-shaped moissanite, which has now been beautifully rendered in 14k rose gold, complete with two different gemstone options.

From Wax to Wonder

The first stage of every one of my designs begins in wax. This is where the organic shapes, branches, and leaves take form. In this particular piece, the center stone sits nestled inside hand-shaped leaves that curl upward as if nature itself is holding the gemstone in place. A small 2 mm round moissanite on the second band adds a soft touch of sparkle—almost like a dew drop resting on a petal.

These wax models capture the rawness and honesty of the design. They allow me to shape, carve, and adjust the details until everything feels true to the vision.

AI Rendering: A Helpful Preview, Not a Replacement

I often use AI tools to generate clean, metallic previews of what the final ring could look like once cast. This is especially helpful for showing customers different gemstone choices, metal colors, and setting variations before the physical piece is completed.

AI didn’t create the design—you’ll see that it simply transformed my original wax model into polished 14k rose gold renderings. This helps me visualize how the leaves will catch the light, how the prongs will cradle the pear-shaped stone, and how alternate gemstones might appear in the same design.

Two Beautiful Interpretations

Once the model was translated into a metal preview, two stunning options emerged:

✨ Option 1: Rose Gold & Moissanite

The warm glow of 14k rose gold enhances the organic details of the leaves. The moissanite center stone glitters with fire and brilliance, making the entire design feel romantic and timeless.

💙 Option 2: Rose Gold & Blue Sapphire

The same ring transforms dramatically when set with a pear-shaped blue sapphire. The deep, velvety blues contrast beautifully with rose gold—almost like a midnight garden wrapped around the finger.

Customizable for Every Customer

One of the things I love most about designing jewelry is flexibility. This ring can be customized to suit any preference:

• Metal Options: white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, or platinum

• Center Stones: moissanite, sapphire, morganite, lab diamond, or natural gemstone

• Accent Gems: moissanite, diamonds, sapphires, or any color that complements the main stone

Each version becomes personal—unique to the wearer, yet connected to the same artistic roots.

A Piece That Grows With You

Even in its wax stage, this design already held movement, emotion, and presence. Seeing it reimagined in rose gold with both moissanite and sapphire brings it to life in a way that celebrates the beauty of nature and the uniqueness of each client’s vision.

I can’t wait to cast the final piece and share the fully finished version with you soon!

Introducing our new DV Jewelry Designs Website

Dawn Vertrees Jewelry DesignsAfter months of hard work, we are happy to officially announce the launch of our brand new website.DVJEWELRYDESIGNS.COM

1ct Hand Cut Green Tourmaline, 14k White Gold Twig Engagement Ring, Gemstone Solitaire, Engagement Ring, Anniversary Ring by Dawn

Hand Cut Faceted Twig Engagement Ring

Green Tourmaline
Engagement Ring

Hand Sculpted & Hand Cut 1ct Green Tourmaline

I have waited exactly two years staring at my faceting tools until now. Creating our own hand cut gemstones is a milestone for me, it's like everything I envisioned for my hand sculpted designs has finally come full circle. I truly hope you see my vision in giving you a true one-of-a-kind ring.

Each design was created in wax by me to mimic little twigs with tiny branches holding a artistically hand cut in our studio.

Rough Gemstones Hand Cut

This is a 1 carat Tourmaline, cut from our rough uncut gemstones
The Band is cast in 14k White Gold with textured bark markings.

Our Refined Gold and Gemstones are all Cruelty-Free.

Your ring will come with a black velvet pouch and a black ring box.

Why have I chosen to hand cut our Gemstones:

Gemstone material that has not been extensively cut and polished is referred to as "Rough".

Rough material that has been hammered to knocked off the brittle fractured edges is said to have been cobbled.

For Additional Information, Click Here

So, what I have chosen to do is remove the brittle fractures by hand polishing our rough gemstones in our studio here in North Carolina and allowing a longer lifespan of the stone for our customers. A stone that has been hand cut is a stronger stone and in my opinion a safer stone to have.

To keep the integrity of the rough gemstones, we only remove the brittle edges and keep true to the unique shape of the original rough gemstone. This way we can create a beautiful artistically cut gemstone that is still Cruelty-Free but very unique in shape.

This is my way of giving you a true one-of-a-kind hand sculpted and hand cut ring.
-Dawn Vertrees

Unique Alternative Engagement Rings
and Wedding Sets

Leaf & Vine Raw Diamond Twig Engagement Ring

Elegant Leaf and Vine

Hand sculpted Twig Bridal Set, hand sculpted, a one-of-a-kind creation. 

Hand Sculpted by Dawn
using the lost wax method.

I wanted to create a beautiful engagement ring with Rough Uncut Diamond, so I sculpted the branch to focus on the showcasing this rough diamond and elegant leaves draped over the raw crystal like diamond. 

● Our Diamonds: Premium Rough 1.5-1.91 ct Uncut Raw Diamond.

● Raw Uncut Rough Diamond - Cruelty Free Diamond.

● Finish: Polished. 

● Your ring will come a black velvet ring box.

● Additional Information: Click Here

Dawn Vertrees Jewelry...Elegance Uncut.

Premium Rough Diamond
Cruelty Free Diamonds and Gold

Raw Uncut Diamond Engagement Ring with Twig Band

2.1 Raw Uncut Diamond
Leaf and Twig Wedding Set

Raw Uncut Diamond Engagement Ring with Twig Band, 14k White Gold Leaf & Twig Bridal Set are hand sculpted and one-of-a-kind creations. Each ring is sculpted by me to fit my hand selected raw uncut diamonds.

I wanted to create a delicate yet beautiful Leaf and Twig Bridal Set using an Uncut Raw Diamond, so I sculpted the branch band first and then I hand sculpted two natural flowing leaves along with their stems that embrace the uncut diamond as if it was two hands holding the diamond, the simple design is truly elegant that will flatter her finger.

Raw Organic Conflict Free Diamonds.

Raw Uncut Engagement Rings

Please NOTE: The ring show is available. It is currently a size 7 and can be resized.

14k White Gold Engagement Ring (shown):
● Leaf Engagement ring is approximately 3/8" wide at top.
● Matching Twig Band measures 2mm wide.
   Both Bands together is 5 mm wide
● Finish: Polished.

Diamond (shown):
● All diamonds are natural, untreated, unheated and conflict-free
● Diamond shown - 2.1ct Hand Selected, Light Olive green Diamond.
● Diamond Size: 8.45mm x 7.46mm x 4.20mm

Leaf and Twig  Engagement Rings

● If you have a special diamond request or would like photos of the diamond I have in stock, please send me a message and I would be happy to photograph them for you.

● Please allow 2-3 days to ship unless resizing is needed. Please allow 1 1/2 weeks to resize and ship. Shipping is 2-3 Days Priority Shipping or Express Next day is available.

● Your rings come in a double ring box with a black velveteen DV drawstring pouch.

● Additional Leaf & Twig Wedding Bands, Rings, Promise Rings as well as Bridal Gifts: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DawnVertreesJewelry?section_id=10707658&ref=shopsection_leftnav_2

Dawn Vertrees Jewelry...Elegance Uncut.

Two New Custom Three Raw Uncut Diamond Leaf & Twig Engagement Rings in White, Yellow, Green or Rose Gold

3 Raw Uncut Yellow Diamond
Leaf & Twig Engagement Ring

Three Raw Uncut Diamond
Anniversary or Promise Ring

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these two new pieces 

I just finished sculpting using 

the lost wax method. 

I received quite a few raw uncut diamonds in different sizes and couldn't 

wait to start on this wedding set. 

These will be ready to cast next week in 14k White, Yellow or Rose Gold.

If you are interested in one of these rings, 

please contact me at dawnvertrees@gmail.com

Raw Uncut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, Rough 14k Gold Wedding Ring, Wedding Set Stacking Ring with Rough Diamond Ring by Dawn Vertrees

Raw Uncut Diamond Solitaire Bridal Set

Made-to-Order 14k Twig & Leaf Raw Uncut Diamond Bridal Set, Engagement Ring using a Rough Diamonds, Engagement with Band by Dawn Vertrees

I wanted to create a delicate yet beautiful Leaf and Twig Engagement Ring using an Uncut Raw Diamond, so I sculpted the branch band first and then I hand sculpted 6 natural flowing leaves along with their stems that reach up and embrace the uncut diamond. These are truly elegant wedding rings that will flatter her finger. 

Raw Organic Conflict Free Diamonds.

Please NOTE: The completed ring in photos has already sold. This listing is to create your own Leaf & Twig Engagement ring in your choice of 14k gold.

Leaf and Twig Engagement Ring

Engagement Ring (shown):

● Leaf Engagement ring is approximately 1/4" wide at top.

● Band is 3mm wide

● Finish: Polished. 

Diamond (shown):

● All diamonds are natural, untreated, unheated and conflict-free

● Diamond shown - 1.50ct Hand Selected, white with touches of silver tones

● Diamonds are Available:

● Please send me a conversation concerning your diamond preference. 

● The price is based on a white/silvery roundish diamond 1.4ct - 1.9ct 

● Larger diamonds are available.

● Please allow up to 2-3 weeks to complete then ship. 

Raw Uncut Bridal Set

This ring comes with a double ring box with a black DV velveteen drawstring pouch.

Additional Leaf & Twig Wedding Bands, Rings, Promise Rings as well as Bridal Gifts: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DawnVertreesJewelry?section_id=10707658&ref=shopsection_leftnav_2

Dawn Vertrees Jewelry...Elegance Uncut.
dawnvertrees@gmail.com