Why the Original Always Matters

 

Why the Original Always Matters

Hand-sculpted twig engagement ring, an original design by Dawn Vertrees, featuring a brilliant rectangular center stone set in organic gold.

Twenty years ago, I began a journey into wax artistry, bringing the textures of the forest—twigs, leaves, and roots—to life in gold. When I brought my designs to Etsy in 2011, this organic, nature-inspired aesthetic was something I had pioneered.

An original hand-sculpted design by Dawn Vertrees in 14k rose gold with an antique finish, featuring a brilliant lab-created blue sapphire nestled in organic forest textures.

The Evolution of the Art

Today, you will see many manufacturers mass-producing "twig" and "leaf" rings using machines. They are chasing a trend; I am continuing a twenty-year tradition of hand-sculpted art.

A machine-made ring is a copy of a design. A Dawn Vertrees ring is an original piece of wearable art, hand-sculpted with the soul and intent that only an artist can provide.

An original hand-sculpted design by Dawn Vertrees, this 14k white gold wedding set features an oval lab-grown diamond and intricate organic leaf patterns.

A New Chapter: Lab-Grown Diamonds

I don't mind that the industry has followed my lead—it just proves that my vision for organic, non-traditional jewelry was right all along.

An original hand-sculpted engagement ring by Dawn Vertrees, featuring a brilliant lab-created stone set within a high-contrast, antiqued rose gold twig setting.

We are now pairing these signature, hand-sculpted settings with high-quality lab-grown diamonds. This combination offers you the perfect balance:

• The Original Vision: A design with the weight and texture of nature, perfected over two decades.

• Modern Brilliance: The ethical, durable, and breathtaking beauty of lab-grown stones.

If you want the piece that started the conversation, you are in the right place. Welcome to the next generation of Dawn Vertrees Designs.

An original, hand-sculpted Leaf & Berry engagement ring by Dawn Vertrees, masterfully crafted to capture the organic beauty of nature in fine metal.

Leaf & Berry Twig Ring

"This one-of-a-kind engagement ring features a 1ct center stone cradled by the organic, hand-sculpted textures of my signature leaf and berry motif. Every detail was meticulously shaped in wax by my own hands, ensuring that the final cast piece retains the authentic, tactile beauty of nature. This is not a mass-produced setting; it is an original work of art designed to celebrate the life and growth of your love story."

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.