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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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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