The Back Matters: Because Art Flips

THE FRONT

Cleaned up and carrying the texture, flow, and movement of the design.

THE BACK

Before cleanup — waiting for the same attention it takes to make the front beautiful.

The Back Matters: Because Art Flips

A picture says a thousand words.
Sometimes, though, a picture makes you stop and ask a question.
As I was working on this new wax pendant, I had already spent a great deal of time sculpting the front. The flowing lines, texture, movement, and organic shape were beginning to feel right.
Then I turned it over.
Holy moly, that's ugly. 😂
Not because the pendant was wrong. The back simply hadn't received the attention the front had yet.
And that's when I started thinking about something I've understood for a very long time:
Art flips.
For more than 20 years, I've finished the backs of my pendants.
Why?
Because jewelry moves.
It twists.
It turns.
It shifts when you wear it.
At some point, the back is going to become the front.
And when that happens, I don't want someone wearing one of my pieces to see a flat piece of metal with a logo simply because that's traditionally what we do.
I want them to see art.

The Front...

The front of this pendant has already been cleaned up and refined.
The texture flows through the piece, creating movement rather than a perfectly predictable pattern. The raised areas catch the light, while the deeper grooves create shadow and dimension.
It's meant to feel organic.
It's meant to look as though the material itself created the movement.
This is the part most people will see first.
But it isn't the only part I care about.

The Back...

This photograph shows the back before I gave it the attention it needed.
It's rough.
It's unfinished.
And compared to the front, well...

Holy moly. 😂

But underneath that unfinished surface is the beginning of another piece of art.
The back doesn't need to be an exact copy of the front.
In fact, I don't want it to be.
It needs to have its own art.
It needs its own texture, movement, and character while still feeling like it belongs to the same piece.
Because if the pendant flips around, I don't want the story to stop.
I want it to tell another story.

Nature Doesn't Have a "Front" and "Back"

That's one of the things I love about working from nature.
A piece of driftwood doesn't have a side that nature decided was the beautiful side.
Every surface has something to say.
There are ridges, cracks, grain, weathering, and places where the wood has changed over time.
The texture continues around the piece because nature doesn't stop creating simply because we've turned something over.
That's what I try to translate into my jewelry.
I'm not trying to make the front beautiful and simply make the back functional.
I'm trying to make the entire piece feel alive.

I'm a '70s Wild Child... That's Me. Hi! 🌿

A handcrafted sterling silver ring inspired by the tiny flowers that have come to symbolize remembrance, enduring love, and cherished memories.

There are two things that have shaped my life more than anything else—nature and creating with my hands.

I'm a '70s wild child. I grew up loving the outdoors, wandering through the woods, noticing the little things most people walked right past. Twisted branches. Tiny woodland flowers. New buds after a spring rain. Those moments stayed with me.

That's me. Hi!

Forget Me Not Ring in sterling silver with a soft oxidized finish. Hand sculpted to capture the delicate beauty of woodland flowers and new spring buds.

I've never wanted my jewelry to look manufactured. I want it to feel like it grew there.

The Forget Me Not Ring is one of those pieces.

Instead of drawing a flower on paper, I sculpted every flower, bud, and branch in wax by hand. Each tiny blossom was shaped individually until it looked like a small bouquet gathered from the garden.

When the master was finished, it was carefully molded so this design can live on for years to come. Creating that mold is a one-time investment, allowing each future casting to faithfully reproduce the original sculpture while every ring is still individually finished by hand.

This sterling silver version weighs 12.558 grams, giving it a substantial feel without sacrificing comfort. After casting, every ring is cleaned, detailed, oxidized (if selected), and polished to bring out the depth of the flowers and bark textures.

When I finally slipped it on my finger, I laughed and said,

"If this ring were in gold, I'd be wearing it right now because it's so freaking cool."

The Forget Me Not Ring comes to life when worn. Hand sculpted in sterling silver with a soft oxidized finish, this woodland-inspired design was created to be worn and loved every day.

🎕

That pretty much says it all.

As artists, we spend countless hours wondering if others will love a piece. Sometimes, though, you create something that makes you smile every time you look at it.

This is one of those rings.

I hope that when someone wears it, they don't just see flowers.

I hope they remember a walk through the woods...

A favorite garden...

Someone they love...

Or simply that nature has a way of reminding us to slow down and notice the beauty that's been there all along.

A New Woodland Treasure is Taking Root 🌿

Woodland Weave Collection – Inspired by the Forest | Dawn Vertrees Jewelry

🎕

From Wax to Woodland Beauty: A New Ring is Taking Shape

Every creation begins with a visual in my mind. Once I can see it, I begin laying out the pieces. One by one, the vision becomes reality.

What you're seeing here is the beginning of my newest nature-inspired design.

These three wax views represent the foundation of the ring before it is transformed into precious metal. At this stage, every branch, every curve, and every bit of texture is carved by hand. This is where the personality of the piece is created.

Soon, this design will be cast in sterling silver, where those tiny details will come to life. An optional oxidized finish will gently darken the recessed areas, highlighting the bark-like texture and giving the branches added depth and character while allowing the raised surfaces to shine.

At the center of the design will be a 10 × 8 mm oval Moss Agate cabochon—a gemstone that reminds me of a quiet forest floor, with natural patterns that look like tiny landscapes captured within the stone. No two Moss Agates are ever exactly alike, making each ring truly one of a kind.

Creating depth, just as nature intended.
Every branch was hand sculpted in wax before becoming a sterling silver ring inspired by the forest.

Every cut creates another layer of depth. The hand-carving process gives each branch the natural character that will later be revealed in sterling silver with an optional oxidized finish.

From above, the flowing branches gently embrace the moss agate, allowing the natural beauty of the stone to remain the centerpiece of the design.

🌳

I love sharing this part of the process because it allows you to watch a piece evolve from an idea into wearable art. Before the silver is poured, before the stone is set, and before the final polish, there is simply a vision... and a piece of wax waiting to become something beautiful.

The next time you see this ring, it will have completed its transformation into sterling silver, ready to cradle its Moss Agate centerpiece.

I can't wait to share the finished piece with you.

A Wax Artist’s Palette: The Alchemy of Hand-Sculpted Jewelry

"A Wax Artist’s Palette: Where the alchemy begins. Every color represents a different level of hardness, carefully layered on my hand—my true canvas—to build a foundation of strength for each one-of-a-kind design."

From Wax to Wonder: The Art of the Carve

When you look at my workbench, you’ll see a vibrant mix of pinks, greens, and blues. These aren't just for show—each color represents a different hardness and flexibility in the wax.

In this custom ring, I use a "harder" wax for the structural base to ensure it holds its shape on the mandrel, while a "softer," more pliable wax is used to meticulously "grow" the organic vines around the diamond. This allows me to capture the delicate, overlapping flow of nature that defines my signature style.

My hand-sculpted palette of colorful waxes, each chosen for its specific hardness to build a foundation of strength and beauty.

Visualizing the Final Piece

Because these multi-color waxes can be difficult to imagine in a single precious metal, I want to help you see the final vision. This is a one-of-a-kind ring with a cast-in-place rough diamond. Since the wax model is lost during the casting process, I can only cast this ring once.

Precision in motion—using a heated tool to carefully "grow" the soft green and blue wax twigs around the rough diamond.

By showing you these recreations, I can give you a solid choice between styles prior to the final pour.

Your Choice: Silver or Rose Gold?

The metal you choose completely changes the "soul" of the ring:

Sterling Silver with Light Oxidation: This option highlights every tiny detail. The light oxidation sits in the deep crevices of the hand-carved vines, creating a beautiful contrast that makes the organic textures look like a piece of forest floor.

My hand-sculpted palette of colorful waxes, each chosen for its specific hardness to build a foundation of strength and beauty.

The completed 100% organic vision, where the twigs serve as the setting, locking the diamond in place forever during casting.

14k Rose Gold with a Light Antique Finish: The 14k rose gold offers incredible durability for daily wear. The light antique finish removes the harsh "new" shine, giving the ring a soft, heirloom quality that glows against the skin.

My hand-sculpted palette of colorful waxes, each chosen for its specific hardness to build a foundation of strength and beauty.

 

The warmth of 14k rose gold finished with a light antique glow, perfectly capturing the organic flow of hand-sculpted vines around a rough diamond. 

The Final Touch

As with all my work, I have hand-carved my "DV" initials into the wax. It’s a signature I’ve used for 20 years, inspired by my father, Hubert, who signed every one of his wildlife paintings. It is my promise to you that this piece was sculpted by hand, with heart, right here in the North Carolina foothills.

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

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

Slowing Down for the Details: A Preview of What’s Next

I know we are approaching the season of hearts and chocolates, but this year, I have decided to step back from the Valentine’s Day rush. Instead of hurrying, I am taking a few extra weeks to truly immerse myself in the design process.

I believe that good things take time, and "perfect" takes a little longer. I am currently spending my days at the bench, fine-tuning the wax models for a brand-new release coming in late February. I want to make sure every curve of the branch and every gill under the mushroom caps is exactly right before they go to casting.

The new Mushroom & Fern pendant, hand-carved
and cast in solid Sterling Silver with a light oxidation finish to highlight the textures.

First Look: The Mushroom & Fern Series I am particularly excited to introduce this first set. Nature is, as always, my guide, but these pieces feel a bit more like a storybook coming to life.

I’m starting with a new pendant where I’ve carved a cluster of tiny mushrooms sprouting along one side, balanced by a detailed fern frond on the other. It frames the stone like a hidden window into the forest floor. I’ve also designed matching earrings that feature those same mushrooms climbing up a textured branch.

Forest Floor Mushroom & Twig Pendant Necklace

The Twig & Branch Designs To complement the mushrooms, I’ve been refining a series of organic twig designs. These are all about the flow of the wood—the way vines and branches naturally weave to protect what they hold.

I am working on a few variations of this pendant. Some are intricate and woven, while others are cleaner and more open. I’ve also created a pair of simple, elegant twig earrings with a gentle curve that will be perfect for everyday wear.

Matching organic branch earrings featuring
tiny sprouting mushrooms, cast in Sterling Silver.

The Finishing Touches When these are ready in late February, they will be cast in solid Sterling Silver. I plan to finish them with a light oxidation. This is my favorite way to bring organic jewelry to life—the darkness settles into the deep crevices of the bark texture and the details of the ferns, making the silver pop and revealing all the hard work I'm putting into these waxes right now.

Thank you for your patience while I refine these new creations. I can’t wait to show you the finished results!

The Palette of an Artist: The Artist's Palette and Nature's Signature

"This image perfectly illustrates my philosophy: the gold smear was created with a palette knife, treating precious metal just as a painter treats paint on a canvas. It is the signature of an artist inspired by nature."

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While I work with precious metals and gemstones, the traditional title of "jeweler" has never felt like the complete picture of what I do. When people see my work, like the piece in the image above, I explain that I see myself as an artist whose medium happens to be jewelry.

The image below the ring perfectly illustrates my philosophy. The gold smear, created with a painter's palette knife, symbolizes my sculptural approach to the craft. Just as a painter uses brushes to create a painting on canvas, I use carving tools to sculpt intricate details in wax. To me, that wax is simply my paint, and nature is my inspiration. 

My designs are different from the symmetrical, traditional pieces you often find in standard jewelry stores. They are wearable sculptures inspired by raw, untamed beauty.

Wearing a DV design is like wearing a tiny, intricate piece of art where you can see organic details that are unique to my hand-carved process.

Skeeter: The Sterling Silver Tree Frog Pendant - A Little Warrior of Resilience and Luck

Skeeter is ready to leap!
Our hand-sculpted Sterling Silver Tree Frog Pendant,
designed with a hidden bail for a seamless look.

🐸

"This little tree frog is just too cute! His name is Skeeter. I sculpted this little tree frog as if he was ready to jump at whatever came his way... a mosquito, a moth, or that pesky little fly."

Skeeter is more than jewelry; he is a tiny, fierce warrior, hand-sculpted with passion to represent transformation, resilience, and luck. Wear him as your daily talisman, reminding you to be ready to leap at life's opportunities!

Etsy Shop

Why Skeeter is Special:

Original Artistry: Every detail was lovingly sculpted by hand in wax, ensuring his personality and life-like texture shine through.

Heirloom Quality: Cast in solid Sterling Silver (or 14K Gold options) using the traditional lost wax method, Skeeter is a treasure built to last for generations.

Focus on Design: The custom bail is hidden discreetly under his hand, ensuring the focus remains entirely on Skeeter's beautiful, ready-to-jump sculpture.

The stunning details of Skeeter! Close-up view of the
Sterling Silver Tree Frog Pendant, showing his expressive face and textured feet.

Product Details:

Size: Approximately 2 inches tall (from hand to toe) and 1 5/8 inches wide.

Material: Sterling Silver (shown). Also available in 14K Yellow Gold or 14K White Gold.

Finish: High Polished.

Bail: Hidden under his hand.

Want to see more of the creative process? Please visit my Blog: http://www.dawnvertrees.com/

Hand-Sculpted Rose Ring with Pink Sapphire by Dawn Vertrees

Additional Pictures and Prices

Every petal on this ring was born in fire. Using the centuries-old lost-wax method, I sculpt a real rosebud in wax, layer by delicate layer, until the bloom feels alive on your finger. Then the wax vanishes in the kiln, replaced by molten metal that captures every curl, every vein, every whisper of nature.

Choose Your Metal, Choose Your Mood

• Sterling Silver – crisp, cool, everyday poetry

• 14K White Gold – sleek modern romance

• 14K Yellow Gold – warm sunshine on petals

• 14K Rose Gold – the original “Rosegold bloom” glow

• 18K White, Yellow & Rose Gold – ultimate luxury upgrade

Rosegold Bloom Edition – because love should blush.

The Heart of the Rose: Pink Sapphire

A single natural pink sapphire (approx. 4 mm, ~0.35 ct) nestles in the center like morning dew. Its delicate blush mirrors the rose itself—symbol of passion, tenderness, and promises that last.

Details at a Glance

Ring Width (band): 3.5 mm

Rose Head Diameter: ~12.5 mm

Rose and Stone Height: 7.72

Stone: Natural pink Sapphire

Finish: High-polish with oxidized petal shadows

made for you.

Links to purchase are coming soon.