When a Twig Becomes a Ring | From Wax Model to Sterling Silver Part 2

Every jewelry design begins with a vision, but the real magic happens when wax is transformed into precious metal. This updated wax model reveals how the branches naturally divide, rise, and gently cradle the gemstone before becoming a sterling silver ring.

Creating nature-inspired jewelry isn't about forcing a design—it's about allowing nature to guide the process.

As I refined this wax model, the trunk became more defined before dividing into two graceful branches. That simple change gave the ring exactly what I wanted: the feeling that the gemstone had been discovered growing within a living tree rather than being held by traditional prongs.

The branches aren't identical because nature isn't symmetrical. Each one follows its own path, twisting and growing as though shaped by years of wind, rain, and sunlight. Together they gently lift the Moss Agate, allowing the stone to become the focal point while the branches quietly support it.

Once the design is complete in soft wax, it will be cast in sterling silver, preserving every carved groove and every organic texture. A medium oxidation will deepen the bark-like details, creating contrast that makes the ring appear as though it has grown naturally over time.

This stage of the journey is one of my favorites because it captures the transition between imagination and reality. The wax is temporary, but the design it holds will soon become a lasting piece of jewelry meant to be worn, treasured, and eventually passed on.

Nature has always been my greatest designer.

I simply listen.

Jewelry that feels like it grew, not made.

— Dawn Vertrees Jewelry

 

Nature Designs the Prongs

A New Sterling Silver Ring Coming Soon

Sometimes, before a piece is cast in precious metal, I like to take a glimpse into the future.

The image you're seeing isn't the finished ring—it's an AI rendering created directly from my original hand-carved wax model. It allows me, and all of you, to see what the design will look like once it's cast in sterling silver.

For me, this is one of the most exciting parts of the creative process.

As I sculpted the wax, I watched a simple twig transform into a living tree. The trunk rises naturally from the band before dividing into two graceful branches. Instead of using traditional prongs, those branches become the setting itself, gently lifting and presenting the Moss Agate as though it had grown there naturally.

This is exactly how I imagine nature would design a ring.

The sterling silver version shown here is my vision of the finished piece—a preview of what's to come while the original wax model begins its journey through the casting process.

In approximately 3 to 4 weeks, this design will become a real sterling silver ring, handcrafted from the original wax sculpture shown above.

Nature Designs the Prongs

"Only one hour into carving, and the branches are already finding their way around the Moss Agate. Nature has a beautiful way of designing the prongs. 🌿✨"

Nature Designs the Prongs...

Sometimes the best jewelry designs don't begin with a drawing—they begin with listening to nature.

Today, only one hour into carving this new ring in blue wax, the design is already beginning to tell its own story. Rather than forcing traditional prongs around the gemstone, I allowed the branches to grow naturally, wrapping around a 10 x 8 mm oval Moss Agate cabochon as though the stone had always belonged there.

The beauty of working in wax is that every curve can evolve organically. One branch becomes two. A gentle twist becomes the beginning of a tree. Before long, the prongs disappear, replaced by something that feels alive.

There are still many hours of carving ahead before the bark texture, flowing lines, and final details emerge, but this early stage is often my favorite. It's the moment when an idea first takes root.

Sometimes, nature designs the prongs better than we ever could.

Materials

• Sterling Silver
• Oxidized Finish
• 10 × 8 mm Oval Moss Agate Cabochon
• Hand carved in wax using the lost wax casting process

 

The Floating Diamond Bridal Set Grows: Sculpting the Companion Ring in Wax

Every bridal set begins with a vision. Today, that vision grows as the companion wedding band is sculpted by hand in wax. Designed to flow naturally around the floating diamond engagement ring, each twig is carefully shaped to look as though it grew together in nature—creating a bridal set that celebrates love, craftsmanship, and the beauty of the forest.

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Every collection has its quiet moments of growth. Today, I’m sharing the next chapter in the Floating Diamond Collection—the companion ring that completes the story.

Nature’s Continuing Embrace

The original Floating Diamond ring asks the eye to linger on the stone gently lifted by two sculpted leaves. This matching band (or second engagement option in the set) weaves the narrative further. Twigs flow organically around the finger while additional leaves rise to support and frame the design, creating a harmonious set that feels like it grew together.

In the wax stage shown here, you can see the hand-sculpted details: the flowing band with bark-like texture, the varied leaves that echo the engagement ring, and the way the structure cradles the diamond with lightness rather than heavy prongs.

From Wax to 14k Rose Gold

In about two weeks, this wax model will be cast in 14k rose gold. I envision a light oxidation to highlight the organic textures—the bark will catch subtle depth, while the polished leaves and diamond will shine in contrast. The warm rose tones will beautifully complement the green-to-purple hues often seen in the wax, bringing the piece fully to life.

The Full Set Vision

Worn together, the engagement ring and companion create a cohesive woodland-inspired bridal set. Each element supports the other, much like branches and leaves in nature. This design is ideal for those seeking something unique, meaningful, and free from traditional prong-heavy settings.

I’ll share casting updates, the finished metal version, and more process photos as this piece moves forward. Custom options are available—reach out if you’d like your own variation with different stones or details.

— Dawn

Introducing the Floating Diamond Collection: Where Nature Lifts Light

Introducing the Floating Diamond Collection: Where Nature Lifts Light

 

Introducing the Floating Diamond Collection

Where Nature Lifts Light

For years, I have created nature-inspired jewelry featuring twigs, leaves, vines, and gemstones sculpted entirely by hand in wax.

Many of my designs begin the same way—with a simple question.

This collection began with one:

How can a diamond appear to float between two leaves?

As the jewelry world evolves, more people are discovering the beauty of lab-grown diamonds and gemstones. I wanted to create a design that embraced this new chapter while remaining true to the artistic style that has defined my work for years.

The result is the Floating Diamond Collection.

This ring features a diamond gently lifted and supported by two sculpted leaves emerging from a natural twig band. Rather than relying on traditional prongs as the visual focus, the leaves become part of the story—offering and protecting the gemstone while creating the illusion that it is suspended between them.

Every detail began as a hand-carved wax model. The bark texture, the shape of the leaves, and the flowing lines of the band were sculpted one cut at a time, allowing the design to grow naturally rather than forcing it into perfect symmetry.

Nature rarely grows in straight lines.

A branch twists.
A leaf bends.
A vine follows its own path.

I believe jewelry should do the same.

The Floating Diamond Collection combines the beauty of nature-inspired design with the brilliance of modern gemstones, creating pieces that feel as though they have grown around the stone rather than simply holding it in place.

This photograph shows the ring resting on a jeweler's mandrel—a fitting reminder that every finished piece begins at the workbench, where an idea slowly takes shape in wax before becoming jewelry.

This is the beginning of a new collection.

And like every collection before it, it begins with a sketch, a carving tool, and a love of nature.

Welcome to the Floating Diamond Collection.  — Dawn

When a Simple Berry Tells the Story...

The first glimpse of the Leaf & Berry Twig Ring. A little red berry inspired what would become the beginning of the Berry Collection.

Front view showing the intertwined branches rising to offer the center stone, a guiding principle behind my nature-inspired jewelry designs.

Side profile highlighting the bark texture, leaf detail, and substantial branch structure that form the foundation of the design.

🌿🍒

Every design has a beginning.

Sometimes it starts with a gemstone.
Sometimes it starts with a sketch.
And sometimes it starts with something so small that most people would overlook it.

For me, it started with a simple little red dot.

That tiny berry became the spark that inspired what is now growing into the Leaf & Berry Collection.

The ring shown here represents the earliest stage of that journey. At this point, the design is only about 30% complete. Like the vines and branches that inspire my work, it will continue to grow, change, and evolve as new ideas emerge and future versions are created.

The foundation begins with intertwined twig structures that naturally weave around the finger. Small leaves emerge from the branches while tiny berries appear throughout the design, creating the feeling of a living woodland vine rather than a traditional jewelry setting.

At the center, the branches rise upward and gently offer the stone. This reflects one of the guiding principles behind my work: gemstones should feel lifted and presented by nature, not simply held in place. The stone becomes a gift offered by the branches that grew around it.

The berries may be one of the smallest details in the design, yet they carry the greatest meaning. They serve as a reminder that inspiration can come from the simplest things. A single berry became the seed from which an entire collection began to grow.

This blog will follow the development of the Leaf & Berry Twig Ring as the design progresses from wax model to finished jewelry. Future updates will document design refinements, castings, gemstone variations, finished pieces, and new additions to the Berry Collection.

Today, it begins with a single berry.

Tomorrow, we'll see where it grows.

— Dawn Vertrees

Updated Wax Model & 14k Rose Gold Visualization

"Every design goes through a period of growth. After studying the original wax model, I refined the branch tips so they embrace the diamond more naturally, strengthening the feeling that the stone is being lifted and offered by the surrounding twigs. The updated wax model allowed me to fine-tune these small details before casting."

"Seeing the design visualized in 14k rose gold revealed details that are difficult to see in colored wax. The soft oxidation settles into the bark texture while the polished berries catch the light, creating contrast and bringing the organic elements to life. Comparing the wax model to the rose gold version helps me evaluate the flow, balance, and overall emotion of the piece."

"Sometimes a simple berry tells the story. What begins as a small accent becomes part of a larger journey, guiding the eye through the design and connecting every branch, leaf, and detail to the center stone. Each refinement brings the ring closer to my vision of nature gently presenting a precious gift."

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.

Where the Stone Settles

“Not every stone is placed… some find where they belong—held gently in the quiet curve of growth.”

Design Study – The Stone, Held in Place

There are moments where a design doesn’t change—it settles.

This is one of those.

The structure remains the same throughout.
Only the stone shifts, and with it, the feeling.

The beginning holds no refinement.

The stone is left untouched—raw, irregular, carrying its own surface and character.
The branches rise and move around it, not to shape it, but to follow it.

Nothing is forced here.
It feels like something found and kept.

The form becomes clearer.
The branches rise with intention, defining how the stone will be held.

The form becomes clearer.

The branches are defined, the movement more intentional.
The stone begins to sit within a more understood space.

This is where the design reveals its direction—
a structure that can either be cast in place, or allow the stone to be set after.

The idea stays the same.
Only the method begins to separate.

The same structure now holds a faceted stone.
Light begins to move through the design, shifting the feeling from raw to defined.

The same structure now holds a faceted stone.

Light enters the design differently.
The surface reflects instead of absorbing.

The branches still rise and hold, but the feeling shifts—
less raw, more defined.

This version allows the stone to become part of the piece from the beginning.

🍃

Nothing changes in the structure.

Only the tone deepens.

The green sapphire carries weight.
It holds color instead of just light.

The branches respond the same way—rising, approaching, settling into place.

It returns to something quieter, even in a refined form.

Coming soon: one-of-a-kind rings where each stone settles into place, held by nature-inspired forms.

Oval Moissanite Twig Engagement Ring – Nature-Inspired Branch & Leaf Design

 

Moissanite Engagement Ring

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Highlights

Ships from North Carolina! Shorter shipping distances are kinder to the planet

Materials: Gold, Rose gold, Sterling silver, White gold, Yellow gold.

Sterling Silver Engagement Ring

Sustainable features: recycled metal. Items may include additional materials or use methods that aren't considered sustainable features on our site. Learn more

Style: Gothic

Recycled

Made to Order

Embrace the beauty of the wild with this enchanting oval moissanite twig engagement ring, where delicate branches and intricately carved leaves cradle a sparkling 6x8mm oval-cut moissanite diamond (shown). Handcrafted with organic texture and flowing vines, this nature-inspired piece evokes the timeless romance of a forest fairy tale—perfect for the bride who dreams in whispers of woodland magic.

🍃

Key Features:

Center Stone: 6x8mm oval moissanite (colorless, VVS clarity, ethically sourced and twice the fire of a diamond)

Band Design: Twig branch shank with detailed leaf accents and subtle bark texture

Metal Options:

Sterling Silver - with light oxidation

14k or 18k Rose Gold

14k or 18k White Gold

14k or 18k Yellow Gold

Customization: Other gemstones available (sapphire, morganite, aquamarine, etc.)—message us for options!

Additional Pictures & Prices

Each ring is made to order in your exact size, ensuring a flawless fit. Moissanite’s superior brilliance and durability (9.25 on the Mohs scale) make it an eco-conscious, conflict-free alternative to mined diamonds. Whether in warm rose gold that glows like sunset on bark or crisp white gold that mirrors moonlight on leaves, this ring is a wearable love letter to the earth.

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

Handcrafted Rose Gold Twig Heart Ring - Nature-Inspired Promise of Love

Highlights

Ships from North Carolina! Shorter shipping distances are kinder to the planet

Materials: 14k/18k Rose gold, Silver, Sterling silver, White gold, Yellow gold

Sustainable features: recycled metal. Items may include additional materials or use methods that aren't considered sustainable features on our site. Learn more

Band color: Gold

Can be personalized

Recycled

Made to Order

Additional Pictures & Prices

Embrace the wild beauty of love with this handcrafted Twig Branch Heart Ring. Inspired by intertwining branches forming a delicate heart at its center, this nature-inspired promise ring captures the organic elegance of a forest romance.

Each ring is meticulously sculpted to mimic the textured bark of real twigs, with fine details in every twist and curve. The open heart motif rests gracefully atop the band, symbolizing two souls entwined. The interior is polished to a smooth, comfortable finish, while the exterior retains a rustic, matte texture for an authentic woodland feel.

Details:

Material: Sterling Silver 925, 14k White, Rose or Yellow Gold & 18k White, Rose or Yellow Gold

Top Band width: ~8.6mm (tapers naturally)

Heart motif: ~10.6mm wide

Finish: polished textured exterior, polished interior

Made to order in your exact ring size

Perfect as a unique engagement ring, promise ring, or anniversary gift for the nature lover. This piece pairs beautifully with woodland wedding themes or as a standalone statement of earthy romance.

Handmade with love in our small studio. Each ring is one-of-a-kind due to the organic design—slight variations ensure your piece is truly unique.

Hand-Sculpted 14k Rose Gold Oak Leaf & Acorn Twig Ring

 This bold, nature-inspired men's ring was custom-created for a groom-to-be who wanted something truly unique. Hand-sculpted from soft jeweler's wax, the design features a single detailed oak leaf and two acorns nestled among textured twigs that wrap organically around the finger.

Men's Custom Wedding Band

Cast in solid 14k rose gold, the 8mm-wide band has a rugged, substantial feel perfect for daily wear. A heavy antique finish adds depth and character to every vein in the leaf and groove in the bark, while a light polish brings out the warm rosy glow of the gold.

Men's Custom Wedding Band

Size: 11

Width: 8mm

Material: 14k Rose Gold

Finish: Heavy antique patina with selective polishing

Style: One-of-a-kind, hand-sculpted, nature-inspired men's wedding band

This ring isn’t just jewelry—it’s a wearable piece of forest poetry, a symbol of strength, growth, and deep roots. Already on its way to becoming a family heirloom.

Men's Custom Wax Model Ring

Additional Information Coming Soon

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 

Diamond Twig Engagement, Antique White Gold Branch Ring - Anniversary Ring- DV Jewelry Designs

Rough Diamond Twig Engagement, Antique White Gold Branch Ring - Anniversary Ring- DV Jewelry Designs

2 Diamond Engagement Ring 

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 or silver. The stone and metal become one thing, making the one-of-a-kind piece each time.

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

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

The ring in listing has sold, but another can be made. If you would like this in 14k yellow or rose gold, please let us know.

Description: OOAK Twig Engagement Ring

Style: Floating Diamond

1st Diamond: 4.54ct Natural Uncut Rough Diamond

2nd Diamond: .28ct small accent Rough Diamond

Material: 14k Solid White Gold

Finish: Light Antique

Top Length: 12.17mm

Top Height: 8.12mm

Bottom Band Width: 3.56mm

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

Hand Sculpted, One of a Kind Twig Rough Diamond Engagement Ring

 

Rough Diamond Twig Engagement, Yellow Gold Branch Ring - Anniversary Ring- DV Jewelry Designs

One-of-a-Kind Jewelry - Made to Order (ring in photo has sold)

Material: 14k Yellow Gold

Rough Natural Diamond: 3.80ct

Top Width: 13.40mm

Bottom Band Width: 4mm

Hand sculpted, only 1 ring is available but I can hand sculpt another ring in White or Yellow Gold

18k Gold Available; message for pricing.

https://dawnvertreesjewelry.etsy.com/listing/1201905739

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

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

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

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 or silver. The stone and metal become one thing, making the one-of-a-kind piece each time.Dawn Vertrees Jewelry...Elegance Uncut.

DV Jewelry Designs

https://dawnvertreesjewelry.etsy.com/listing/1201905739