Key West Collection

My Key West
Collection

The Orchids are by far (in my mind) the most unique flower of all and the tropical leaves are by far the most unusual as well, each having their own uniqueness and all a pure pleasure to sculpt.

But I think I'm finally seeing a pattern in me, I enjoy seeing the whole tropical thing together as if I was on a tropical island looking in. I enjoy looking at my jewelry and seeing a vein wrapping around the bamboo while a hibiscus flower is nudging its way through trying to find his spot to shine.

...anyway, I hope you see my jewelry as a place where you can escape too.

I wanted a pendant that is bold, like my cuff so I was off to my drawing board to sketch out a solution. What I didn't draw but was in my head was that hibiscus peeking out between the leaves and to make up for that, I wanted her to shine in 14KG. (I think she was very happy with that).

Once sculpting I decided that I did not want a bamboo oval with all the leaves
crowded inside, although if you look at it you would think that's exactly what I did but if you look closely you'll notice that the leaves make up the circle.






I also wanted the leaves to have height so I cupped the leaves which gave additional depth to the piece.

For more information about this piece, please click here.

Again, thanks for looking!

Bamboo & Phalaenopsis Orchid Pendant

New Bamboo & Phalaenopsis
Orchid Pendant

Every chance I get, I try to wear this necklace. It has an oriental feel to it that I just love. In one sitting I drew up three designs, this being one of them but so far, this is my favorite.

I sculpted the pendant in wax, earrings at this time were not in my head so I started by making a bamboo frame and then it was a no brain-er...a small orchid fit perfectly inside.

I haven't finished the earrings but I think you can get a pretty good idea from the wax.

This is a new collection that I introduced earlier called the Orchid Spray, not sure if the name is sticking though, might have to work with that one a bit.

Here is the new pendant completed, this one is in Argentium Sterling Silver but we will be introducing the SS with 14KG Orchids & Buds.

For more information about this piece, I have added it to my Ruby Lane Store at: Bamboo & Orchid Pendant

Tropical Cuff, My New Key West Collection: Update

Whew! Never thought this day would come. This design has been in my head ever since I visited the Florida Keys a couple of months ago and now, it has finally spilled out onto my paper.

Funny, it only took about 30 mins. to draw but yet it has been a 2 month design in progress in my head. The last two pieces of the puzzle in my mind was the Bamboo & the Stone in the middle but even while drawing it out, the stone changed over from a semi-rough gem to a gold hammered disk with silver palms running over the disk and the gold bamboo holding everything in place.

I want two or three different styles of earrings, one incorporating the gold disk and one showing just the philodendron leaf.

The Philodendron Slider has already been designed in is already in the works.

This cuff will be an absolute delight to sculpt!

Update! I will start the casting process in the morning (June 24th) and so far this piece is definitely has the two thumbs up from both master jewelers who work with me. The hammered dist will start out in Sterling Silver but I have decided to make all three hibiscus flowers in 14k gold...it will be stunning! More to come...

It's here...

A Iris for Laetitia...UPDATED!

While down in Islamorada at one of our shows, Don & I met a wonderful couple. They were in the process of working out their wedding details and had no clue about what jewelry she wanted for herself.


She had an Iris in mind and ask if I could make one....I have had several Iris request but her request was so special...I'm just a softy for weddings and the honor to make her wedding jewelry to cherish for years to come...so I said yes to the "Iris" Challenge.

Sculpting this flower was a toughie and Don, who is also a perfectionist...pushed me to get it right, well I'm pretty sure I got it right! I'm very happy with the outcome.

I have several additional ideas for this Iris, I would like to use this Iris without pearls using one of my husband's byzantine chains plus I want to use this pendant with a Swiss Blue Topaz drop which I feel would be beautiful.

Laetitia was wanting to go with Dark Peacock Freshwater Pearls and I couldn't have made a better choice knowing all the colors she has in her bouquet but I also wanted to make use White Freshwater Pearls as another option for myself.

Price: $350

My Lady Slipper

My New Lady Slipper

Although she isn't finished (more polishing needed) and way cooler in person, we have already taking deposits on her when shown at the Redland Orchid Festival. She is 2 3/8" tall, 1 3/4" wide (tip to tip) and 5/8" deep. At this time she is all Argentium Sterling Silver 925 but we are also thinking about doing a few in 14K Gold.

So far we have request for Pins and Pendants with hidden enhancers as well commissioned earrings. For more information about deposits, please e-mail me at dawnvertrees@gmail.com or you can call me at 954-594-2186

Once finished, I will update the photo.

Thanks for looking,

Dawn

New Tiger Lily Ring

I love interesting rings and this is just packed with character. I hand sculpted a Tiger Lily to one side and set a 11mm x 9mm Faceted Lemon Quartz in the center.

I have a stem coming up on each side and on those stems are long leaves growing up around the lily and the lemon quartz.

I have a tiny 3mm cz diamond set between the lily and a leaf.

Something I haven't done lately is that I antiqued the ring which added great depth to this ring.

For more information about this ring, please click here.

Mother of Pearl with a spray of Orchids & Buds

While on a hunt for something different to sculpt on, I came across 4 beautiful natural, Mother of Pearl

pendants.

My head was filled with all kind of ideas while driving home, I immediately imagined sculpting tiny orchids, buds and leaves down the sides, on another one...bamboo on the edges or thought about banana leaves falling over to one side...anyway I had 4 pendants and 4 ideas so there you go...each pendant has it's own unique one of a kind look.

The Polished Silver looked really great next to the mother of pearl and the natural MOP (mother of pearl) has a beautiful luster like you would want in a pearl. The light seems to reflect off the MOP giving me pink, teal, silver and blue tones...this piece is so pretty if I do say myself.

For more information and photos about this pendant as well as the other 3 pendants, please click here.

Orchid Spray with a 10.5 Freshwater Pearl...my absolute favorite!

I'm not sure where to start with this one...

I had one of my clients to come in and show me her beautiful pearls for me to make her a Leaf Pendant to add to her pearls...her pearls were 11.5mm and had to be custom made and I had just pulled this ring out of the tumbler, cut sprue still there and of course no stone and she looked at it and said...I want it!

Well this is the second time I have made this ring and it's the second time they have sold within 2 hours. It's hard to photograph all of the detail in this ring...but it has 4 detailed Phalaenopsis Orchids with small buds, some slightly opened along with a few closed buds and the leaves intertwined between the stems and buds.

Well when she picked it up this morning...(I did not want to give it up) she was so tickled, then she hugged me...and held her hand out the whole time saying I love this ring. Again...she was very happy. Thank goodness her husband was with her because someone had to drive!

Well needless to say...I will be making a third one and if anyone is interested, call me. The cost on this piece is $349.00 It's all Argentium (the good stuff) Sterling Silver 925 with a 10.5mm white (not dyed) White Freshwater Pearl and comes in a lovely gift box to give or to keep!

For Additional Photos or to purchase my next one...Click Here!

I couldn't believe it when I added my patina to one of my new Sterling Silver Pendants. Normally I only used the patina on my original porcelain pieces but because had a request to try it again...I dipped one of my new silver pieces and to my surprise it worked beautifully.

The results are a bit different, the colors are the same but I used to brush the edges to remove the bronze but this time the bronze and gold tones are perfect...it gave my orchid a very rich look. This pendant would work well with your existing silver or gold jewelry you may have.

The colors are unbelievable beautiful. I have every Jewel Tone in the book on this one. Ruby Red, Teal, Blue, deep Bronze and Gold on all the edges...I could have planned this better. I just want to thank Nancy for convincing me to get my Patinas (LOS) out again.

I also tried several beads but at the last minute (almost giving up there) I took an 18" chain and dipped it too and then polishing it a bit and it was a perfect match.

The Cattleya Orchid is hand sculpted and is approximately 2" and is stamped 925. The Bracelet (right) is also 2" with leaves on one side and Orchids Buds on the other.

Material: Argentium Sterling Silver 925 Orchid Pendant Finish: Patina
Chain: Sterling Silver with a Patina Finish

SOLD

...just a sample of my collection.

My Gift Back to Women In Distress

Yesterday was an exciting day for me along with showing off Isabella to my client for the first time but along with that...I had my opportunity to deliver a very special necklace to my absolute favorite organization...Women In Distress here in S. Florida.

I wrote them a letter about a month ago and they graciously accepted my offer to contribute a piece of my jewelry which allowed me to give back to their wonderful organization.

I myself am a survivor and it was Women in Distress (WID) who took the time to give me the tools to find ME again.

After 8 months of attending WID meetings and working with a couselor, I have slowly gained my self-respect/self-confidence but also in the process, I also found out I had a hidden talent, so you can see why I am so excited about giving back to this organization.

I owe my life to WID as well to my new husband who pointed me in their direction for help and also to all of the counselors who took the time to work with me, hold my hand, let me cry and yes...gave me a huge teddy bear one night to hug when I really needed something to hold on to.

The necklace will be silent autioned off at the 2nd Annual Starfish Luncheon
May 14th, 2008 at Pier 66
Event Details:
www.womenindistress.org/

Over 300 people are anticipated to join Women In Distress of Broward County to raise funds for victims of domestic violence and recognize special honorees at the Second Annual Starfish Luncheon.

"Isabella" ...What a beautiful name.

A great guy from Italy has asked me to make a one-of-a-kind Cymbidium Orchid Pendant. He has chosen this picture for me to sculpt by...I personally think it's a wonderful choice and obviously there is a special meaning to this flower.

I can't wait to get started on this piece...the Cymbidium Orchid is an absolutely beautiful flower and adding one of these pearls below to the center is going to be striking!

He has named this piece, "Isabella" and what a beautiful name to go with such a beautiful flower.

I searched out for a 7.5mm Black Pearl and these are the two that were sent to me to pick from. They are both so beautiful that I will add one to the center of the Cymbidium Orchid and probably make an Orchid ring with the other one...only time will tell.

I will have two suprises for this piece...I hope you will keep an eye on Isabella.

Update: Showing my work in wax can be scary and this is no exception but I'm keeping my client on top of things and this is the next step before casting. Once cast she will have several finishes including sandblasting to give her a soft glow and polished on parts of the lip (tongue part) to show the detail in the cymbidium. I'm crossing my finger on this...but I feel the detail will be worth the extra work.

Well she is finished! The Black Pearl adds a beautiful touch to this piece.

The Ghost Orchid - A Very Rare Orchid

Argentium Sterling Silver Ghost Orchid Ghost Orchid

I have added a picture of the Ghost Orchid to show just one of the photographs that I used to sculpt this tiny Ghost Orchid.

The Ghost Orchid is one of the rarest Orchids only found in South Florida and Cuba and this particular Ghost Orchid was spotted in the swamps in Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples Florida. An orchid enthusiast took several photos and sent it to me to make a pendant for his wife from this very rare sighting.

The Pendant is made from Argentium Sterling Silver 925 and is 1 3/4" tall by 1 1/4" wide and is an awesome design to wear. If you are a die hard orchid lover...you can surely appreciate the beauty of this orchid.
The chain is a very nice Sterling Silver 18" Rope Chain with a Claw Clasp.

Price: $98

Click Here To Purchase

For more information about the Ghost Orchid: Click Here

I would like to introduce my husband...Don Vertrees

No, this isn't my husband but this is what he made for me last night. I was blown away on how he took immediately to the tools, technique and so many jump rings to make up this beautiful Handmade Byzantine Chain.

I wanted to create a totally hand made necklace which include the Toggle, Bail, Pendant and yes, the chain and Don has made this possible for me.

Not only is the Byzantine a beautiful chain but every link is perfect. Before Don started he wore out the book store and the Internet making sure that once he had the right tools in his hands...he could produce this necklace in his sleep and guess what? HE DID!

I am just so excited that I have my own Byzantine Chains but now I have my work cut out for me...designing a pendant that will compliment his beautiful work.

$425

Click Here To Purchase

A Gift For Dawn...

Volker Kracht, my mentor just came back from Brazil and he brought me back these beautiful, breathtaken stones for me to design with. They were taken from the mines in Brazil and they just blew me away.
These stones, even without my sculpting have already been spoken for. I will be photographing the finished pieces once completed but if anyone is interested in future pieces...please contact me. I will be sketching as soon as I can get paper & pencil in my hand.

Of course each stone brought in from Brazil will be a one-of-a-kind piece but the shape and colors will be very close.

I am so excited about these...I feel this will take me into a new direction that I have been searching for.

Thanks again for all of your support.

First Picture: IMPERIAL TOPAZ ...Rough but oh so beautiful.

Second Picture: LODOLITE QUARTZ
...AN UNOFFICIAL TRADE NAME FOR QUARTZ CONTAINING INCLUSIONS FROM MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL. THEY HAVE INTRIGUING PATTERNS AND 3D IMAGERY. This will make an interesting piece of jewelry.

Third Picture: NATURAL FLUORITE STONES

New Design using Fluorite & Cherry Blossoms

I'm definitely thinking about a cherry blossoms branch for this design plus some type of faceted drops for the buds.

It's my first design on paper which usually means it will change somewhat once I start sculpting plus I have a tendency to over design on paper.

The small drops or buds are going to be a bit difficult to find but that's OK...sometimes the hunt is what makes it even more personal to me.

This is such great news!

Don & I have been accepted into two huge shows here in Florida...The 21st Annual Las Olas Fall Art Fair and the 9th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Thanksgiving!

We are so excited about doing these shows.

21st Annual Las Olas Art Fair
Saturday & Sunday, October 4th & 5th, 2008
Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm

9th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Thanksgiving Art Festival
Saturday & Sunday, November 29th & 30th, 2008
Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Orchid, Buds & Leaves

When I have three projects in a row this week and I have a tendency to start with one of my projects rather than someone else's project so I had found a gorgeous natural 20mm x 30mm oval (my favorite shape) cabochon in aventurine.

Aventurine is a quartzite gemstone composed of interlocking grains of quartz and small mica crystals.

This mica looks like tiny silver specs in the gem which is really going to pop once I cast this orchid in Sterling Silver.

I haven't decided on how I'm going to make the bail...I've started with a small stem with some neat texture in it.

I also found the matching 28mm x 13mm twisted nuggets and I added 5mm Sterling Silver beads between each nugget...

...I think it's going to be an awesome necklace when finished.

UPDATE: Just cast but not soldered yet. More photos to come once completed.

As soon as I have this cast and soldered, I'll post the finished piece.

Citrine & Hal Together

"Hal & Citrine"


Once I put "Hal" my larger "Phala" Orchid up to the Citrine Nuggets...I knew they were meant to go together. This is a elegant combination.


Hal is a little over 1.5" across and sandbasted giving this orchid a soft glow, plus we highlighted the edges which outlines each part of this beautiful flower.


The Citrine Nuggets are 18mm x 13mm and have a rich gold tone to them with slight inclusions.


I have added a Sterling Silver Enhancer to the "Phala" Orchid making this necklace very versatile. You can wear the necklace with or with the Orchid or you can attach the Orchid to one of your existing necklace.


$225.00

Click Here to Purchase

2nd Annual Seaside Craft Fair on Hollywood Beach

My Next Show!

Hollywood Beach, Florida

Saturday & Sunday, April 26th & 27th, 2008
Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Many crafters told Howard Alan Events that this area of Florida has great potential, so they are back for a second year. The show is set up directly on the boardwalk, right off Hollywood's newly renovated beaches. They receive support from the city, local media and residents wanting good fun events in their backyard.

Admission is Free

Hollywood Beach Broadwalk named one of America’s top ten nostalgic promenades by USA

Today in 2005, the pedestrian Hollywood Beach Broadwalk has undergone a complete renovation.
Built in the 1920s, the oceanfront Broadwalk offers over two miles of car-free enjoyment. Walkers, runners, bicyclists and rollerbladers set their own pace on this path, which is bordered by six miles of Hollywood’s famous coastline, boutique hotels, charming shops, and cafés and places to eat facing the ocean. The beach area and Broadwalk also offer free wi-fi access. Hire a bike on the Broadwalk and follow the gorgeous new path. Then, continue into the West Lake Nature Preserve to reconnect with nature and discover what early Florida looked like.
The beach offers its own entertainment, including paddle ball, volleyball, group yoga and Tai Chi classes. Several golf courses and tennis courts are also within easy reach. At night, a full season of cultural events takes centre stage.

New Leaf Spacers

I think it's time for me to design my own spacers. There are so many beautiful Pearls and Gems available that I want to highlight the stones so I'm designing my own spacers.

Update: This spacer is about 3/8" in diameter and about 1/2" long with a slight curve in the tube.

I will be making a mold of this leaf spacer.

There's around 12 tiny leaves with stems running around underneath the leaves. By the time were finished with this piece...I would say we'll have 12 hours making just this one spacer...so I think you can see why I want to make a mold.

I will be casting this one in Sterling Silver and I will post the results and once we make the mold...show you the final piece.

UPDATE: New Photo of cast piece!

Beads shown are 8mm.

Comments Welcome!

"1st Annual Art in the Gardens"

April 5 and 6, 2008

Stuart, Florida

Tropical Ranch Botanical Gardens, will present

"Art in the Gardens"

I want to thank everyone for making this show such a success for Don & I.

We had a great time, met a lot of new friends but I want to also thank Susie, her husband & Laura for coming out. Susie is a wonderful supporter (she wore her beautiful Black Pearls and Leaf Necklace) and she kindly modeled my new jewelry to some of my new customers, she makes a great model! And Laura...my #1 fan. She is a beader herself and has supported me & my work from day 1.

Thank you all for coming out!

Tropical Ranch Botanical Gardens

1905 SW Ranch Trail, Stuart

Call 772-283-5565 for directions!

New Asymmetrical Necklace in Lemon Quartz, Citrine & Amethyst

Asymmetrical Design using Amethyst

SOLD

This has been an amazing designs that I created a while back. I gave it to one of my Galleries and within a couple of weeks it was sold. Since then I have had several request for this piece so I decided to bring it back in Amethyst as well as Citrine and Yellow Quartz.

I designed a new necklace based on the original Asymmetrical Necklace plus I designed a smaller version of the "A" Necklace using Amethyst & Citrine Brioletts and Faceted Stones shown below.

Asymmetrical Design using Lemon Quartz

SOLD

The "Leaf Section" of the above "A" designs are 2 1/2" and Argentium Sterling Silver 925

In each design including the smaller Asymmetrical Designs below, the Clasp is in the front of the necklace instead of in the back which is usually impossible to attach plus you can adjust the length with a catch we have behind the stem in front. This is the most versatile necklace I have ever designed.

Asymmetrical Design (smaller version) using Amethyst

SOLD

All the same features of the larger Asymmetrical design have been incorporated into the smaller design.

Asymmetrical Design (smaller version) using Citrine

SOLD

Smaller Asymmetrical designs leaf section is 1 7/8", the briolettes are adjustable.

For additional photos, please e-mail or call me for front & back photos.

Thanks for looking!

Phalaenopsis Orchid Necklace is FINISHED!

She's Finished!

This piece is a Limited Edition Only. It will be 1 of 12 and this piece is Number 1. The Orchid Necklace, 2 of 12 is in Brazil. It was given as a gift by my mentor, Volker Kracht, a Master Jewelry & Artist who hand delivered the piece.
I am anxiously waiting his return to find out more about the one on the receiving end. I will keep you informed.
This was a design I've had for about 1 year...but procrastinated because I knew that the cost & time for making the first one would be enormous...plus I wanted to put a few more projects under my belt before I started sculpting this necklace. Once sculpted & cast, it took us more than 5 months to complete this necklace.
Now about this necklace: It has incredible accurate detail and was designed to wear comfortably. I have taken this piece to my Botanical Show last week and everyone who tried it on was amazed on how light the necklace was...and when they did try it on, the look on their face was priceless. It was as though they had stepped out onto the red carpet.
It has 3 Phalaenopsis Orchids, 17 buds and 33 leaves.
Each leaf in the necklace has movement, making this necklace flexible and adjustable, allowing us to add or remove leaves to adjust the length for a custom fit.
The necklace is Argentium Sterling Silver 925 and is stamped and has the "DV" logo. The Clasp is a very strong hidden clasp and was beautifully hidden under the leaves.
I am in the process of finishing up the matching "Phala" Orchid Bracelet and Ring.
Leaf Earrings are available in two different sizes.
As always, additional photos are available or visit my Ruby Lane Shop for additional Photos.

You can always Call or E-mail me for additional Information.

New Calla Lily & Turquoise Necklace

I LOVE TURQUOISE!

There is something about bright shiny silver and turquoise that just goes together so perfectly but adding my Calla Lily Stem with all it's texture just adds a new level of beauty.

I strung up the piece, put it on my velvet bust and waited until Don came home from work...I sat the necklace on the counter so that it would be the first thing he saw when he walked in the door. His reaction was very positive...and for him, that's a good thing. Don has a very good eye and having him in this business is great because he has some great feedback.

At this time the necklace is 17" long but can be adjusted.

The Sterling Silver Pendant is 1.75" wide x 2.50" tall

Note: This is also a pin as well as a pendant

$254

If you are interested in this piece, please call or e-mail me for more details as well as additional photos.