Crafting the Olive Branch Ring: A Journey Through the Lost Wax Process - Part 3

Hand Sculpted Olive Branch wax model with a 3mm round Diamond (shown) 

or a gemstone such as a Moss Agate, Emerald, etc...

Part 4 will be available once the ring has gone through the last process, casting the ring in sterling silver. 

The design consisting of 10 olive leaves and 3 olives.

What's Next?

Since you asked about the production process and we’ve been discussing the rose gold version of your wax model ring, I’ll assume you’re interested in the process of transforming a wax model into a rose gold ring, as this aligns with your earlier request. Here’s an overview based on general jewelry-making practices:

The production process for turning a wax model into a Sterling Silver, or 14k/18k gold ring typically involves several steps.

1. **Wax Model Creation**: The process starts with your wax model. Part 1 - 3

2. **Sprueing**: A wax sprue (a channel) is attached to the model, connecting it to a wax stem. This will later allow molten metal to flow into the mold.

3. **Investment**: The wax model and sprue are placed in a flask, which is filled with a heat-resistant investment material (a plaster-like substance). Once it hardens, it forms a mold around the wax.

4. **Burnout**: The flask is heated in a kiln to melt and burn away the wax, leaving a cavity in the shape of the ring within the investment mold.

5. **Casting**: Molten rose gold, an alloy of pure gold (typically 75% for 18K or 58% for 14K) mixed with copper (and sometimes silver) to achieve the pink hue, is poured into the cavity. This is done using centrifugal or vacuum casting to ensure the metal fills the mold completely.

6. **Cooling and Removal**: After the metal solidifies, the investment mold is broken away, and the rough cast ring is removed.

7. **Finishing**: The ring undergoes cleaning to remove residue, followed by filing, sanding, and polishing to smooth the surface. The stone is set, and additional detailing (e.g., texturing the leaf design) may be added.

8. **Quality Check**: The final piece is inspected for accuracy, durability, and finish before being delivered.

This process can take several days, depending on complexity and craftsmanship. 

Crafting the Olive Branch Ring: A Journey Through the Lost Wax Process - Part 2

 

Part 2

Creating the Olive Branch Ring begins with a vision brought to life through the lost wax technique, a time-honored method that turns my hand-sculpted designs into wearable art. 

The Wax Band - My Canvas

I designed a 5mm-wide wax band with a twig texture and incorporated a 3mm bezel to hold a round gemstone.

Fine-tuning the Wax Model

The process starts with creating a wax model, as seen in this photo and then adding a bezel so that I can wrap my leaves and olives around it. 

Using fine tip tools, I carve and place each delicate leaf to capturing the natural flow of an olive branch.

After tweaking the placement of each stem and leaf, I can start fine tuning each leaf and start preparing it to cast in silver.

...This is going to be an extremely comfortable ring.

Creating a model can take anywhere from 2 to 3 days but I will post pictures here of the finished wax model prior to casting.

If you have a comment, please post them below this post.

Thank you, Dawn.

Behind the Craft: Bringing the Olive Branch Collection to Life with Hand-Drawn Designs (Part 1)

"Material Choices"

The process starts with a pencil and paper, where I outline the organic shapes, you see here. Each leaf is carefully carved to mimic the natural flow of an olive branch, with small berries adding a touch of detail. This initial drawing (shown above) serves as the blueprint for the wax model I’ll sculpt next. Using fine carving tools, I bring the sketch to life in wax, refining every curve and texture to ensure the final silver cast reflects the handcrafted essence.

"Working with Material"

Behind the Craft: Bringing the Olive Branch Collection to Life with Hand-Drawn Designs

It all begins with a sketch. The Olive Branch Collection, inspired by the resilience and beauty of nature, starts with these hand-drawn designs that capture the delicate curves of olive leaves and the subtle elegance of their berries. As a lost wax jewelry artist, I pour my creativity into every line, laying the foundation for pieces that tell a story of hope and strength—especially meaningful in today’s economic climate.

"Optional Two-Tone Concept"

The process starts with a pencil and paper, where I outline the organic shapes, you see here. Each leaf is carefully carved to mimic the natural flow of an olive branch, with small berries adding a touch of detail. This initial drawing (shown above) serves as the blueprint for the wax model I’ll sculpt next. Using fine carving tools, I bring the sketch to life in wax, refining every curve and texture to ensure the final silver cast reflects the handcrafted essence.

For this collection, I’ve chosen sterling silver to keep the designs accessible, given the soaring gold prices. But I don’t stop there—I use advanced visualization tools to show you how these pieces could glow in rose gold or even feature a gemstone like peridot, as seen in the colored sketch. This allows me to offer variations without the high material costs, blending affordability with the luxury you expect from custom jewelry.

Part 2

"Creating My Wax Model"

From the wax model, the piece moves to the lost wax casting process, where molten silver transforms my sketch into a wearable work of art. The final steps involve polishing and setting any stones, ensuring each ring or band carries the same care that went into its initial drawing.

This collection is more than jewelry—it’s a reflection of perseverance, much like the olive branch itself.

HOW IT STARTS... A Quick Video On How a Custom Ring is made by Dawn Vertrees

HOW IT STARTS...

 HAND-SCULPTED

FROM JEWELERS WAX

THEN THE SETTING IS CAST WITH THE RAW DIAMOND IN PLACE.

POLISHED & ANTIQUED FINISH MAKES THIS CUSTOM RING READY TO BE GIVEN TO THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE

Olive Branch Engagement Ring by Dawn Vertrees

Olive Branch Engagement Ring 

Available Now
Olive Branch Engagement Ring

Olive Branch Ring

The ring is a 14k rose gold olive branch band, 

featuring a small accent diamond or gemstone set 

among intricately designed leaves.

This ring will be available as an engagement Ring using a variety of gemstones or diamonds.

By removing the center Olive Leaf, 

a setting can be added for a Diamond or Gemstone.

My inspiration Drafting Table.

Custom European Antler Ring from start to finish.

This ring features a 5.5ct rough diamond set in a custom European antler-inspired design, crafted with a 14k gold band and textured prongs resembling antler branches.

5.5 Carat Rough Diamond

14k Yellow Gold

Just a few pictures of the wax model I carved based on the design concept from the customer as well as pictures of the actual European Antlers which were very helpful when adding texture to the wax model.

Customer's concept drawings 

prior to starting the project.

Actual Antlers below to help with textures. 

Custom-Made Men's Ring - Twig Design by Dawn Vertrees Designs

This custom-made men's ring features a square-cut labradorite gemstone with a striking blue-green iridescence, set in a textured silver band. The band is intricately designed to resemble twisted twigs, with organic, branch-like patterns wrapping around the finger, giving it a rugged, nature-inspired look. The craftsmanship highlights the stone's natural beauty and the metallic finish adds a bold, masculine touch.

5 STARS 

Customer service with this company was amazing as we had ordered a custom ring. Every step of the way , Dawn and her team went above and beyond to make the ring of my dreams for my engagement. Thank you again Dawn. You and your team work wonders!

        

         Email Us for additional Information

 

New Gothic-Inspired Twig Jewelry Collection – Dawn Vertrees Jewelry Designs

Unveil the dark elegance of nature with the Gothic-Inspired Jewelry Collection from 

Dawn Vertrees Jewelry Designs!

Featuring our new Twig & Diamond Ring, this handcrafted masterpiece blends twisted rose gold branches with a mesmerizing diamond center. Perfect for the bold and mystical, this piece embodies 2025’s nature-inspired gothic trend. Available in White, Rose and Yellow Gold as well as Sterling Silver, it’s ideal for statement looks or as a unique engagement ring.

These designs are Made-to-Order, so they will be slightly modified including matching wedding bands, gemstones and added designed components to make them unique. 

Moissanite Diamond

(available now)

Pear Shape 6 x 8mm

GRA Report: Available

Carat Weight: 1.25ct

Color Grade: D

Clarity Grade: VVS1

Cut Grade: Excellent

This ring will be available to order with options in gemstones as well as materials in 14k & 18k Gold or Silver. This ring will also be available with a matching wedding band. 

You can email me at DV Jewelry Designs DV Jewelry Designs Email

 

(Mention Gothic Ring Design or add a picture in your e-mail)

Some of the featured & designs in progress...

Available using a Salt & Pepper Diamond

Available using a Marquis, Pear or Oval 

Shaped Gemstone

Available using a Rough Diamond

This is a growing collection with Cuffs, Earrings and Pendants and whatever else I can dream up. -Dawn

New Olive Branch Pendant Designs by Dawn Vertrees, Olive Branch Collection, Hand Crafted in North Carolina by Dawn

Starting the wax carving for the
Olive Branch Pendant.

Decided to start on the pendant without the Gemstone, I just wanted to get into design first.

This will be cast in 9.25 Sterling Silver with a light oxidation and a Bead Chain, similar to the chain in my drawing below.

New Olive Branch Pendant Design 

in the wax process.

Large Peridot Cabochon with overlapping Olive Leaves.  

New Olive Branch Pendant Designs 

Sterling Silver with a gemstone option on (D)