Commissioned Work
We all have ideas, sometimes stuck in our heads. I am here for you- I extract that idea you have in your head, in your dreams, I give it life on paper in a drawing and together we massage it into that vision you had in your head. We start by talking – sometimes I give you homework-bring in pictures of what you have seen, that you like, or shapes or art or sculpture, and then we talk and as we talk that something takes a journey and what you thought you wanted turns a corner. It is a journey because like life there are multiple roads and many avenues to get there.
The drawings are all mine, catalogued and stamped. There are some pieces that I use the Old Lost Wax method and hand carving because, well, the piece calls for that and then there is the CAD method-computer aided design- which is done for greater precision and allows for visualization of multiple sides at once as it spins around also allowing to change stone sizes and colors. ALL the photos you see are mine, that is of the finished jewelry, just to be clear- not a fancy make believe glossy CAD rendering like in the magazines- it is my photo of the piece of jewelry we created together.
Making a Statment
This Natural Diamond 5.01CT VS J
Is cleverly set and totaly protected with a heavy gold setting. I like to make sure that investment stone have a well made setting that not only looks good but serves a purpos, insuring diamond safety.
Celebratory Demi Parure
As is often the case a client comes in with jewelry they no longer wear for various reasons. The challenge given – to create something new and exciting as with this new yet classic demi parure. Most of the diamonds belonged to the client – we decided on 18K gold and added Rubies.
18K Yellow 3.09CT Rubies 1.24CT Natural Diamonds.
Diamond stud rebirth
Everyone has them, studs that is, so why not make them different. We added a halo of diamonds in a soft square enhancing the solitaire making a statement for dressing up or just casual elegant attire.
3.00 CT Natural Diamond 3.49 TDW
Protector locking backs for safety
Three Stone Natural Diamond Ring
NEW Platinum Hard 950 PT 50 Ruthenium & Gallium
New in the sense it holds a shine better, rutheniums’ unique properties have allowed it to play a key role in a variety of industries in the 20th century, automotive , medical, aerospace and electronics. It is resistent to oxidation and typically does not corrode in most environments. These natural diamonds are further bezel set for protection and safe guarded with a heart.
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A Pair of Pears
5.03 TDW VS Carity F Color
Matched Diamonds Ratio 1.55
18K Yellow Gold
Platinum Hard Diamond Settings
GREEN MOCK-UP is a 3D Wax Grow
of the CAD design which began as a drawing.
This allows for checking fit and comfort
before we cast the real ring in gold.
DAZZLING Natural Ruby not heated
4.03CT W/ GIA report
Ruby set in 18K protective bezel with distinctive claw prongs
Platinum European Ring shank
.74CT Natural Marquise Diamonds VS F
BE BOLD
Ageless stunning an immersion of stone and metal and color.
14.11 CT Emerald cabochon – a literal sea of green set in 18K hammered gold. Cabochon- middle french for “caboche”or “head” was the result of a polished gemstone before there was faceting.
Bedazzeled with 1.13CT Natural VS E/F Diamonds Ideal cut set in Platinum
Honeycomb design to allow for proper cleaning of diamonds and Emerald.
Engagement Ring
the makings for a princess story
Platinum Hard with Rose Gold
2.66CT Diamond VVS2 E cushion cut
An antique Look for a new beginning on this princess’s journey
Guardian Angel
Solid Platinum
Two inches long, a stand-alone statue
Harley Fat Boy with an Angel rider
Custom cut Sapphire kites, cut in Bangkok, thanks to Tim Roark Imports Atlanta GA.
Center stone too tall?
a dilema indeed – it does create a setting challenge and I came up with a unique idea.
The top of the ring shank is not round but oval, Inside top shank is a protective band. This protects the finger as well as the stone. I have successfully dropped the stone height 3.5mm, the Illusion is there! The center stone no longer towers above the diamonds.
Dragonfly that moves with your movements
Platinum Necklace 90 Diamonds VS/F+
125 Colored stones, Tsavorite, Sapphire, and Amethyst
The wingspan is 59MM (2.25″)
an articulating body of 41MM
Necklace is 18″ long
Custom design
2.50CT VS2 F Centre Diamond
Sapphire accents
Platinum Hard
The Big Diamond Look
White gold with vines & diamonds
4.38CT Total Diamond Weight
Custom made for client with family diamonds.
Making them appear even when they are not is the ilusion
A family diamond brought over from Europe in the late 1800’s. A 1.32CT Old Mine cut VS material. This Diamond now sits amongst an array of diamonds and Ceylon Sapphires. Set in Platinum Hard with yellow gold recycled from family love ones. Design and form all have a family meaning.
I am honored to design and make such a piece
Water, Wind and Land
This 14K Yellow band consists of a golden Vine, Diamonds and Tsavorite garnet. Folowed by a wave with Diamond crest
Exquisite Tanzanite
natural unheated
Set in Platinum.
Simplicity sums it up
The illusion
14KW
2.40CT TDW
One of the challenges with custom designs is the illusion of balance. This ring has three differant top diamond sizes, yet you don’t notice.
Client wanted an antique look
Bi-metal in 14KY & 14KW
1.48 Total Diamond Weight
top face of Diamonds all set in 14KW gold intricately beaded
14KY gold ring with cuatouts and sprinkles of diamonds.
Elegant Beauty
Center Diamond 5.03CT Cushion Cut VS2 G
with GIA report
Diamond Baguettes custom cut bullet shape accents
Platinum 950, Gallium-Ruthenium 5%
Gracefully curved with a square shank
I love doing this!
Tennis anyone?
14K W Earrings 6.55 CT Total Diamond Weight.
Repurposed Tennis bracelet, giving the client a whole new look.
4.7 Grams each with a length of 33MM
1 1/4″ long
3.56 CT VV S2
Emerald-Cut Diamond
Set in Platinum & 14 K Gold with .82 CT VS Matching Baguettes
GIA Laser inscription & report
Three Stone Ring
Emerald-cut Diamonds
4.50 CT TDW VVS1 & 2 G
Set in PT RU 950
Platinum Ruthenium
Custom Design soft movement.
Men’s Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold, 20mm wide, over six ounces of gold.
A custom-designed large link, with a sensual feel.
14K Y Gold Chain Necklace 17/16″
Carnelian Cabochon
Carnelian fiery tapered drops
Gyspy style for a polished lady
Amethyst pendant
A new look in bracelet form
Raised setting with a bold pattern
21.5 Grams
This elegant setting was designed to keep the old European Diamond safe. The stone has a very thin girdle making it susceptible to chipping. The broad Leaf Style prongs support and cover the stone to allow for a low setting.
The organic open leaf vine-like design is cast in Platinum using the
HIP or Hot Isostatic Pressing method (more on this in our podcast)
Natural un-heated Pink Sapphire 6.94CT encircled by 1.14 CT Diamonds. The Sapphire is set with claw prongs, the diamonds are set in a classic scallop basket. Platinum has a new alloy, Gallium95%-Ruthenium 5%, a hard platinum alloy that offers extra protection against wear. It was cast in the HIP process
Hot Isostatic Pressing ( more information in our podcast ).
Dramatic stylish statement
2.00 CT Natural Sapphire bright full of life perfect blue color with GIA report.
Accent Diamonds VS F+
Set in Platinum
European shank
Graceful organic Leaf design cast in
Platinum Cobalt
1.05 CT Total Diamond Weight
Center Diamond Laser Inscription GIA report
European shank
How important is it to get it right the first time?
Client had her ring fixed three times before finally coming to me. I designed a new, durable, comfortable eternity band, utilizing claw prongs for an extra special look.
6.94CT’s Radiant cut Diamonds
Three generations of family diamonds, re-set in Platinum. Sentimental Family center Diamond is an Old European Cut VS1 F.
Classic Deco style top with
contemporary shank
A contemporary half bezel setting in Platinum.
Hand-carved engagement ring
1.25 CT VS modern brilliant diamond
2 Matching bands, all with European shanks
Yes she is very happy!
I often get requests to re-set or totally re-design engagement rings.
Originally a 70’s style gold ring
( see Before picture below) was re-created into a
one-of-a-kind Platinum ring.
Utilizing the baguettes in a whole new way with a twist on the accent diamonds. I introduce design…..
There we have it a great example!
( To accommodate a knuckle the ring is a bit large therefore the bump on the bottom of the shank pushes out the finger out to fill in the ring.)
New Platinum mounting, engraved leaf pattern as well as cutouts.
A very durable setting that will last generations.
Channel set diamonds accents. It was decided to re-cut the Sapphire for that NEW look giving it a crisp sparkle.
Old worn setting in yellow gold, style from the 1970’s another example of
Re-purposing – listen to our podcasts.
Blue Sapphire, 3.81CT
Diamond accents .30CT
A new look in Platinum for a great client
Fancy Yellow Diamond with GIA laser inscription & GIA report set in 18K
Ring and Diamond Bullet accents set in Platinum.
A PERFECT example of repurposing from an older GRAFF setting see below BEFORE picture. New design, the addition of Diamond Bullets clean precise lines, and my artwork.
Redesigning is just part of what I do, taking the subject and making it better. Breathing life into a dull setting.
My clients love what I do, I do what I love…
Tie Tack
14K Bi metal “Pirate Cutlass”
Late 1800’s model, 2 1/4″ long
Simplicity and Beauty
Beautiful Round Brilliant Sapphire,
1.14 CT set in Platinum
2.25 CT Cushion Cut Sapphire
Diamond Baguette accents
Band cast in Platinum
3.00 CT center diamond
Tsavorite band (green garnet)
2.54 CT VS F+
Platinum diamond band
18K Bi-Metal
Marquise Diamond 1.21 CT VS1 H set in 14K W
.14CT Yellow accent Diamonds
14K Y Hand-carved lost wax process ring
SOLD
Wedding set, Hand carved setting
Hand carved ring in 14 K Y Gold
Fabricated Platinum bezel
1.93 CT Total Diamond Weight
.92CT ALEXANDRITE from Madagascar with 100% color change.
A light purple under incandescent light to a
rich teal green in natural light.
Set in a delicate filigree Platinum leaf pattern sprinkled with diamond accents
2.75CT Modern Brilliant Diamond
Set in a simple slide bezel, with a hand-carved pattern to add interest.
Raised bezel allows light into pendant refracting more light through the diamond.
Contemporary Platinum Ring
3.21 CT Total Diamond Weight
27.1 Grams
Calibrated to balance perfectly on the finger.
Contemporary matching band
1.30CT Princess cut Diamonds channel set in Platinum
European shank, slightly square at base keeping the diamonds up right
Contemporary earrings
14K white gold
Princess cut diamonds
3.14 CT Fiery transparent Ruby
14K Palladium White Gold
Delicate Leaf design set w/
.60 CT accent Diamonds
Three stone ring, with a little extra!
18K Yellow Gold 7 Grams
2.49 CT Diamonds Crown set
center stones w/accent diamonds
European Shank
Distinctive Design
I love doing these tiny leaves set with diamonds
“Finger Mate “adjustable shank opening
1.5 X larger and locking shut
Platinum Cobalt 950
2.03CT VS2 H Center diamond w/ GIA report
two trapezoid diamonds .50CT each, VS G/H and
another forty-six ideal cut VS E/F diamonds
Set in Platinum Cobalt 950
This is similar to a diamond ruby ring I made, a round 3.50CT modern brilliant center stone instead of a Princess cut diamond with the addition of Sapphire baguettes
Platinum & Diamonds
Client inherited a diamond ring which was worn and dated.
I designed a whole new look keeping the memories alive.
Every time she looks at this ring she has fond memories of her mom.
Platinum Diamond ring hand carved and fabricated.
One of a kind
Bigger Diamond for an existing Platinum ring
I hand carved this ring five years ago and set a1.15 CT Princes cut Diamond.
I removed the original head with the Princess. I then made a new top in Platinum, setting a 2.07 Cushion Cut VS2 I Diamond w/ GIA report.
The original Princess cut was illusion set, giving it a bigger look than it was.
The new Cushion Cut fills in all available space, filling the center of the ring, and completing the original desired design.
Classic Swiss Quartz watch with a 14 K wide link bracelet
Time being unimportant Memories and Heritage being center stage
Client knew exactly what he wanted I created that in gold to be worn every day
Men’s ring, 1.65CT Diamond
Keeping in a traditional men’s ring style but adding a touch of excellence in personalization.
Classic Platinum
2.00CT Flawless H
Perfection in Simplicity
Emerald Cut Diamond, 2.50CT VS2 G,
Set in Platinum
This engagement ring has a slightly higher “Head” allowing the wedding band to fit flush against the engagement ring.
Also using the EURO shank, slightly squared at the bottom. This aids in centering the center stone. The opposing fingers capture the squared shape and assist in keeping the center diamond upright.
One of a kind, designed for “Hop Hearted Designs by Nina”Exclusive!
Hops inspired design in green gold and yellow gold accented by hues of different hops products in citrine and peridot flowing on organic vines moving with the contour of the body, fully adjustable to 3 lengths.
I have designed a full line of Hops inspired jewelry for Nina; our collaboration can be found at www.HopsJewelry.com
Platinum
2.15 Sapphire
.26TDW VS G/H accent diamonds
A traditional engagement ring with a big difference.
Center diamond is a 2.73CT flanked by 7MM baguettes .69CT making 3.42 TDW
Has the squared off shank (Euro shank) to keep the large center upright
Set in Platinum
Center Diamond is a VVS2, F color 5.01 CT
These accent Diamonds are Ideal Cut, VS clarity E color
There is a difference!
“John,
I think you use too simple terms, this is not just “very good, very manly” this is “awesomely great & unbelievable”! When Dianne & I talked on how this would look I had no idea it would look like this!! If you have not already and can still do it please sign & date it. I look forward on thanking you in person. If you need a place to stay when on Island we have a guest bedroom.
Once I put it on I probably will not take it off.
Thank you so much.”
OftenI have requests, items made from sentimental pieces of jewelry. In this case it was a set of wedding bands and a well-worn ring.
The gentleman lives in the islands where it is very popular to wear an “Island Bracelet”. This is off the beaten track for island bracelets but I utilized all the components in my charge, stabilized quarts gold cabochon and the gold and diamonds from the rings.
This is what I designed, this is the remark from my client:
1.25 CT
Platinum
Contemporary half bezels
Back to a traditional wedding set.
These are in platinum
.96 VS E/F Accent Diamonds,
2.21 TDW
Soon to be presented to a Lucky Lady
1.51 CT VS G with GIA Certificate
.36 CT VS E/f Accent diamonds
Platinum
1.71 Center, 1.31 accent
Set in Platinum
Sleek and clean
Contemporary gold with Sapphire
18k Y Gold. 1.69 CT Princess cut VSI I w/ GIA report.
.43 TDW matching half-moon Brilliant cut diamonds
set close together to give this three-stone setting a
large diamond look.
Made in 1999
Diamonds Diamonds Diamonds
Set to perfection in Platinum
My camera does not do this Burmese Ruby justice
Top of the line, 1.19 CT round
Yellow Gold setting with a Platinum Bezel
Re-mount in Platinum Ruthenium
Platinum / Diamond
VVS G 2CT Center
.68 TDW Accent Diamonds
She finally said YES
Wedding 9/3/2011
Contemporary
An odd pair of pears
Raffle
Habitat for Humanities
Fabulous contemporary art nouveau
Fluid and luscious
Diamond ring 18k, center stone 2.18 ct,
Accent diamonds 2.97
5.15 total diamond weight tdw
18k palladium, diamonds ……. Nothing like a surprise!
Spectacular new bangle from a tennis bracelet
VVS DIAMONDS, PLATINUM AND GOLD
About 1.5 OZ’S Troy for a very rich feel. Fluid with heavy hinge construction and a push button “Diamond” release
Sapphire, diamonds in 18k
A new look for client’s stones
18k Palladium engagement ring. 2.2 CT brilliant center diamond.
14 channel set baguettes. 45 pts TDW.
Palladium, a member of the platinum group of metals, used as an alloy will add color, strength and is resistant to chlorine. d)
( Check our podcast on chlorine damage to gold)
Conch pearl, diamonds gold & platinum. Rare Conch pearl encased in a basket.
A bigger look, diamonds in 18k
Originally a simple Tiffany set diamond band