Oftentimes when I do in-person shows, potential clients fall in love with my work, but want to know if my pieces can be customized using their existing gemstones and/or materials. This was that exact situation. I was at the Baltimore American Craft Council show when my lovely client walked up and told me that she loved my ripple rings. Then she asked, “can you make one of your rings using my blue topaz”? Turns out she loved these blue topaz gemstones, but the settings were outdated, one of the rings was broken, the stones were loose...it was time for a refresh. What a perfect candidate for creating a completely new Kristen Baird® Ripple Ring duo just for her.
A simple design
We started out with simple designs based on what the client liked when she saw my rings at the show. She wanted a large band for the bigger gem and a thinner band for the smaller gem - both set in a prong style setting.
Oh, those blues!
Setting the stones in prongs really made the stones and their color pop. It also gave a little elevation to these breathtaking blue topaz gems and contributed a nice sense of grandeur. Because we also had 14K yellow gold left over from her original rings, I suggested that we incorporate little granules (as I call them) to the rings for that added two-tone look. This client said she loves wearing multi-colored metals, such as silver and gold, so it worked out quite nicely. And you know how I love to recycle metals!
The KBJ experience
Once I created the ring mountings, I sent the above video to the client for her to take a quick peek. She was so excited to see the work-in-progress. As part of the Kristen Baird® experience, that's something special that I like to do for my clients - include them in the process and the behind-the-scenes as often as I can.
Endless possibilities
So here they are! My client's Breathtaking Blues Duo of blue topaz rings, handcrafted in sterling silver with 14K yellow gold granule accents. What a great way to reuse materials, recycle metals and put some beautiful gemstones into pieces that can be worn day after day. With these two stunning rings, the possibilities are endless - the client can mix and match the rings to make a bold statement or simply give herself a little extra sparkle for whatever she has planned for the day. Talk about versatility!
Voila!
Based on the feedback I received from the client, I think it’s safe to say that she was super pleased with the result of our commissioned ring project.
“I will LOVE them and have received many compliments on them. I am happy to share your beautiful artistic talent !!!!!” -LR
Have you seen pieces on my website that call out to you, but perhaps you have materials you’d like to incorporate? That is totally possible in most scenarios! Reach out and let's chat. I'd love to know more about your ideas and vision so I can translate them into my signature aesthetic just for you!
