As an independent designer, there are few things better than helping a repeat client build a collection over time. Working with this client has allowed me to stretch my creativity, creating several pieces that have become a part of my permanent collection. I’ve also had the honor of celebrating major life milestones along with them, like this special cuff bracelet for an extra-special anniversary.
The Background
The first piece I created for this client was a Primrose Ring in yellow sapphire, a gift for his wife. Later, we designed a pair of earrings to match the very first edition of Daisy Studs, also in yellow sapphire. When he came back looking for a bracelet for their 17th wedding anniversary, we both knew we wanted to stay with the same theme, but also add in some more colors and metals.
At this point, we’d worked together enough that he was very familiar with my style. He shared his own sketch for a piece inspired by Constellations, which would incorporate blue stones and diamonds as well as the yellow sapphires. I took the idea and ran with it!
The Design
The base for this piece would be my Galaxy Cuff, a two-toned piece with Sterling Silver and 18K Yellow Gold granules. But this piece would also feature 18 gemstones: 17 across the front for all their years of marriage and one stellar stone on the back for their year of dating.
I very carefully selected the stones in graduated sizes and made sure the layout was perfect, evoking stars in the night sky.
The Process
After sketching out the ideal layout for the blue and yellow lab-sapphires and lab-diamonds, the real work began. I actually marked where each stone would go in color-coded marker directly onto the cuff, so I could get the perfect visual before I began and make sure everything was where I wanted it. Balance and organization are KEY!
The soldering for this piece was very intense, with each gold bezel needing to be individually soldered onto the cuff base, and then the stone set in the middle. I also included a smattering of smaller gold granules without stones for additional visual complexity. (18 to be precise.)
After all 18 stones were set, I cleaned and polished the piece, and it was ready for delivery!
Sent From the Stars!
“The bracelet was a big hit!”
A simple review, but so perfect! My client gifted this piece to his wife on their anniversary trip to Greenville. During the same trip, they happened to stop into the Grand Bohemian Gallery and bought yet another piece for her ensemble, a Lakeside Morning ring in blue topaz. I think they like my style!
Building a collection for this wonderful couple is second only to building a friendship with them. I’m so happy with how this piece turned out, and I can’t wait for the next one!
