Where do you find inspiration?
Most of my designs are inspired by architecture or nature. Sometimes it’s a building, the texture in tree bark, or the shape of a pine nut. One of my designs was inspired by a pineapple – I loved how the layers were stacked on top of each other. Another design was inspired by a cocoon – I made amazing, dangling diamond earrings to resemble it. Or jellyfish – they’re magical, I’m always inspired when I look at them.
If it’s not an object, then the stone inspires the ring and I create a design to celebrate that stone.
What’s your design process like from start to finish?
1. First, I sketch. I use the Procreate app to create the overall design.
2. Next, I design the ring in CAD. It’s a very different flow than traditional design methods – you can incorporate a lot of details in a very short time vs carving by hand. I usually create about 5 designs and print them in wax.
3. I test the wax models on my hand, place the stone in the wax setting, and see which one design I like best. I use the wax renderings to decide on gold colors, proportions, and the overall look of the ring.
3. Next, the rings goes for casting and stone setting.
5. Last, is final polishing and the ring is ready to be worn!
More is more or less is more?
Less is more with bigger statement pieces – let them be admired as the center of attention.
More is more with thinner stacking rings – I love a towering stack.