Hey there, fellow gem enthusiasts and free spirits!
Remember that behind-the-scenes reel of me braving the elements for the perfect shot of Dragon Mountain Turquoise? Let me tell you, every raindrop dodged was worth it! Scroll to see the beauty of this rare turquoise—its deep sea greens transitioning into near glowing greens lined with brick-red hues. This intricate matrix tells a story millions of years in the making.
But that's just the start. The journey from selecting the stone to capturing that final shot is a labor of love, and today, I want to take you behind the scenes to see how Twisted Ginger custom jewelry comes to life.
The Lookbook: Where Creativity Begins
It all starts with my "lookbook"—a collection of my designs and creations over the years. It's a map of my artistic mind, guiding me through each unique design.
My lookbook is a good place to start for the initial vision for every piece. Whether inspired by Alaska's rain-soaked forests or the vibrant hues of the stones themselves, this visual library shapes the path for us to align on the final design.
The Stone Selection: Listening to the Earth
Once I have the concept in mind, it's time for my favorite part—diving into my treasure trove. Picture this: drawers filled with stones collected from trusted lapidaries and connections built over years of passionate searching. Each stone has its own unique energy and story, and I let them "speak" to me as I sift through turquoises, opals, and jaspers.
Dragon Mountain Turquoise, for example, is known for its stunning colors and power as a protector and luck-bringer. But it's more than just folklore—when I hold these stones, I can feel the millions of years of Earth's history pulsing through them. The unique patterns within each stone make it feel like I reconnect with an old friend every time I handle them.
Selecting the perfect stone for a custom piece is like matchmaking. It's about finding that perfect connection between the Earth's creation and the person who will wear it. Sometimes, a stone will practically jump out of the drawer, demanding to be part of a specific design. Other times, it's a slow courtship, carefully considering which stone best embodies the wearer's spirit.
Designing the Perfect Setting: Guided by the Stone's Energy
After selecting the stone, the next step is to design its "home." This is more than just placing a gem in a setting—creating a space where the stone can shine physically and energetically. Every piece of Twisted Ginger jewelry is a collaborative effort between the stone, the client I'm designing for and my creative hand.
The design process blends tradition and innovation. I often use techniques I learned from master silversmiths in Bali, like the ancient art of granulation, which involves creating tiny silver beads that symbolize the dew drops of Alaska's rainforests. Every detail, no matter how small, holds meaning.
This is where my sketchbook comes out, filled with rough drawings and detailed plans. I consider how the stone will sit, how it will catch the light, and how it will feel against the skin. It's a dance between aesthetics and practicality, always with the stone's energy as the guiding star.
Crafting the Piece: Bringing the Vision to Life
With the design in place, it's time to bring it to life. This is where the magic happens—transforming raw materials into wearable art. Sawing, soldering, hammering silver, carefully setting a stone, or creating intricate granulation, each step is done by hand with focus and intention.
The process is meditative, a communion between myself and the materials. Sometimes, the journey is smooth, ideas flowing effortlessly from mind to hands. Other times, there are challenges—a stone that refuses to sit just right or silver that has ideas of its own. But that's what makes each piece truly one-of-a-kind. Each quirk and "imperfection" adds character and reflects the energy that went into creating it.
The Final Shot: Completing the Creation Cycle
Once I've captured the piece in its natural habitat, the journey is complete. This final step is more than just product photography—it's about showcasing the jewelry in a way that reflects its energy and the journey it took to be created.
Whether nestled among the moss of Alaskan forests or glowing on a sun-warmed rock by the sea, the final shot is a celebration. It introduces the piece to the world, showing how it interacts with light and nature. Being my own product photographer allows me to close the loop on the creation process, from the first spark of inspiration to the final click of the camera.
Click here to see the "Behind the scenes" of product photography real life Reel.>> "Behind the Scenes"
Why I Love Custom Jewelry
Custom design is more than just creating a beautiful piece—it's about capturing a client and stones unique energy and story. It's a deeply personal process, a collaboration between the artist, client, and Earth. Matching a stone with its wearer is an incredibly special experience, almost like introducing two souls that were meant to spend eternity together!
The final piece becomes more than just jewelry; it's a personal talisman, carrying both the Earth's story and the client's spirit. It's a physical manifestation of memories, hopes, and dreams designed to be worn and loved for generations.
Ready to Start Your Custom Jewelry Journey?
I'll be opening up custom spots soon, so take advantage of the chance to create something truly unique! Follow along for more behind-the-scenes peeks and gemstone education, or head over to my Customs Paused, Notify Me page to join the custom waitlist (I'll be opening up a limited number of spots soon!) Let's make something extraordinary together—from the first spark of inspiration to that perfect final shot!
