Hello!

Have you ever wondered what actually happens between a rough idea on paper and a finished piece of fine jewelry?

In this series, I’m opening up my studio doors and taking you step-by-step through the raw, authentic making process. Follow along as I take specific pieces from start to finish—exploring the tools, techniques, math, and patience that go into creating handmade jewelry.

Every piece begins long before metal meets the flame or tools touch the bench. The first step to creating any piece of jewelry is deciding on the design. This involves far more than creating a conceptual drawing or rendering—it requires answering numerous technical and structural questions. These initial decisions determine the materials, the specialized equipment, the bench labor required, and ultimately, the final price.

Once the design foundation is set, we dive into three distinct fabrication methods:

1. Hand Fabrication: Shaping, forging, piercing, and soldering directly from sheet metal and wire.

2. Lost-Wax Casting: Carving organic forms in wax and transforming them into precious metal.

3. Precious Metal Clay (PMC): Sculpting with fine silver clay before firing it in the kiln.

Along the way, I’ll share bench tips, traditional tools (some passed down through my family), and even a few secret details hidden within the designs.

Pull up a stool, explore the design phase below, and follow along on the journey!

—Nanette