FROM TWIG TO RING WE BREAK IT ALL DOWN FOR YOU HERE

Sparked by nature and realized in gold and platinum, Olivia Ewing Jewelry is a stunning testament to the unplumbed wells and rugged terrain of the natural world and the depth of devotion that fills its every corner. Every piece of artisanal jewelry is meticulously handcrafted allowing each individual swirl, loop, and bud to be faithfully cast in gold. Below, we break down just how Olivia Ewing Jewelry goes from a foraged twig to a breathtaking and wearable piece of art. So read on to find out!

SELECTING THE TWIG

WILD THYME SOURCED FROM KALYMNOS, GREECE FOR A CUSTOM CREATION

We draw inspiration from the natural world, literally. Twigs, sprigs, and leaves are foraged from beautiful places in the natural world and then taken to the workshop for further selection.

Each twig is inspected by hand before being selected for its potential. Considerations must be made regarding the twig's durability, detail, and aesthetic. Once a twig has been chosen, it is cleaned and dried until it is ready to be used as part of a piece of jewelry or accessory.

Sometimes, clients come to us looking to create a completely customized piece with a specific natural element. In this case, a design is mocked-up in photoshop and any organic material that is not accessible is sought after and acquired.

CASTING THE TWIG

The chosen twig is further scrutinized to determine which sections of it may provide the most durability during the difficult casting process. Objects under 1mm are fortified with wax backing so they do not break during the casting process and their natural features can continue to be preserved. After ensuring that the twig will withstand casting, it is sent to a casting partner, who specializes in this delicate art.

The casting partner utilizes the lost wax casting process, an ancient technique of casting that has been used since 3000 BCE. In employing this technique, the caster will create a plaster cylinder that securely holds the twig. Silver is heated until it reaches 1,764.24℉ and is then very carefully poured into the plaster cylinder. Immediately, the molten silver burns away the twig replacing and filling the space it existed in. The twigs are then shipped back to us to work our magic.

FROM SILVER TO WAX TO SILVER AGAIN: SHAPING TWIGS INTO RINGS

The silver twigs are carefully shaped into circles where a wax mold is then created. This mold provides additional flexibility and is able to be sculpted into the final ring.

A prototype of the ring is created with prongs and all. When creating a custom piece, photos and videos of the ring are sent to clients to provide feedback for further refinement.

When the wax prototype has been approved it is cast back into silver, once more using the lost wax process. While the ring is in silver, any sharp edges are smoothed to create a seamless and smooth finish. Details that require additional sculpting and tweaking are perfected and photos are sent once more to clients to ensure satisfaction.

SOURCING THE CENTER STONE

It’s time for the star of the show to make its appearance! Center and secondary stones are sourced based on their defining characteristics and how they match up with the original concept of the ring. In the case of the ring in the pictures, a 1-carat rough octahedron diamond was desired.

For many rings that are not custom-made, we have a supply of stunning center stones that are appraised for their beauty and ability to be safely and securely set within the ring. Many photos are shared and the center stone is assessed to determine which table should be the face of the ring.

A FINAL WAXING

Believe it or not, the ring is once more returned to a waxy form. This is because the soft(er) wax is particularly useful in adding delicate leaf detail and texture. Additionally, the rough diamond will be set within the final wax prototype as it is a particularly secure method to set raw gemstones. This is the final prototype of the ring before casting in gold and many photos are taken to ensure that no detail goes overlooked.

CASTING WITH GOLD

The lost wax method is used once more but instead of silver, the molten metal is either gold or platinum. This ring was cast from 100% recycled 14K rose gold for a romantic and ethereal feel.

After casting, the ring is tumbled, cleaned, and polished to perfection. Final checks are made to ensure the ring exceeds the seller's expectations before being packaged and sent to its final destination… Someone’s lucky ring finger!

The end result is a testament to the stunning power and beauty of nature. And it’s just not limited to twigs - bark, driftwood, thorns, and more are able to be turned into stunning works of art using this method. Interested in what you see? Check out our selection of nature-inspired engagement rings or contact us today to create a custom engagement ring.

Meet the Author: Olivia Ewing