I love our new rustic silver branch jewelry link. I’ve had a vision for months of how it should look and the results are just as I’d hoped. We also worked on a smaller branch at the same time, and it was less successful. This is one part of the design process that remains hidden: the styles that don’t make the cut. We only move forward with a new style after it’s been worked and revised and tuned to its essence. We have drawers full of “no” and “needs revisions” samples.
Occasionally, because it’s the path of least resistance, we’ve approved a new style even though there’s a slight modification that would have made it even better. Inevitably, I regret it. Every time I see the style in the catalog, I think “we should have tried it with larger granulation” or “I’d use it more often if the flower was also on the toggle bar.” After years of this, I think we’ve learned our lesson and now we thoroughly explore all options during the revision process.
This smaller branch is a good example: I love the scale and texture of this jewelry link, but don’t care for the rounded curve of the bottom branch. The goal was to create a closed loop, but this bottom branch looks forced and unnatural. We will continue to develop it until it feels right. One possible solution is to add a jump ring to the end of the small twig instead of curving it back up to meet the main branch….
Large and Small Branch Jewelry Links
Successful large branch jewelry link!
Revisions sketches for small Branch Jewelry Link.
I am looking for a necklace that looks like a branch with gems such as raw amethysts, or other raw gems. If you have anything like that and can email me pictures and prices, I would be most appreciative.
Comment by Cathy — March 31, 2010 @ 7:23 am
Hi Cathy, Our rustic branch, A693, or our twisted branch pendant, A782 could easily be combined with gemstones to make a stunning necklace. We carry roughly faceted aquamarine that is yummy and earthy.
Comment by leah — March 31, 2010 @ 9:31 am