From Idea to Object: How a Special Order Comes to Life
Custom Work as Conversation
The starting point for a new commission, based on this series, with violet glass and a selection of gemstones to explore.
A significant part of my business is custom work. Often, a client will see a piece in my case and fall in love with most of it but want a slightly different version. Perhaps the colors aren’t quite right, the scale needs to shift, or they’d like a different gemstone. These small adjustments to an existing idea can be a wonderful way to create something that feels personal while staying true to the language of my work.
A Collector’s Eye
One of my most loyal clients has been coming to my shows for years, and over time we've created many special orders together. She has a wonderfully discerning eye, with very particular tastes in color, stone, and scale, and I always enjoy the challenge of working within her exacting preferences. The process began again recently at a show, where she selected pieces that spoke to her, combining elements from this piece, stones from that one, and ideas from another. From that conversation, a new series of custom jewelry commissions began, pieces shaped through thoughtful collaboration and careful back-and-forth until each one felt just right.
Gathering Possibilities
After she selects the pieces that speak to her at the show, I photograph them and take detailed notes. Back in the studio, I begin assembling a tray of glass samples, genuine gemstones, and other elements, arranging them thoughtfully to see how they interact. Photographing each arrangement allows us to step back, consider the possibilities, and explore combinations together long before any work begins.
Conversations in Detail
I prefer to communicate via text so we can go back and forth in real time, adjusting the composition, moving stones, and tweaking shapes until every element feels right. This stage can take a few rounds, and I’m always patient, knowing that the small details are what make a piece feel perfect. It’s a collaboration built on conversation, observation, and careful experimentation.
Shaping the Work
Once the selections are finalized, I begin crafting the pieces. Depending on the design, I check in at key points where changes are still possible, making sure she has the chance to weigh in before the work is fully locked in. Each moment in crafting this bespoke piece is deliberate, every adjustment intentional, until the forms, textures, and materials align as we imagined.
Ideas Brought to Life
With final approval, the pieces are completed, stones are set, the entire piece is polished, and ready to be worn. Custom jewelry commissions like these are more than customization like these are more than customization. They are a conversation in materials and light, a shared rhythm between maker and client. Seeing the finished work come to life is a reflection of trust, attention, and the patience woven into every stage of the process.
If you've ever thought about a piece made just for you, this is exactly how it begins. I’d love to work with you. Some commissions begin with an existing design, while others take shape around heirloom stones, engagement rings, or entirely new ideas. You can explore more examples below.