Oct 08, 2020

Unworn But Never Forgotten - Now Cherished Forever

Studio 12 Design Blog | Saarh EK Muse | Custom Jewelry Redesign | Bespoke Jewelry | Custom Jewelry Design Experience

She said, “Daniel, I think I'm going to get Sarah to make my ring!”

Ondrea, a devoted wife and stylish mom of three, hardly ever does anything special for herself. Years ago, despite initially loving her wedding ring set, she’d stopped wearing them because the diamond sat so high, she was worried she’d hurt one of her children. In true Ondrea form, she put everyone else’s needs before her own.

When Ondrea’s mom passed away, she inherited her cherished jade ring, a long-ago gift from her father. Well worn, and so loved, the tiny seed pearls had slowly started to fall off, one-by-one. Ondrea’s wedding rings, and the jade ring she inherited, both sat in the dark for years, unworn but never forgotten.

For some time, Ondrea had thought about combining the two rings into “something that I would wear everyday”. Finally, she felt the time was right to treat herself. She’d been saving for this ring because she knew a bespoke design, done with care and skill, would be an investment. But she also knew the benefits and value of having something designed exclusively for her. It would be a ring she’d wear every day, and also eventually become a family heirloom.

While she knew of other jewelers, none of them felt right for this project. A long time friend, Ondrea and I go back to a playgroup when our kids were young. She had been following my business on social media, seeing the designs I’d been making for others, when one in particular sparked her excitement and she knew I was the right fit. Win, win!

In her own words, “I found a jewelry designer, who is also a friend, who creates high-quality jewelry, has an artistic eye and can make something unique and different” and that's what she wanted. Not a setting off the shelf, but a ring made exclusively for her with her personal style in mind. Ondrea knew she could trust me with this special bespoke piece, so close to her heart.

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So, off to the Post Office she went, to ship her special rings to me. Ondrea trusted that I would care for them, as if they were my own, while I created a new chapter for them. Over the next several months, Ondrea and I developed a long-distance relationship, with her new ring as the object of our affection! We spent time video conferencing, texting, emailing and calling. All of which is a necessary part of the design experience, as my clients put their trust in me to bring their vision to life.

The Custom Jewelry Design Experience

This is truly where I strive to make the experience special. The custom jewelry design process is not only about getting to the finish line and the completed piece, but it’s also about sharing stories, intentions and wishes as we journey together to create a personal modern heirloom.

It begins with many questions, and actively listening to the answers. It’s crucial to hear what my clients are saying and sometimes what they’re not saying. Each response guides me to the next right question. I want to know what colors appeal to them, which shapes resonate, what style they associate with most. Equally important, I want to know what elements don’t speak to them. We then dive deeper into what really brings my clients joy and happiness every day. For Ondrea, living by the ocean, the waves and their bubbles represent the ebb and flow of life. This is embedded deep within her. I made a mental note that her new ring would incorporate this symbolism in some way.

Ondrea was clear, she wanted me to incorporate everything, including the gold and jade, into something different, unique and one-of-a-kind, and something that was “comfy enough to wear everyday, even in jeans and a t-shirt.” No small task! I understand how important it is to infuse your new jewelry with joy and thoughtful design, not just for the present, but for future generations. Ondrea understood this right from the start. She knew she was getting more than “just” a piece of jewelry.

Custom Designed Diamond Ring | Bespoke Diamond Ring | Alternative Wedding Rings

.When her ring was complete, Ondrea and I met at a coffee shop in Raleigh, NC, about midway between her home and mine. This moment, when my clients see their bespoke piece of jewelry for the first time, is precious and sometimes hard to describe. But I think Ondrea’s words said it best, “it still has everything from before, but now it’s more my style. It has those other meanings, but in a different way now."

It’s part of my mission to provide a custom jewelry experience, not just the finished piece. This takes time and a sensitivity to my client’s desires, thoughts and emotions. Combined with my twenty-five years of expertise in the field, I’m confident I can create a meaningful experience, and a personal bespoke piece of jewelry for each of my clients. Ondrea agreed, “The whole experience was great! The way it turned out, it's exactly what I wanted! That's the best part about it, the end when you get to wear it.”

Before & After Custom Jewelry Redesign | Sarah Muse | Roanoke, VA

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Are you ready to take the next step to create your very own new custom heirloom?

YES! Book My Private Consultation with Sarah. (virtual or in-person at her private studio.)

Or, give Sarah a call at 540-524 2764 to discuss your project.

I want to learn more about the Custom Jewelry Design Experience.

Video edited by: Forged Film Co.