Judi brought me her mother’s Art Deco pendant, ready to transform it into something spectacular… but more in tune with her modern, rough-hewn, organic aesthetic.
I began by carefully removing the diamonds from the pendant. I know, I know—people get so upset when I share this. It can be emotional to see a beautiful antique piece reduced to spare parts. But after years sitting unworn in a drawer, Judi was ready to reimagine it into something she would truly adore. And, as they say, one person’s trash—or priceless Art Deco pendant—is another person’s treasure.
After extracting the diamonds, I had the platinum refined, applying its value toward the creation of her new piece. Then I began sketching. While the final design evolved into something far more geometric and restrained—a necklace designed to be worn every day—I still love this sketch.
Though I never got to create it in metal, I wanted to share this behind-the-scenes peek at my process in designing custom jewelry. Not everything I sketch makes it into the final piece, but just because it lives only on the page doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be enjoyed. And who knows...maybe one of you readers will see this and take the idea and run with it.
Imagine it as a bib necklace in oxidized sterling silver with gold accents, all silver, or even bronze. Think Cleopatra-meets-swinging ’60s.