OTHER WORK | Jewelry Design
2 min read
Most people think of a designer as someone who creates something new and different from scratch, but I see things a little different. I enjoy taking a piece of antique jewelry which on its own is beautiful, and turning it into something trendy and more wearable for today. I combine the antique and vintage pieces and change them into something new by weaving them by hand with pearls and other gemstones.
Hand weaving was a process that was done in the Georgian and Victorian Periods and is very uncommon today. It is very tedious and takes a lot of patience, especially when the pearls are only a couple of millimeters wide, but the end result is beautiful and unlike anything else.
MY PROCESS
EMPATHIZE
meet with client
DEFINE
client's needs
IDEATE
brainstorm and sketch
CREATE
custom piece
DELIVER
final product
EMPATHIZE
The first and most important step of my design process, is meeting with the client. Having that face-to-face interaction allows me to get to know my client and her wants and needs. In this meeting, I typically ask questions like:
• How do you plan to wear your custom piece? Will it be for everyday or formal wear?
• If we are creating a new design from one of your old pieces, why? Tell me the story of this piece. Was it your Grandmas or did you buy while in Italy on vacation?
• What excites you most about the types of designs I create?
• Are there any specific gemstones you would like to use?
• Do you have a specific budget you need to stay within?
These questions help me to understand better what I am creating and for who, so I can make something that the client will not only cherish but will wear for years to come.
DEFINE & IDEATE
Once I have understood what the client needs, I go straight to my books and other resources and start researching different types of design styles.
I look at different gemstones, sizes, shapes and colors and define which would work best for the design.
Then I start to sketch various designs to show the client. I typically sketch two to four different ones within the budget range the client has assigned.
PROTOTYPE & TEST
After the client has chosen the design, I begin the creation process. Sometimes, I meet with the client before the product is complete to measure and make sure that the piece is exactly how she envisioned it would be. If I need to make any changes, then I make them at this point.
Once the design is complete, I meet with the client to present the design and make sure everything fits correctly.
To view more of my designs, please visit RachelsDesign.com