Some New Pieces

18K white gold moonstone diamond Rugged engagement ring

14K organic free form wedding bands

Rose cut golden rutilated quartz 14k gold and sterling silver post earrings

14K rose gold wedding bands

Rose cut milky aquamarine sterling silver chevron wedding band engagement ring set

Rugged sterling silver 14k gold rose cut rutilated quartz engagement ring

Custom 14K white gold modern wedding bands with engraved names and blue flush set sapphires

A Thank You; (Growth):

Thank you for being here.

 

This month marks my 8th year anniversary of working professionally in this industry. 

 

 As a kid, I never thought that one day I would call myself a jeweler. I have to tell you, though, it is one of the most wonderful, awe-inspiring, challenging, and exciting things I have ever done with my life, and every day I become more and more enamored with what I do. 

 

 It is not always easy; some projects are much harder than I expect, some months are much slower than others. Still I truck on, and still I love every little bit of it.

 

So that's why I want to thank you THANK YOU thank you for being here, for supporting me, for encouraging me, for being my customers, for cheering me on. Many of you have watched me grow from the very beginning, and I am so grateful for you. Many of you have never met me in person, and I am honored you have found me and like my work enough to 'like' me on Facebook and follow my blog. Many of you have purchased something from me--the biggest version of the message of 'keep doing what you're doing'!

 

So, thank you. You guys rock. :)

 

Much love,

Erica

 

 

The Stories

I love doing custom work.

The stories behind the inspiration of the piece are often adventures in which I can live vicariously, or tales of love and romance where I'm hands-down on board, or personal mementos of strength and virtue.

Elaine, who found me in a breath of graceful openness, beautiful and charismatic and easy to be-friend, found herself in need of a piece that connected her to her inner strength and power of visualization. She had recently been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, and commissioned me to create a ring to remind her of her own healing capabilities.

Elaine and I spent several weeks looking for the perfect stone that would inspire the course of healing she intends for herself. She was looking for a pale pink stone, suitably sized for her finger, that would represent the mixing of bright red and angry blood cells that are being softened and diluted with happy and healthy white cells. After some searching, we found a beautiful rhodochrosite that fit the bill perfectly.

Once we found the stone, I got to work on the design options. Knowing also that Elaine was looking for a band or shank that has some visual interest, I knew that I also had to give the band some great thought, and so after several days I came up with three different design options from which to choose.



Both Elaine and her husband loved option 3 (which I also loved!) which, to me, represented the DNA and also the ladder upon which she will climb as she learns to deal with and stay strong against her disease. The ring was ready to be made in sterling silver.

The Process

The first stages of the ring (and others, too!).

Bezel is ready to be soldered to a back plate, band is complete and ready for forming.

 

Bezel complete, band formed and ready to be put together.

Ring is oxidized and ready for finishing.

The Ring

It is always and honor and a joy to help someone manifest their ideas into physical form. This ring was so much fun, from beginning to end, and I'm so grateful to have opportunities like this. Elaine, I wish you much healing and pleasure from this ring--that it finds you in your moments of needing strength. Your story is now part of mine, and I am in your journey with you.

Snippets...in May

It's been a wonderful couple months since my last check-in here at this somewhat deserted blog...for those of you who keep up with me here, I appreciate you very much and I'm sorry it's been so slow!

I have been very busy with many custom orders for lovely clients as well as growing my etsy page and website with more made-to-order and one of a kind pieces. Some of my favorites for the websites are the Blossom Ring and the Numerology Ring. Growing up in my Mom's flower shop has almost certainly inspired the flower-themed designs I have in my collection, and a recent custom ring I created for a sweet lady down in Florida enticed me to offer a stacking ring completely customizable for a double-digit number of choice. This ring is catered to those who love numerology, but it could also be the year of your marriage, graduation, or a lucky number.

Blossom Ring
Made to Order in custom sizes.

Numerology Ring
Personalized ring made to order in custom numbers and sizes.

Outside of the internet, life in the real world persists, and Sun Studios (my home gallery) has been a lovely venture and location for my jewelry and creative spirit. I adore being amongst fellow artists and have been utterly inspired, humbled, and gently nudged into new pathways since my move in February. The biggest changes, surely, have been my new work with yellow gold and (!!!) diamonds, faceted stones, and an exploration into the fine jewelry world...

18kt Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver ring with flush-set sapphire.

18kt Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver engagement ring with bead-set diamond.

...Although my silversmithing roots are never far away. It's too hard to resist a gorgeous agate cab...

Confetti Agate Statement Ring (Private Collection)

However, there might be a nice compromise in rose-cut gems, like this beautiful pink tourmaline rose cut I set in my 'As One' series bangle bracelets.

Pink Tourmaline Rose Cut 'As One' Bangles
http://ericafreestone.mysupadupa.com/collections/wrists/products/as-one-bangles

I've also taken a small collection of work to Casa del Soul in Carmel Valley Village, where the extraordinary Linda Jacobs curates a lovely smattering of beautiful pieces fit for a queen. Linda hosted a successful Trunk Show earlier this year in which I participated, and I was thrilled to be offered the chance to sell my jewelry in her store full time.

Trunk Show display at Casa del Soul.

Trunk Show display at Casa del Soul.

Other than that, my friends, my life continues to amaze me, excite me, and challenge me into new thought-paths. I could not be happier and hope that this blog finds you exactly the same.

Much love and many wishes for creativity and inspiration,

Erica

Yes, Goddess earrings in green chrysoprase
https://www.etsy.com/listing/152019272/yes-goddess-earrings-sterling-silver?ref=shop_home_feat

Follow my 'View From The Bench' series on Instagram! Search #viewfromthebench or find my username ericafreestone

Kiera, my sleepy 'guard dog' at the studio.

Finding inspiration at the Monterey Marina by the fisherman's wharf.

Newbies...

Big Mouth Bass fishing in Carmel Valley