etsymetal Project Runway Challenge, Season 9, The Finale

It's hard to believe that another season of Project Runway has come to an end... The etsymetal team has been following along, challenging ourselves weekly along with the PR designers. This week we learned who the Project Runway winner was. 

Our final challenge was to create a mini collection. With only a week to design and execute, it was challenging, especially at this time of year when we are trying to fill orders, and get work to the galleries. Check out the etsymetal blog for all of this week's entries!

My goal was to put together a 3 piece collection using those materials I really enjoy working with such as Nevada boulder turquoise and pearls. I've also popped in a rose cut diamond on the pendant. All pieces are fabricated in sterling silver with 14kt gold accents. The cognac diamond is set in 18kt gold. 

  

  Pendant featuring Nevada boulder turquoise, keshi pearl and cognac rose cut diamond

             Earrings with Nevada boulder turquoise and freshwater pearl

        Ring, Nevada boulder turquoise and freshwater pearl

You'll find these 3 pieces in my etsy shop for only a short while!

Coming up next on the etsymetal blog is the newest challenge surrounding the new Project Accessory.

I'll have to skip that challenge, but do stay tuned to the etsymetal blog for that one. And remember, you don't have to be a member of the etsymetal team to play!

New work

                                     3mm raw diamond cubes

It's been a busy Spring in my studio! The garden is finally looking good and I have a flat of lettuce and some flowers to get into the ground if the rain will just let up a bit. But, with all the rain we've been having it's been easy to stay inside and make stuff! I've been playing around a lot with raw diamond cubes ever since I bought some of them about a year ago to experiment with. I wanted to show some of the things I've been doing with them and also with my latest interest, rose cut diamonds. Still nice and rustic, but a bit fancier...

                                              rose cuts

I really like the simplicity of a single cube set in 18kt gold on a textured or hammered, heavy sterling band.

                                                                  
The rose cut diamonds are flat on the bottom with a few polished facets on the top. Perfect to bezel set and adding a touch of luxury without sacrificing their rawness.

I've been paring the diamonds up with other sumptuous stones and pearls to create "Treasure Rings".

boulder turquoise, raw diamond and pearl

Hells Canyon herringbone petrified wood, raw diamond, pearl

Keshi pearl, raw diamond

Keshi pearl, pear shaped rose cut cognac

I'm really excited to continue us these diamonds in my designs. So interesting and full of character!

A few of these pieces can be seen in my etsy shop, many have sold, but more will definitely be on the way, if I have my way...

'