Meeting with clients for a custom project - two very unique commitment rings
While releasing a new collection twice a year is certainly a big part of what I do, many may not realize that a lot of my work at Talisman involves custom projects for clients. It’s really a treat to be able to hand-make meaningful pieces like commitment rings, commemorative pendants, or to work 1:1 to bring a client’s unique vision into reality. Below are a few recent custom projects I’ve been working on. These projects usually start with sculpting the piece in wax, which is shown to the client for approval before it’s cast in solid, recycled gold. Most often I work in recycled 14k gold, though on occasion I am asked to cast in 18k, or in sterling silver. Thanks to the handmade nature of my work, anything is possible!
Speaking of recycled gold, it’s also worth mentioning - I often get asked whether I can incorporate a client’s heirloom jewelry or old gold into new pieces. The short answer is YES - it is entirely possible to melt scrap gold that might be collecting dust at the back of your jewelry box, and to reuse it in a new Talisman piece. Be aware that it does take a bit of extra time, as it’s always safest to have the gold refined first, to eliminate any impurities or aging alloys that may cause brittleness or instability, and then re-alloy back into 14k or 18k grains for casting. Regardless, it can be done, and in fact I do it often! So if you have any family jewels sitting in your safety deposit box that you just know you’re not going to ever wear, why not give it new life by repurposing it into a piece you’ll love and cherish?
One link at a time…
These one-of-a-kind links are first sculpted in wax, but will soon become a chunky 18k gold toggle bracelet for a lucky client! Stay tuned for more on this baddie.
As always, thank you to my amazing clients who allow me to do what I love for work! Infinite gratitude for you <3
A custom initial pendant for a client, to be cast in recycled 14k gold
First it’s sculpted in wax
Then cast in solid, recycled gold
Then assembled/soldered, and put through a strenuous hand-finishing process to get to the final piece. I loved these little stud earrings so much that I decided to add them to the regular collection here.