Inspired by her grandmothers earrings: a bespoke 40th birthday gift
Stud earrings made bespoke for a 40th birthday.
THE PROJECT: Modern gold multi-pearls stud earrings
Turning 40 is always a time to celebrate, to take stock of your values, your relationships and all the things you hold close to your heart. My client L, was turning 40 and her family wanted to commemorate this special birthday in a very special way.
As a Wimbledon based jewellery designer, many enquiries make it into my inbox. Some enquiries that land in your inbox, you know you want to be part of it, but making L’s 40th birthday earrings surpassed the best of my expectations.
It was her mother who originally contacted me. The family wanted to give L a memorable gift that would last a lifetime and what better than a bespoke pair of earrings.
Made in 18 carat yellow gold with small little Japanese ahoya pearls, these earrings are a dream come true. They look and feel like they are bursting with energy!
Client’s grandmother wearing the original 1950s vintage pearl earrings.
THE BRIEF: Delicate and contemporary but keeping in line with the original vintage pearl earrings.
What made this commission extra special was the fact that they were to be inspired by her grandmother’s earrings. Her grandmother is a very special lady who still loves to wear her jewellery.
The original earrings were given to her grandmother by her grandfather as a gift in the late 1950s / early 1960s and they are stunning! Staying true to that era they feel very modern and remind you of a time when man was taking its first steps to the moon.
L, had always admired her grandmother's earrings, but for herself she wanted something more delicate and contemporary but still keeping in line with the original earrings.
5 pearls set with gold balls to make stunning earrings.
THE APPROACH:Modern but playing homage to mid century vintage
I must confess that the original design I made for L was not exactly what she was looking for, probably a bit too organic as that is my usual style. But presenting a client with several design options is normal and if those are not right, I am always happy to return to the drawing board. L, knew what she wanted but needed me to bring it to life.
My mission is to make jewellery that makes my clients happy, that they can wear again and again and hopefully pass on for generations. So was keen and happy to go back to the drawing board.
This time I stuck closer to the original earrings but I made everything daintier, more elegant and realigned the pearls to give them a more cohesive feel but without losing dynamism. Instead of 3 pearls, I added an extra 2 more pearls, but varying the sizes.
I chose to use Japanese Akoya pearls in different sizes to add even more dynamism and used 18 carat yellow gold to set them in. This combination of materials is always a winner as it is such a beautiful and warm one.
Japanese Akoya pearls are venerated for their exquisite beauty. Japan has a large pearl industry and its pearls command center stage in jewellery markets everywhere. While Akoya pearls are now cultured in other waters, like China and Vietnam, it’s the Japanese Akoya pearls that are the most beautiful for their lustre. I love using them as most of the time they surpass fresh water pearls in beauty.
The final result: a perfect gift for a 40th birthday!
THE RESULTS: 5 pearls bursting with 18 carat yellow gold balls.
It is safe to say, every expectation was surpassed and L was delighted how her earrings add magic to her ears and pay homage to her grandmother.
“I picked up my earrings today and they are absolutely stunning. They are everything I wanted them to be and capture the essence of my Grandmother’s earrings perfectly. Thank you so much.”
Feeling inspired?I would love to bring your jewellery dreams to life.
A bespoke jewellery piece as a birthday gift is something that is unique to you and your loved one. It is a process that involves much love and attention to detail. What I love most about ir is listening to my client’s needs, the story of why they would like a custom made piece and then I do my best to adapt to my designs to them.
But the true magic begins when the piece leaves our Wimbledon studio to create wonderful memories with its new owner. Memories that hopefully will later be passed on through the generations in their families, like L and her grandmother.
If you would like see examples of some of our bespoke work please click here.
Please do not hesitate in contacting us if you are interested in having a bespoke piece of jewellery made for yourself or as a special gift.
We would love to help you with all your bespoke jewellery needs. Our small jewellery business is located in Wimbledon, South West London.
Perhaps you would prefer to work remotely, that is fine by us. We are happy to work via zoom or google meets.
Get in touch to see how we can work together.
Militza Ortiz
Wimbledon based jeweller with 20 years experience. I envision and hand create future heirlooms.
www.militzaortiz.com
