The Creation of Diamond Earrings: From Source to the Design
The process began thousands if not millions of years ago—not by me. But deep underground. The following is a story about my quest.
Even before sourcing or buying a diamond, I have a few design ideas of jewelry I'd like to make. The process for a project often starts way before even touching any metal or looking at stones. It is usually during my solitary moments when I collect design ideas. I am influenced by the many energies coming my way at any moment—so I allow space and time to develop my ideas. Realizing some days are more fruitful than others and that some of my best ideas come from late-nights-some have been quintessential to the development of my catalog of design ideas.
Once the design period comes along for a specific project—I sit down and sketch the images imprinted in my brain. I sketch on a Leuchtturm 1917 pink notebook; this is where my recent sketches and ideas live. These sketches are an invaluable tool. I did not take any sketching courses in college. I did take a few Architecture courses and participated in dozens of art classes as a model and continue to sketch designs every day—this has all helped develop my communication skills through a sketch.
With every piece I make I think about what each design says about my work—I sit to reflect and think. How does this one piece exist within the DNA of my work?
I already know what diamond earrings I want to make next for my diamond collection: a pair of prong-set cushion-cut pink diamonds. I want them to be approximately one karat per diamond. I need these diamonds to exude beauty and confidence. They need not be perfect but rather have character.
To me, pink diamonds represent rarity, beauty, charm and feminity. Pink diamonds are amongst the rarest diamonds, created thanks to an abnormality in the crystalline structure at the time of their formation.
I do not know if the pink diamonds I have pictured exist. However, creating an image in my head puts me in the miner mindset and puts me a little closer to finding them. In my head, I have already made these pink diamond earrings. When I see the pink diamonds, I will know; when the time is right—you will see the earrings all done and beautiful. Maybe this is my call to the universe to bring the diamonds I've imagined into existence.
Making custom settings for a pair of natural yellow diamonds
Photo c/o Nelly