People often wonder how their handcrafted Sealife Studio creation came to be. The process needs a little explanation and a quick history of jewelry design.

The Different Processes of Jewelry Design: Jewelry Design 101 — There are two approaches to jewelry design. The first process starts with the gemstone. From the material, shape, size, cut and coloring a mounting is created that complements the shape and unique characteristics of the gem. If the gem or pearl is unusual in shape it is difficult, if not impossible, to find another gem to replicate the design. These pieces are one of a kind originals. By their very nature, they cannot be reproduced.

With the second approach the design is conceived first, with a certain size and shape of gemstone in mind. Gems are then selected to suit the mounting. Most mass produced jewelry is made by this second approach. The original master model is made for ‘calibrated’ gemstone sizes and identical pieces can then be produced or mass produced.

How I Design Your Sealife Studio Creation — My Sealife Studio creations are truly unique, one-of-a-kind, handcrafted, high quality pieces. I begin by sorting through thousands of uniquely shaped pearls and gemstones to find the few that hint at an animal shape. This is an intuitive and playful process. The pearl or gemstone best suited for one these little custom sculptures does not suggest an animal in its entirety. Just as a lover is most alluring when shrouded in an air of mystery, these pearls and gems also “don’t give it all away on the first date”. Rather, they suggest a part of the animal. At their best, these pearls and gemstones also reflect an aspect of the character of the animal: the fierceness of the shark, the graceful movement of the dolphin, the playfulness of the otter. The rare pearl or gemstone is envisioned as part of the final hand crafted design. Both the pearl or gemstone and the creative design together bring the sea life and marine animals to life.

Sealife Studio creations are crafted with the highest quality pearls and gemstones. Where pearls are used, I prefer freshwater pearls from China and Japan as well as Tahitian and South Seas saltwater pearls. Baroque and freeform shapes are best suited for my designs. I also like to use Keshi pearls. These are ‘surprise’ pearls, ones that were not seeded in the farmed shellfish. I only like using the finest qualities; common commercial grades are no fun to play with.

Using the pearl as an example: Now the pearl is on my design table. A sketch pad, well-chewed-on pencils and charcoal refine the vision. A good jewelry designer must be able to envision the design in its 3-dimensional glory. I use the ‘Lost Wax Casting’ process. A variety of hard and soft waxes are carved and molded to shape an exact image of the gold or silver setting. This model is then encased in plaster. The wax is vaporized out of the mold using a high temperature kiln. I then cast gold or silver into this mold using a centrifuge. The mold is destroyed by quenching the plaster in water: Voila, a Sealife Studio creation is born.

But wait! There’s more work to be done. The rough casting has to be finished and refined, textured and polished. Final adjustments are made; I then carefully set the pearl into its gold mounting and bring to life one more one-of-a-kind marine animal to add to the “zoo” of Sealife Studio creations.