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Joanie's Jewelry Journey: Re-Imagining Meaningful Heirloom Custom Jewelry Together

Elise Thompson

Set of 4 stacking rings in diamonds and white and yellow gold

Creating custom jewelry is more than just a design process; it's about transforming treasured pieces into re-imagined heirloom jewelry into something that truly reflects your personality and story. Today, I’d love to share what it’s like to collaborate with me through my client Joanie’s jewelry journey. From her first email to the moment she slipped on her new rings, we crafted something modern, sentimental, and truly hers. Check out Joanie's 5 star testimonial here.




1. A Meaningful Start: Joanie’s Vision


Joanie discovered my work in Gem + Jewel Magazine and reached out via email. She had four vintage rings passed down from her aunts and uncles, and while they held sentimental value, they weren’t quite her style. Her idea? To redesign these family heirlooms into something fresh and modern while preserving their essence.

clients old outdated rings

Her old rings featured classic cluster diamond sets and simple gold bands, but she wanted something bolder and more personal. The goal was to reuse the diamonds and create a new ring stack that was distinctly Joanie.


2. Our First Meeting: Bringing Ideas to Life


We kicked things off with a Zoom call. It was a pleasure to finally put a face to the email, and we instantly clicked. During this meeting, Joanie shared her ideas, and I had the chance to see the rings we’d be working with. Together, we explored possibilities, from design concepts to how we could infuse Joanie’s style into this new creation.


3. Meeting in NYC: Turning Ideas Into Action


Shortly after, Joanie was in New York City for an event, so we met up in person. I collected the rings and took detailed notes of our evolving ideas. This face-to-face meeting allowed us to further refine her vision, blending her desire for modernity with the sentimental diamonds from her family.


4. Studio Time: Crafting the New Design


Back in my studio, I dove into the design process. With the rings in hand, I understood their full potential and began creating renderings for Joanie’s new ring stack. We experimented with different metal combinations, and I suggested incorporating gemstones alongside her diamonds to add color and depth. I emailed Joanie the renderings, along with a breakdown of the process, cost estimates, and several design options. This was her opportunity to choose what resonated with her most.

sketches of a ring stack in white and yellow gold

After trying out different combinations, we landed on a design that was just perfect for her. The stack featured two 18k yellow gold knife-edge rings, one 18k white gold bubble ring adorned with her heirloom small round diamonds, and two bright green tsavorite garnets for a striking pop of color. The main stacking ring, however, was the showstopper—it featured her larger round white diamond set in a twisted white gold shank, accented with two tiny marquise diamonds from her aunt’s ring.







5. Creating the Rings: A Collaborative Journey


Once Joanie made her final selection, I got to work. First, I unmounted the diamonds, melted down the old gold, and started crafting wax models of the new designs. Throughout this step, I kept Joanie in the loop by sending her progress photos, ensuring she had a clear vision of what the final rings would look like.




6. The Final Reveal: A Sentimental Transformation


After weeks of careful craftsmanship, the stack of four rings was ready. Joanie and I met again, and I presented her with the finished pieces. Her joy was unmistakable as she saw how we’d transformed her family’s rings into something modern, meaningful, and uniquely hers.


Joanie’s Words: A Custom Jewelry Experience in Her Own Voice


"I am thrilled with my stack of four rings! First, family is very important to me. As an only child, I shared special connections with my aunt and uncles, so being able to modernize keepsake jewelry from them was very meaningful.


Several years ago, I was attracted to Elise’s artistic talent when I saw some of her works in a magazine. I had some trepidations about pursuing custom-made items, but after our first Face-time visit, all of my concerns disappeared. Elise is so easy to speak and work with. Later, when we had our first face-to-face visit, not only did it enhance the ease of working together, but it also launched our personal relationship. Elise became my wonderful new friend and design partner.


During the design phase, Elise showed me many examples of rings she had made, offered several ideas, and diligently listened and incorporated the elements I wanted. Beyond that, Elise understood that I am a 'visual' person, so she literally drew a replica of each ring so that I would be more comfortable and confident in the finished product. That was extremely helpful!


Once we decided on the exact designs of the rings, I thought that would be the end of our contact until the project was completed. Instead, Elise kept me informed every step of the way. She even sent pictures of the moldings she created for my specific rings. Quite frankly, Elise made the whole process amazing!


At our last visit, Elise presented me with the rings placed in a beautiful velvet box tied with a satin bow. The rings were just as I had wanted them to be! Perfect!!

Thank you, Elise, for your exceptional workmanship and for your sweet friendship. I hope we will have future opportunities to work and be together.

Affectionately,

Joanie


P.S. I wear the rings every day :) "


Creating custom jewelry with me is more than just about the end result—it’s about building a connection, understanding your story, and bringing your vision to life. If you’re ready to start your own jewelry journey, reach out today. Let’s create something meaningful, together. Fill out the questionnaire at the bottom of the "Custom Design" page and Let's Get Started!


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Handmade fine jewelry with a playful but refined aesthetic.  Mejia Jewelry by Elise Thompson is inspired by natural elements from land and sea as well as the colorful gemstones she collects.  Elise currently works out of her New York studio and sells her work online or through Instagram. @mejiajewelry

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