We love our rings. We asked Kate to create custom wedding bands for us that resembled coral, fit together like one sculptural piece, and included sentimental family gemstones. And honestly, we were blown away by what she made. The rings are jaw-dropping and exactly what we wanted. Kate was incredible at every step. She has a magical way of really listening and understanding your vision as a client. She asked us questions, drew up designs in the moment as we talked, and really focused on hearing us while adding her own beautiful artistic creativity. The rings are gorgeous, and we really feel like we got the wedding bands of our dreams. Thank you so much Kate.
- Lisa & Paul, Virginia
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"Kate is a talented and amazing artist. We recently worked with her to design our engagement/wedding ring. She took our ideas and exceeded our expectations by creating a gorgeous ring that represents our love perfectly. From the initial visit to her studio until the moment we picked up the ring, we thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the design process. I highly recommend Kate a million times over."
-Marie Penney, Greenville, SC
This handcrafted ring was made with a mint green cushion cut tourmaline. It is set in a rustic white gold setting that was hand carved in wax and cast into 14k white gold.
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With today’s virtual world, we don’t have to live in the same city (or even the same state) to work together on a custom piece of jewelry.
Mary began following Kate on Instagram. She fell in love with Kate’s handmade style and knew that her boyfriend, Will, may be shopping for an engagement ring soon. When he casually asked Mary what kind of ring she may want, she quickly pointed him in Kate’s direction.
Together they sent Kate a message on Instagram asking to learn more about her custom process. Over a video call, they got to know each other and were able to ask all their questions. Kate then found them a selection of three exquisite Montana sapphires. Mary picked her favorite, and then allowed Will and Kate to do the design.
With Kate’s guidance, Will chose to add a champagne-colored diamond to each side of the sapphire. The colored diamonds referenced a traditional look but kept the ring totally unique, just like Mary. Kate created the ring and mailed it to Will. Mary said yes, and their love story continues…
Hear what Will said about his experience working with Kate…
“I can’t believe how easy this process has been. It’s like Kate can read our minds.” – Will C, Maryland
“It was one of the biggest smiles I ever got from her,” he said.
It was their 25th wedding anniversary, and he totally surprised her with a gorgeous diamond ring. She wore it every day from then on. 27 years later (on their 52nd wedding anniversary), she passed away, and the ring was given to one of their 4 children.
For the first year after her death, her child left the ring as her mother wore it. Then one day, she just knew what she wanted to do with it. She decided to have it reset in a style that she herself would want to wear every day.
Her mother would be happy with that because she would want it cherished by her daughter. By resetting it, it still was a family heirloom, and it still told her mother’s story. Now it also told the daughter’s story.
The new design was in 18k yellow gold, as her mother’s had been. It now featured hand engraved vines, which was a nod to the daughter’s love of nature and drawing (loves which she also inherited). Most importantly, it has not left her finger since, and she remembers her mother each time it glistens.
I recently had the pleasure of designing a really cool nontraditional engagement ring. This client was not into diamonds, so instead we picked a gorgeous, natural and dark blue sapphire. Sapphires can be just as valuable as diamonds in case you were wondering! We paired the gemstone with 18k yellow gold, which is a rich yellow color. The ring is chunky and naturally textured, which is right in like with what she likes. For the finishing detail, I hand engraved dainty ferns on either side.
From start to finish, this ring reflects my client perfectly. It shows her love of the outdoors, her natural aesthetic and it is meant to hold up to her rough and tumble work.
So what makes this ring non-traditional?
In this case I would say that choosing a sapphire over a diamond is an alternative choice. The ring is also handmade and totally one of a kind. Non-traditional rings can also have colored diamonds, various gemstones, no gemstone or many other variations on tradition. Regardless, each engagement ring is meant to reflect the person who is meant to wear it. There is no right or wrong!
If you are about to dive into this process, hear what Brendan McMahon of Travelers Rest, SC has to say...
“Guys, as you all know shopping for an engagement ring is one of the most intimidating things we will ever do! Add to that the idea of having a custom made ring to fit the uniqueness of the love of your life, and it is downright terrifying! Luckily I was given some guidance by my bride-to-be when we happened to drive by Kate’s shop and was told, ”oh there is Kate’s shop.” She makes the most beautiful / unique jewelry. If you are ever unsure of what to get me go there”. Armed with this information, I scheduled an appointment with Kate, walked in, and said “help me!” Kate walked me through the process, answered all of my questions, presented me with my options, and in less than an hour she had sketched exactly the ring that I had in mind……even though I didn’t exactly know how to articulate it! From that point on the process was perfect, and before I knew it, she had completed a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that fit my lady’s personality perfectly. I can’t say enough about how amazing it was to work with Kate, I never felt pressured, she communicated flawlessly thru-out the process, completed the ring early, and it was even a little under my original quote! So, if you are like me and the idea of having a custom ring made is intimidating………. go see Kate! Also, if you are looking for gift ideas she has a ton of other jewelry as well as artwork. I ended up commissioning a sketch for Christmas, and it turned out perfectly……..Kate is truly a one stop shop for unique gifts!”
]]>-Alexa Gainey, Greenville, SC
When Alexa and her fiancé came to me looking for an engagement ring, Alexa knew that she wanted something different. She did not want the traditional white diamond engagement ring even though she had a family heirloom diamond. She immediately fell in love with my natural rose cut yellow sapphire ring. It was hand made in 14k yellow gold. The band is made from a twisting gold wire, and the stone is bezel set in a rustic style setting.
It is a truly amazing feeling when a client finds something that she really loves in my jewelry store! In this case, the perfect ring for Alexa was already made and ready. That is often the case, but if not we can work through my custom process together to find the perfect solution. And I am excited that I will also be making Alexa and her fiancé's custom wedding rings next! Stay tuned to see what we come up with. The wedding will be in December 2020...
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First thing is first... let's talk colored gemstones! When designing an engagement ring, you have to consider that this ring will be worn every day. It will need to take a beating, so to speak. Therefore, the gemstone we use has to be hard enough.
As we know, diamonds are the hardest and toughest of all gemstones. That is why they do make an excellent choice for an everyday engagement ring. Sapphires, however, are a great second choice.
When most of us think sapphire, we think blue. That is not the only option though. Sapphires come in almost every color, cut and size! Some sapphires are wayyy more expensive and exclusive than most diamonds. There is of course a sapphire for every budget though!
Sapphires can be pink, yellow, orange, red, green and blue. Additionally, they can come in any shade of those colors. They come is all sorts of traditional cuts and in non traditional cuts like rose cut. Rose cut is my personal favorite. It is flat across the bottom and faceted across the top. That allows for a clean bezel setting that protects your gemstone from wear and tear.
Using a sapphire or another colored gemstone is a great way to make your engagement ring more unique. There are many other colored gemstones that you can use. Some of them are much softer, so be sure to talk to your jeweler about the specific gemstone and its durability.
Opals, turquoise and pearls are popular choices, but they are softer gemstones. They need to be treated with care. Tourmalines are another great option with many color choices. Emeralds are a classic, but again they can be rather fragile. If you have your heart set on one of these softer stones, let me know. If there is a way we can protect them in the design, we will do it!
At the end of the day, your alternative engagement ring is meant to reflect your preferences, personality and unique style!
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Why is that? Today's women want an engagement ring that shows their unique, individual personality and not the ring that everyone else has! How do I know that? Well I am one of those women as are many of my friends. Based on my experiences and those of the women near me, here is what I know about alternative engagement rings!
Let's start at the beginning. The first step in designing an alternative engagement ring is to pick out the diamond. There are so many options! Traditional cut diamonds, such as round brilliant, oval, cushion, marquise, emerald and princess cuts, come in natural and dyed colors. They can be yellow, pink, green, black, champagne and more. They even be lab created diamonds these days!
But did you know that diamonds also come in vintage shapes like mine cut and rose cut? Rose cut diamonds are my personal favorite. They can be transparent or opaque, white, brown, black, red, yellow and more colors, and they come in any shape. Rose cut diamonds are flat on the bottom and faceted across the top. This means that you can have less carat weight with a larger diamond. Often the diamond can sit closer to your finger creating a more comfortable design. Rose cut diamonds also can be round, oval, rectangular and totally organic shapes!
What I personally look for in a non traditional diamond, are the "characteristics," formally known as "inclusions." Believe it or not, those are what make each diamond totally unique and interesting. Those are what give it is color and patterns. The amount of "characteristics" is totally up to you! Some people like diamonds full of them, and others want a crystal clear round rose cut. Regardless of your choices, there are so many options to make your diamond ring unique. One thing that is so true is that nothing sparkles like a diamond!
Once we have picked your non traditional diamond, we can start designing the ring! I can carve a smooth setting that highlights your diamond or I can incorporate cast twigs and other natural elements into the design. Texture, color and pattern are other ways we can individualize your ring.
And the last big decision for you to make is what metal type do you like? I recommend white, yellow or rose gold. We can determine which color looks best with your diamond and with your skin tone!
All in all, the custom process of designing your alternative engagement ring is a really fun experience that you will cherish forever. I am really looking forward to working with you! To learn a little more about "how to buy an alternative engagement ring" download my free guide below!
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I recommend my gold twig rings as the perfect stack! I make them in yellow, white and rose gold and with or without diamonds. There are also many ways you can customize them, including different stone options and setting styles.
Here are just a few options to get you started!
This is my rose gold twig wrapping ring featuring a tiny red diamond set into its stem.
This is a solid 14k yellow gold twig ring. It it beautiful as it is, or we can add a gemstone of your choosing.
And this twig ring has been my favorite lately! It is 14k white gold with a champagne colored diamond.
Colored diamonds are great choices for these twig rings because diamonds hold up so well over time. They are not the only option though! I have also made variations of this ring with traditional diamonds, blue topaz, honey topaz, amethyst and more.
I am looking forward to working with you to create your perfect non traditional wedding set!
]]>Diamonds are by far the most durable option, but sapphires are a close second. And did you know that sapphires come in almost every color?!
Check out these non traditional engagement rings to give you a few ideas. Each is made with a 14k yellow gold twisting band making each one of a kind!
This trio of alternative engagement rings features natural, rose cut sapphires. One is yellow, one is pink and one is a deep ruby pink.
Did you know that rubies are actually red sapphires?! Keep reading my blogs to learn more cool facts about gemstones and handmade jewelry!
]]>-Allie Johns, Greenville, SC
Allie and Kendall's alternative engagement rings were made in 14k white gold with colored diamonds, The rings have a traditional solitaire design but with a unique flare!
After their engagement, we partnered again to create a set of custom wedding bands that contour fit their alternative engagement rings!
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-Kat Carmichael, Charleston, SC
Kat and Matt's custom engagement and wedding rings were made in 14k yellow gold. Kat's alternative engagement ring features a solitaire rose cut grey diamond. Her wedding ring features two family heirlooms passed down from her grandmother. Matt's custom wedding ring features a soft wooden bark texture.
]]>Austin wanted to propose to Lauren in Dalton, Georgia with a family heirloom white diamond and a handmade, non traditional engagement ring, so I created this simple gold setting that perfectly highlights it. Lauren adores it, as do I!
I can definitely say that this is one of my favorite engagement rings to date. It is so simple, yet so elegant. That combination of qualities is what I strive for. I often believe that the simplest designs can be the most beautiful. Since the diamond was a family heirloom, the ring became even more special.
Before the wedding, I carved a wedding ring to perfectly contour to the engagement ring's curved form and cast it also into yellow gold. The forms are perfectly fitted but the texture it different. It's tree bark texture reflects light off the surface of the ring just as the diamond next to it does. The engagement ring's texture is much smoother with only slight irregularities, which hint to it having been handmade.
Austin's wedding ring is also custom made. It was made in sterling silver and oxidized to darken it. It has a texture referencing tree bark. It is manly, rustic and natural, just like he is. Although his and Lauren's wedding rings are different colors and different metals, they have matching texture that unify them.
Since the wedding, Lauren and Austin have expanded their family with a new baby. It it an absolute honor to have played a tiny role in helping to create this beautiful and kind family.
I would love to chat with you about your perfect wedding set too! Making pieces are cherished for our lifetimes and on is my ultimate goal. What better way to do that than making wedding rings?!
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"Kate has always been incredible to work with - she really makes your ideas come to life. She made my husbands wedding band (which he constantly gets complimented on). She also made both of our first anniversary gifts (unbeknownst to us). For his she did an original drawing of the chapel we got married at. She was so responsive and timely and it turned out perfect. She even went above and beyond and helped me with the framing because of Covid. To my surprise Chris got me a very meaningful twig necklace and ring made by Kate. We love her work and she has always created such beautiful and timeless pieces."
- Courtney Carsten, Greenville, SC
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OMG… shopping for men is so hard!! Do you agree?!
We can probably all agree that men are hard to shop for, but a wedding ring is important! I specialize in custom making wedding rings. Here is a simple preview into my process and a few tips to get you started!
-Bring your man into my studio. You can schedule a complimentary custom appointment which links directly to my calendar. If you are not local, I have virtual appointments also available. Whether you are local or live far away, I am certain we can work together.
- I will take 2 measurements of his ring finger. The first is his ring size, and the second is what width of band works for him. Typically, men’s rings are between 4-10 mm wide. If you are not local, a great option is to visit your local shop to get these measurements. If that is not an option, let’s chat. We will figure it out.
- We will look at images and examples of rings I have made, or we can brainstorm something totally new! We will look at textures, designs, shapes, metal color and metal type. I typically make men’s rings in sterling silver, 14k or 18k yellow, rose or white gold or Palladium. Your preference and budget play a role here. Let me know your budget, and I can help direct you.
- I will sketch our design ideas on paper to make sure we are on the same page. I will share them with you in person or I can email them. We will tweak and redraw until you are in love!
- Depending on the design, I will most likely hand carve a wax model of the ring. You can preview it in person during another appointment or via videos and images I email you. You will be able to see the texture and scale of the ring during this phase of the process.
- I quote the final price (which is based on the weight and type of metal and design and creation time), and you pay a 50% nonrefundable deposit.
- The ring is cast or fabricated (depending on the design) into metal and polished. It can be shiny, matte, darkened or more! I can even hand engrave a meaningful detail.
- Your man tries it on to check the fit, and he is ready to tie the knot! If the fit is not perfect, I will resize it one time for free!
-All custom orders are final sale. They are nonreturnable and nonexchangeable.
Let’s say your man in just stylish, but you are not currently getting married? I can make a ring for that too! Check out what Eli Warren from Greenville, SC has to say about his recent experience working with me on his fashionable everyday ring…
“Kate made me a custom ring a few months ago and I love it!! I wear it all the time and get asked about it a lot!! It’s super comfortable and the look and style of it is perfect. The width is really cool, and it’s stout enough to make a statement without being too over the top.”
]]>-Marta Lanier, Travelers Rest, SC
Marta and Jorge of Travelers Rest, SC wanted a meaningful handmade engagement ring from a unique jewelry store that combined his love of design with her love of art. He works as an industrial designer, and she works for a university art department. Needless to say they wanted a really cool ring! Jorge proposed with an inexpensive ring so that they could design her permanent engagement ring together. This is a great way to handle the proposal so that she gets a surprise but can still be involved in the process!
Together, we designed and I created this asymmetrical, rose gold engagement ring. It features 3 grey rose cut colored diamonds in a classic trio style but with a twist! The result is the perfect non traditional engagement ring! The rose gold looks perfect with Marta's skin tone.
Later, I created a textured sterling silver wedding ring to stack with it. The contrast is unique and elegant.
Begin your custom process here!
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I custom made her non traditional, non diamond engagement ring with her garnet and added a diamond in a cast rose gold twig ring. His commitment ring was then made oxidized sterling silver with a wood bark texture. They eloped in the sand dunes of Colorado for the perfect commitment ceremony honoring their love of nature.
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As a jeweler I make many non traditional wedding and engagement rings. It is one of my favorite things to do actually. Getting the chance to make OUR RINGS was a dream come true. Our meaningful engagement and wedding rings were inspired by our combined love of nature. My ring is 18k and 14k yellow gold with a fancy color diamond (pinkish yellow!). The diamond is bezel set in between cast twigs. The twigs embrace and protect the gorgeous stone. Ben's wedding ring is a palladium band with subtle lines encircling it. It is masculine and natural just like him.
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Kate was great throughout the entire process guiding me through all of her custom designs and exceptional engagement rings. After talking with her, she led me to a stunning, rose-cut gray diamond set in white gold that was exactly what I was looking for.
Since my fiancé and I were blending two families, Kate helped me select special rings for our children as symbols of my dedication to our new family. When it came time to select our wedding bands, we wanted Kate to design custom bands for both of us.
She worked with us to select the size, metal and design that fit perfectly with our vision. She exceeded our expectations and went above and beyond to ensure that our beautiful rings arrived in time for our wedding. We couldn’t be happier with the end result and are forever grateful for her help.
We look forward to adding more unique pieces by Kate to celebrate future milestones in our life for years to come.
-Craig Ragsdale, Greenville, SC
]]>]]>"I knew from the start Kate was the right jeweler for me because I love nature and jewelry that tells a story. Coming from an art background, I felt comfortable working with Kate because she too went to art school. She has an eye for elegance and is always willing to experiment and think outside the box when designing my custom wedding ring. I truly can say I have a one of a kind heirloom that will tell the story of my love for my future husband for generations to come. Thank you Kate for making my dream come true with this beautiful ring."- Jen Sparkman, Greenville, SCJen's alternative engagement ring is a 14k white gold and white diamond twig ring. Her wedding ring is also 14k white gold. It has a unique tree bark texture.