Where Your Story Becomes Jewelry

Bringing in old jewelry is only one way to start at b. shannon designs. Some people arrive with a drawer of heirlooms, some with a single stone, and some with nothing but a magazine page or an idea they can't shake. Brooke designs rings, pendants, and

earrings, and every piece begins with a conversation.

Step 1: Sit down and talk. Tell Brooke what you're imagining and what the piece means to you. Bring photos, pieces you want reworked, or stones you've been saving. If you don't have a picture, that's fine. Brooke will sketch what you describe, and you can adjust it until it looks right.

Step 2: Choose your materials. Brooke keeps loose gems on hand, so you can look at the stones and see what speaks to you. If your design calls for a metal or a gem she doesn't have in stock, she orders it in.

Step 3: Try on the wax. For many rings and pendants, Brooke carves a wax model first. You come in, try it on, and see how it sits on your hand or hangs at your neck. This is the moment to say "little wider" or "a little smaller" before anything is cast in metal.

Step 4: Casting and finishing. Once the jewelry is cast in metal. Brooke sets the stones and polishes the piece until it shines. Then comes the reveal, which is honestly the best part.

What people bring in

• Sentimental pieces reworked. Picture a client who brings in her grandparents' wedding bands. Brooke can press them together into one pendant, so the bands are worn close to the heart instead of sitting in a drawer.

• Stones from a broken wedding band. Bring in stones from other rings or reset stones that have been set aside in a drawer for “one day.” Brooke combines the stones to enhance wedding sets or to create a piece you will want to wear.

• Birth rings. A ring with the birthstone of each of your kids, and your spouse too if you like.

• Pendants, including enamel. Color and detail you won't find in a display case.

• Earrings. Brooke creates these too, whether you start with loose gems from her collection or stones you already own.

• Magazine inspiration. Bring the picture, and Brooke can create similar work

shaped to your taste.

Whatever you bring, you get to be part of every step, from the first sketch to the final

polish. Stop by b. shannon designs and start the conversation.