The sterling silver family tree branch necklace that I made for Abby is really special.
It’s one part anniversary gift, one part push present. And it’s so full of meaning that I just keep counting the big moments represented by its gemstones.
Five years of marriage.
Four people.
Three colors, each representing a month.
Two babies.
One beautiful, growing family.
Like all of my custom jewelry designs, this branch necklace started with a message.
Abby’s husband Josh reached out with a general idea for a big surprise. He told me that he and Abby were about to celebrate their 5th wedding anniversary and welcome their second child, all in the same month!
Josh wanted to give her a special gift to commemorate this time in their life together.
And since Abby still loves to wear the custom jewelry set that I made for her wedding, he knew she would love to have another piece of J’Adorn Designs jewelry to add to her collection!
I suggested the concept of a family tree branch necklace to symbolize their growing family, and Josh loved the idea!
Next, we selected materials, including the colors and shapes of the gemstones that would be set along the branch.
We needed to represent the months of June, August, and December in a color palette that was both complementary and Abby’s taste.
Josh and I didn’t think like the traditional stones of peridot or pearl for this piece.
So, we replaced them with two alternative birthstones for June and August: pink spinel and alexandrite!
With all the materials selected, I got to work creating the family tree branch necklace out of sterling silver!
I used a combination of sheet metal and wire to form the basic shape of the tree branch. Then, I perfected the piece with some engraving and polishing – all by hand, of course! Finally, I set the stones in their new homes.
The double-prong settings are one of my favorite little details in this piece because they mimic the look of berries or twigs that would occur naturally on a tree branch.
I think Abby’s smile says it all! But just in case you’re not convinced, here is what she had to say:
“Thank you for being so secretive and creative with Josh! I absolutely love it and was super surprised…The setting and stones are beautiful!”