Unique, just like the friendships that inspired it.
What if jewelry could tell a story—not just about style, but about friendship, growth, and time? That’s the idea behind my Carved Hearts collection. Inspired by the rings inside a tree, which mark its years and the history it holds, this collection celebrates connection, endurance, and the beauty of life’s imperfections.
Each heart in this collection is a labor of love, made using the ancient Japanese ceramic technique called nerikomi and hand-carved to reveal the one-of-a-kind pattern in every piece. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the care, creativity, and time that goes into crafting these unique pieces.
Inspiration in Nature and Friendship
Trees hold a profound symbolism—strength, growth, and the layers of time that shape who we are. Just as the rings in a tree tell a story of years gone by, I saw an opportunity to represent the shared memories and connections that deepen friendships over time. The heart, a universal symbol of love and care, became the perfect form to express this sentiment.
But this isn’t your typical heart jewelry. The Carved Wood Hearts collection is rooted in texture, contrast, and individuality. Each piece is meant to feel as unique as the bond it represents.
Nerikomi: A Technique Rooted in Tradition
Creating the distinctive woodgrain patterns in this collection starts with nerikomi, a traditional Japanese ceramic technique. This process involves layering and blending different colors of clay—in this case, white and black ceramic clay—to create intricate, natural-looking striations.
The first step is preparing the clay. Each batch of black and white clay is rolled, layered, and carefully pressed together to form a block. This block is then sliced to reveal the unique marbled patterns inside. No two slices are ever exactly the same, ensuring that every heart carries its own personality.
CARVING: UNVEILING THEIR PERSONALITIES
Once the clay is sliced, each heart is cut to shape before being left to dry slightly, just enough for the clay to firm up for carving.
Using a sharp tool, each heart is meticulously carved to reveal the natural patterns created by the nerikomi technique. The carving process is slow and deliberate, with each cut revealing a deeper level of texture and detail. This step is what gives the Carved Hearts their organic, woodgrain-inspired appearance and ensures that no two hearts are ever identical.
The Firing, GLAZING and Finishing Touches
After carving, the hearts are left to dry completely—a process that can take days. They are then fired in the kiln at high temperatures, hardening the clay and intensifying the contrast between the white and black layers.
After the initial firing, I apply a clear glaze to highlight the clay’s natural patterns and protect the surface. Another round of firing locks in the glaze, leaving a glossy, durable finish.
Small, But Full of Meaning
Though the hearts in this collection are small, the meaning behind them is anything but. Each necklace represents the years of love, laughter, and shared experiences that make friendships and connections so special.
From the intricate nerikomi patterns to the careful hand-carving and firing, every step in creating the Carved Hearts collection is infused with care and intention. These aren’t just necklaces—they’re wearable works of art that tell a story, designed for women who appreciate craftsmanship and sentiment in equal measure.
I can’t wait to share these heartfelt pieces with you. Stay tuned for the full reveal of the Carved Hearts collection, and thank you for joining me on this creative journey.
Want to hear a secret? Because I believe love is better shared I am offering a little something extra to celebrate this launch with all my VIPs: Buy one heart and get another one free! Gift one to your best friend, your sister, or keep both for yourself (I promise I won’t judge).