As gemologists, designers, and goldsmiths at Jewelsmith, clients often ask us: what jewelry trends are you seeing these days? (A few recent examples include layering necklaces, mixing metal colors, and colored-gemstone engagement rings.) One trend that we're particularly excited about and are seeing more and more is a renewed interest in nature-inspired jewelry.
From ancient Egyptian scarab beetle jewels to the insect motifs of Victorian jewelry, nature themes have long captivated jewelry makers and wearers. At Jewelsmith, our goldsmiths have been incorporating elements of nature into new pieces in a variety of ways.
A Few of Jewelsmith's Nature-Inspired Pieces
Hand-engraved diamond flower earrings in 18K yellow gold
We have found no limit to the different ways nature themes come to life in our jewelry. References to nature can be more overt, like in the diamond flower earrings above. Crafted in 18K yellow gold, these earrings feature hand-engraved detail on the petals and milgrain decoration around the edges. The diamond centers add just the right amount of sparkle and scintillation to turn some heads!
Textured leaf diamond ring
Or nature can be represented in more subtle ways, as it is in the yellow gold’s leaf-like texture in the engagement ring. In lieu of traditional prongs, the shank splits at the shoulders, allowing four leaf tips to hold the central diamond.
Blue enamel and zircon pendant in 14K white gold
We work from a range of nature-focused source materials! This pendant featuring a close-up of a blooming flower began with a photograph our goldsmith Molly took of a flower in her yard. She used CAD to transform the photograph into a three-dimensional wax model. Once cast in white gold, Molly applied blue enamel to amplify areas of high and low relief, giving the flower a sense of volume.
Jewelry Options for Men
At Jewelsmith, we strive to create jewelry for everyone (not just the ladies!), and the nature trend is well-represented in our ever-growing men's collection.
Men's Nature Jewelry at Jewelsmith
Our goldsmith, Bon, puts a unique spin on traditional flower motifs with this abstract depiction of a rose. Created using sterling silver wire to represent a rose’s many layers of petals, this lapel pin is for the sophisticated gentleman who’s looking to add a distinctive flair to his attire.
Abstract rose lapel pin in sterling silver
Another lapel pin created by Bon, this flower and curly leaf design was first conceived and sketched out by Jewelsmith administrator, Dirk. Bon cast the design in sterling silver and added his signature silver dust accents to the leaves. We love it when two jewelry-loving men collaborate!
Gray spinel label pin in oxidized sterling silver
Men can also pay homage to nature in their wedding band design. The 14K white gold band below features an arrangement of gingko leaves encircling the ring.
Gingko leaf wedding band in 14K white gold
To capture these leaves in relief, Molly and Bon created a custom wax model in CAD and then used a lost wax method to cast the band in white gold. The result is a nature-inspired band to last a lifetime.
The Eno Collection
A lifelong nature enthusiast, goldsmith Patrick has dedicated an entire Jewelsmith collection to North Carolina’s majestic Eno River. The Eno Collection jewelry draws inspiration from the natural beauty of Eno River State Park, and we donate 10% of proceeds from these pieces to the Eno River Association.
Mountain Laurel wildflowers at the Eno River State Park
Pieces from the Eno Collection
For one of the Collection’s most popular motifs, Patrick reimagines the Eno River State Park’s Mountain Laurel wildflowers in gold and silver. He uses sheets of metal to imitate the flower’s broad petals and pentagonal structure. Patrick can make Mountain Laurel pieces as earrings and pendants in yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and silver.
Eno Collection Mountain Laurel earrings in 18K yellow gold
What’s better than one pendant? A reversible pendant, which essentially two pendants in one! The newest piece in the Eno Collection, this reversible pendant features a bee on one side and a flower on the other. Both symbols have been carefully hand engraved on 22K yellow gold brushed over oxidized sterling silver.
Eno Collection bee and flower reversible pendant in 22K and sterling silver
The Eno Collection’s Bobbit Hole Diamond Pendant represents the topography of this beloved trail destination. The sinuous line of diamonds symbolizes the Eno River, and the hand-engraved topographical lines imitate the area’s terrain. On the back of the pendant, Bobbit Hole’s coordinates—"N 36.04969 W 78.98776"—have been engraved to commemorate this special place where North Carolina families come to enjoy nature.
Eno Collection Bobbit Hole diamond pendant in 14K white gold
Whether it’s jewelry that honors a specific place or more broadly celebrates the beautiful outdoors, we’re enjoying this trend!
Are you a nature lover? We’d love to help you design a piece that reflects your appreciation for the great beyond.
About the author:
Erin Riggins-Hartlaub is a GIA Graduate Gemologist who has been working with gems and jewelry for five years. For more on her background, check out her bio.
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