Growing up, my dad gave my mom, sister and I jewelry every Christmas Eve. He would go out on his own and purchase something beautiful on his own for 'his girls.' I remember the anticipation of those little boxes. Beautiful earrings, necklaces, anything to make us feel special. As an adult, I can see how very special that was. When I was 16, my dad gifted me a ring he bought at an estate sale. It was a gorgeous gold ring with two peridots (my birthstone)perched on top. Over the years, I found that it was just collecting dust in my jewelry box. It was kind of an old-fashioned style, and I have my wedding set and the ring I got when my oldest was born: there wasn't really a place for this ring in my life anymore. Here, let me show you:
This year, my niece and goddaughter, Emma, turned 16 and I really wanted to give her something special. I racked my brain for what that was. And then I stumbled upon the ring one day. I wanted to give it to Emma (we have the same birthday after all), but could I part with the ring my dad gave me? And then the lightbulb went off-I could have it made into two rings! One for Emma and one for me!
On our birthday, I gave Emma the ring that my dad once gave me. I explained that to commemorate both of our special birthdays this year (her sweet sixteen and my big 4-0), together, we were going to go and have two rings made. She cried. I cried. And I knew I hit that gift-giving out of the park
I had already reached out and enlisted Kajs Jewelry to help me and wow, was it the right choice. Emma and I had an appointment later that week to visit Karin in her Crownsville studio. Karin's rustic studio immediately put us at ease and she guided us through the process. Neither of has had a clue of what we wanted, or what to expect, but Karin helped by pulling out samples of her other work both in pictures and pieces so that we could choose the style we wanted. She used as much of the materials that we already had in the original ring in order to keep the cost down. Emma chose a lace-embossed band and kept the original stone setting on top. I chose to use the original band and have Karin hammer it for a unique look and bezel set the stone. Karin sketched the designs so we could have an idea of what the finished product would look like.
A few days later, Karin sent me a sneak peek:
It took about two weeks for us to get our custom rings, and we were in love the moment we saw them. I love that we took something sentimental and made two completely different rings that are connected. Karin's work is beautiful and she's such a dream to work with.
I loved Karin's work so much that I literally went home and investigated my jewelry box. Karin is currently working on a new project for me. I have these earrings that belonged to my grandmother. I have worn them exactly once in the years that she's been gone: on my wedding day. It makes me sad that I have a piece of her and it just sits in my jewelry box without a thought. This week, Karin is starting a long-term project for me to take the ruby and diamond earrings and make them into stacking bands so that I can actually wear them. After that, she'll be redesigning my engagement ring. I love my engagement ring, but it sits up high and I have barely worn it since my boys have been born. Karin has already started designing my new one and I can't wait to see how it turns out. Karin's skills are versatile and she can make customized stamped metal jewelry for custom gifts, makes gorgeous jewelry from locally sourced materials and can take something you don't love and turn it into a masterpiece you don't ever want to take off! She even hosts stamping parties where you and your guests can have custom jewelry made for a girls night out.
The holidays are just around the corner-it's time to start thinking about the gorgeous custom pieces Karin can make for your. Mention MacKid and get $10 off any order or use code MacaroniKid10! Visit Kajs Jewelry's Facebook page to see more of her custom creations.
Kajs Jewelry is made by Scandinavian jewelry sculptor Karin Best who specializes in blending traditional jewelry techniques with organic sculptures. Mainly using sterling silver, Best loves the free flowing process of making jewelry, describing her work as a contrast between polished, smooth, sleek lines, and rough, uncut, organic textures with inspiration coming from what she sees and encounters in nature. Subtle variations and attention to detail reflect the authentically artisan quality that is Kajs.
I was provided with services in exchange for this review, but all of my opinions are my own.
