If there is one thing we love more than wedding dresses, it’s jewelry. Who doesn’t love jewelry? Especially one that is customized especially for you! If you’re in the market for a piece of fine bridal accessory that is as unique as your love story, here’s one name to look out for: Salt + Stone.
Founded in 2010, Salt + Stone is a fine jewelry company based in Brooklyn, NY. They specialize in wedding bands, engagement rings and custom made pieces. All of their goods are hand-made in Manhattan’s diamond district and their studio in Brooklyn.
In this interview, Jacqueline Stone, the designer behind Salt + Stone, shares with us her inspiration, style predictions and what goes into creating that piece of custom jewelry.
You create one of a kind jewelry at Salt + Stone (love the name, by the way!). Who or what influenced you to go into jewelry design?
“Thank you! Salt + Stone is a nod to the marriage of chemistry + geology, the scientific processes that create gemstones. I’m definitely a jewelry geek!
I was influenced by a trip to Brazil in 2007. I was inspired by all the different art and media utilized to create beautiful jewelry. The experiences were memorable: a hippie on the side of the road was selling jewelry made from nuts from the Amazon rain forest, necklaces made from volcanic rock, R. Sobral and his award winning resin creations. That is where my jewelry journey began and I threw myself into developing my craft and jewelry acumen ever since.”
Walk us through the custom jewelry making process. What is usually discussed in the initial correspondence, and how long does it take from then to produce the custom piece?
“I once made a custom engagement ring in 4 weeks, but that nearly gave me a heart attack. It was a worthy cause. LOL. I usually meet with my clients and have them tell me their love story, but also let me know what they would like incorporated into the design. I also talk to them about budget and timing at that point. I come back to them with technical sketches, 2D designs that I create with colored pencils that are drawn to scale (or sometimes blown up to review detail). Once we have a rendering that is approved upon I move into production which takes about 4-6 weeks.”
Apart from classic styles, you also do more fun and funky pieces, e.g. the Owl ring.
How would you define the “Salt + Stone style”?
“I would say my style is classic with a twist. I like my jewelry to be a bit of fun and to encourage people not to take themselves too seriously. When customers hear the word ‘fine jewelry’ I think they have something very specific in mind. I like to deliver something a little bit unexpected, but create wearable jewelry. I rock my gladiator chain necklace almost daily and layer it with other pieces.”
We love the Gladiator and With This Ring collections (selected pieces from both collections shown above)! Tell us your favorite piece right now, and the story behind it.
“Right now I am obsessed with the Wave Ring (pictured below). It was created utilizing a fancy blue lab grown diamond. I wanted the piece to be reminiscent of waves crashing into the stone. Symbolic of their love story I suppose. No matter what life throws their way and how rocky the waves might get at time, their love endures. This couple is very near and dear to my heart and I wanted to create something really different and powerful.”
Gold detailing is one of the top bridal fashion trends for 2014. What will be hot in bridal jewelry style for 2014?
“I think that bolder diamond earrings will be back on trend. Usually the focus is on the wedding jewelry and gorgeous headpieces, but it’s always stunning to see a bride with a beautiful updo and diamond drop earrings. I’m currently working on a set that are inspired by doves.”
When it comes to bridal accessories, what’s your motto?
“Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. What can I say? I’m a hopeless romantic. And hopefully that comes across in my work.”
Want to see more of Jacqueline’s brilliant creations? Head on over to Salt + Stone.
Photos courtesy of Salt + Stone
