Custom Coin Necklace Anniversary Gift
Over the past few months I’ve gotten to work with Betsy Gardner Jewelry on something really special, and wanted to share with you all. When Jeff and I got engaged almost 7 years ago, I was fortunate to inherit my ring from his mom who is no longer with us. It’s one of the most special things I will ever own and reminds me of her all the time, especially right now when I’m about to become a boy mom just like her. I also couldn’t have picked a ring style I loved more. It’s absolutely perfect! The only thing that we changed was the band, going from a ridge with diamonds to a smooth band that felt better to me on my finger, especially since I’m left handed and use this hand for everything.
Our 2014 proposal captured by mom, Mary Hendrix
Beginning a Custom Jewelry Project
This left me with some raw materials I’ve held onto and knew I wanted to do something special with someday. When our fifth anniversary came around this spring, we thought this would be the perfect occasion to make something out of what was left from the original ring. I knew Betsy Gardner from Ole Miss and loved all her work I saw on Instagram, so I reached out to see what we could create together. Originally, I made a Pinterest board of simple diamond cluster necklaces and rings, but Betsy had an even better idea: a custom gold coin necklace. I loved the examples she showed me of past projects and thought this was the perfect way to make something truly custom that no one else would have.
Custom Jewelry Design Inspiration
One idea I had for the design was to incorporate inspiration from the stained glass at our wedding venue, Jack Robinson Gallery, so I sent her a few photos, and she started with a simple sketch and mood board. I loved the direction we were going with the floral design, and we decided a “D” in the middle for Daniel was the perfect centerpiece. She ended up using 16 diamonds within the D in honor of our wedding in 2016, which I thought was the perfect touch.
Coin Production & Handwriting Engraving
The next step was the CAD model, and Betsy was so patient with me as we tweaked to get it just right. I loved that we ended up going with engraving the flowers for a soft, dainty touch. Then came production and deciding what I wanted on the back. We thought about quotes and dates, but ultimately I had an idea to scan Jeff’s signature from the letter he wrote me for our wedding day, and Betsy had it inscribed on the back. Jeff and I exchanged many letters between Pittsburgh and Oxford when we dated long distance in college, so this was the perfect representation of that. Finally, Betsy guided me through chain selection, and then the necklace was on its way to me!
Custom Coin Necklace, Delivered!
I loved her beautifully branded packaging and made sure to capture it before I eagerly unwrapped the piece that I was so excited to see. It turned out perfectly, and arrived just in time for me to wear to my baby shower. Now in addition to my ring, it’s so special for me to be able to wear this necklace commemorating our marriage and reminding me of someone who means so much to us.
If you have inherited jewelry, or pieces of it, to play with, I can’t recommend custom jewelry design enough. It was such a fun, creative process and resulted in a piece that I will treasure forever!
