One of the things I love most about Alicia Wood Lifestyle is sharing my talented friends with you!  Caroline Waggoner Hautt, a dear friend of mine, is Graduate Gemologist, and a former Jewelry Specialist for Christie’s Auction House, who specializes in the buying and selling of fine and estate jewelry. With an amazing eye for design, she is also known for private sales such as engagement rings, custom designs, appraisals and repairs for clients nationwide.

My husband met her years ago while living in NYC and when I met her, we quickly became wonderful friends. I was thrilled when I found out Scott had used her to design my engagement ring. Since, Caroline has helped create many beautiful pieces for our family including the diamond earrings and necklace I wear every day, and most recently, a graduation gift for our oldest daughter.

When thinking about where to start, I immediately reached out to Caroline and told her I wanted to incorporate stones from my original wedding setting to create a timeless and beautiful necklace. With just the purchase of one additional diamond, we were able to create four identical sapphire and diamond necklaces for all three of my girls, as well as myself.

Maybe you have a piece of fine or heirloom jewelry that you have considered redesigning, too.  If you are in Dallas, you are in luck! Caroline will be here October 16-17. Not only could you discuss creating a custom piece but you could shop her exquisite collection of estate and fine jewelry! Details on how to set up an appointment are in the invitation below.  Whatever the case, I wanted to share with you some great advice Caroline passed along to me.

Here are 3 things to know before designing a custom piece of jewelry:

1. Carefully select who you will work with. It’s important to know the designer’s qualifications and understand their process. Be sure and ask to see their portfolio. You want to know their previous designs line up with your desires. You also want to work with someone who listens well and understands how you intend to wear your custom design.
2. Understand quality and style. Caroline suggests asking your designer what styles have come and gone quickly and what designs have sustained fashion’s changes over time. You also want to know that your piece will stand the test of time, so be sure your piece is created integrity. General rule: Think timeless, not trendy.
3. Consider adding a personal touch. Whether creating a piece for yourself or someone you love, adding a special touch allows the piece to be exceptionally unique. Consider using gemstones passed down from other family members or engraving initials on a piece. Whatever the personal touch, it allows you to feel connected with someone in your life.

I hope, if you are able, you will take the time to meet her this month while she is in Dallas. If not, you will find her at Fritz Porter in downtown Charleston, South Carolina in the Historic Cigar Factory. She is an absolute gem when it comes to finding, creating, appraising or repairing any piece of jewelry!

xo

Alicia

PS – Did you know two new giveaways that will be on going to thank you for your loyalty and support.  Randomly, each month I’ll select winners from the comments those who leave on blog posts and from those subscribed to my newsletter.  These winners will receive gift boxes filled with some of my favorite items…some gifted by brands and others I add to the mix.

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