Citrine holds a special place in my heart—not only as my birthstone but also as a gem that infuses warmth, light, and energy into my designs. Its golden honey tones feel like drops of sunlight, bringing a vibrant radiance that enlivens any piece. Alongside citrine, topaz, particularly its stunning blue variety, complements my work beautifully, offering a cool contrast that enhances the overall design. As a jewelry designer, I relish the opportunity to pair these two stones with contrasting materials, especially in high-contrast creations that bring out the best of each element involved.

One of my latest designs really captures this approach. I used reticulated darkened sterling silver as the foundation, creating a textured, shadowy surface that adds depth and intrigue. Against this darkened silver, I added accents of 24K yellow gold, creating a striking contrast that feels both refined and bold. The final touch is a small yet captivating citrine gem. Placed strategically, it catches the light and radiates against the darker backdrop, giving the piece an almost electric quality. I love how citrine’s warmth contrasts with the cool, moody silver, creating a balanced design that feels alive and full of character.

I’m particularly drawn to high-contrast design because it allows each material to shine in its own right. The darkened silver intensifies citrine’s warm tones and the gold brings an added layer of richness and elegance. This interplay feels like a conversation between light and dark, warm and cool, creating a narrative within each piece. 

Currently, I’m working on a few mini collections, one of which focuses on the combination of darkened sterling silver and 24K yellow gold. This pairing allows me to explore high contrast in various forms while bringing the bright energy of citrine and the tranquil beauty of blue topaz into my designs. I’m experimenting with how these materials interact, letting the bold contrasts highlight each gemstone’s unique glow.

This collection is just the beginning of my journey to bring more high-contrast designs to life. Stay tuned—there’s so much more I’m excited to share!