From the Bench · Hand-Forged Work
A Diamond Horseshoe Pendant with a Ranch Brand
An 18k horseshoe set with eight matched VVS diamonds, the client's ranch brand in white gold and a hand-forged two-tone rope chain.
Wes asked for a horseshoe pendant carrying his ranch brand. It was made in 18k yellow gold with eight matching VVS diamonds of G–H colour, and the brand itself formed as a rope in 18k white gold.
Oval and round diamonds were each tried in the wax before the final choice, keeping the pendant under an inch. For the chain, two link styles were offered; he chose a three-strand rope of two strands 18k yellow and one 18k white, forged by hand with an extra link for adjustment.
One of the details that may go unnoticed: the o-ring passes through the top of the pendant rather than being soldered on. The reverse and the two-tone chain tab were finished with the same care.
The making, stage by stage
01Working drawing
02Pattern
03Carving the wax
04Oval diamonds in the channel
05Ovals in the enlarged wax, 3.5 x 2.6 mm
062 mm rounds in the original wax
07Stones laid in
08Two chain link options
09Three-strand rope chain, two-tone 18k
10The o-ring through the pendant
11Reverse and chain tab
12Finished