Designing and creating wedding and engagement rings has never been a job without its pressures. After all, if you do it right, you’re making a piece of jewelry that someone is going to remember—and wear—for the rest of their life. But modern makers like Whitby, Canada–based Kate Szabone face even higher stakes than their metalsmithing forebears. “It’s different how people shop for jewelry now,” Kate explains. “They’re looking to buy a pretty expensive ring that they’ve never seen in person before.”
Her fine-tuned solution to this relatively recent challenge? Combining cutting-edge technology like CAD (Computer Assisted Design) and 3D printing with old-fashioned communication and relationship-building to set customers at ease, keep everyone on the same page, and ensure that each client walks away with a ring that’s love at first (actual) sight.
Explore the Kate Szabone Jewellery collection
“It’s really exciting to work with technology that combines the old and the new,” says Kate, who worked as a photographer before transitioning to jewelry making after her daughter was born. “There are certain things you’re always going to do the same way, like casting, but these tools make the processes much more efficient.” The most exciting part of all, however, is the role her work plays in her customers’ lives. “Being a part of this important step in their life and helping them create a symbol of their love is so rewarding,” she says. “Sometimes I’ll see their proposal video or wedding photos, and it brings me so much joy to see the happiness and love they share and how special their rings are to them.”
Read on to learn more about what inspires Kate—then shop the collection.
What do you love about designing jewelry?
The creativity—and being able to make something from start to finish, and having something physical at the end. But I also love building a trusting relationship with each client and helping them create something that they envision, bringing to life what they imagine, and making that process easy for them. It’s a great experience, the back-and-forth with the customers.
And it’s not just with engagement rings. I recently sold a custom pendant made of Ametrine that was cut by the Wobito Brothers, Canada’s foremost gemstone cutters. For clients who want something more unique, we can work together to create something like this, which was quite a large shape, like a kite. I can do other pieces like simple pendants and necklaces if that’s what a customer is looking for.
What are some of your biggest creative influences or inspirations?
My mom is an inspiration for me. She has always encouraged me to do what I want. She’s also a photographer and all-around talented with the arts and gives me great input with my photos—the pictures are what sell the jewelry. People have told me, “Just browsing your site makes me feel relaxed; I love the feeling and energy.”
I’m also inspired by Art Deco and Art Nouveau—one of my favorite artists is Alphonse Mucha. In the backgrounds of his paintings he has a lot of leaves and vines and there’s just such a cool look to them. I love the muted colors and how he uses branches and twigs to form the lines and the curves creating movement and textures—it’s so stylized. His work has helped me create my nature-inspired pieces. I even have a half-sleeve tattoo inspired by his work and Art Nouveau.
Tell us what your creative process is like. How do you go about designing a new piece?
I get lots of requests from people who want something specific, so most of my orders are custom-made. The customers bring an idea to me, and we create something unique for them by working together—it’s a back-and-forth communication that’s inspiring on its own.
Typically, they start with their love of something—they might tell me that they’re hikers, or love to go on walks and be outdoors, and ask if they can bring in, say, a certain type of branch or tree. Or they’ll see something in my shop and ask me to tweak it. That’s where we start, and it evolves into what they want. We’re always in communication.
What about your production process? How do you use technology to bring those custom pieces to life?
With CAD, I can show a customer in one hour or in a day different renderings of a ring design. They might ask, “Can I see it with the square stone?” or “Can I see it with diamonds all the way around?” Then they can use sliders to play around and interact with the design, like making the band narrower or seeing it with different shapes. After we agree on the final renderings, I do a 3D printing in wax. I’ve even sent the customers the waxes—that way, they can see what they’re getting, not just online, and try on the wax model. They also get photos of the wax with the stones they chose.
Having this equipment allows me to do quality control, too. I make everything in-house, so I can see everything every step of the way, and show customers the improvements I’m making. I’ve also been able to reduce production times from five weeks to less than three. I can even accommodate rush orders in less than a week if needed for those last-minute shoppers!
What materials do you like working with the most?
All designers’ rings revolve around the stones, I think. I like unusual shapes, like rose-cut diamonds. Each one is different and very unique. They come in muted browns and greens and blues and have that marbled texture—they really draw you in. I also love working with white accent diamonds around the stone; specifically, I use 1.3mm accent stones instead of 1mm. The 1.3mm has more sparkle, it’s easier to set securely, and it improves the look of the ring for sure. That tiny difference in size makes a huge impact.
Sapphires are another stone I love, because they come in so many colors, from pastels to rich deep blues or greens, and they’re a hard stone. The most popular sapphires right now are the pastels and peachy tones. I really like Moissanite, too, which is a cheaper alternative to diamond that’s still an extremely hard and durable stone. It’s great for people who don’t want to wear diamonds, but still want that sparkle. Also, I want to mention that all my stones are conflict-free, and I work only with reputable sellers.
What about metals—what metals are your favorites to work with?
I like working in gold—yellow gold, and rose gold as well. They’re so pretty. I love textures, and I like creating them on metal. My rings have a lot of satin or brushed finishes that make the metal look softer and more organic. I’ve found that a lot of clients love the textured look of my branch and twig bands, or they choose a satin finish for their rings to give it a soft yet modern vibe.
What rings are your bestsellers?
I have sold quite a number of the branch solitaires with the rose-cut diamonds. So many clients of mine are outdoorsy and they love nature as much as I do. I get so many proposal photos that were taken on top of a mountain or at the beach. But Moissanite is just as popular. Many customers choose their own stones, so we start with that and then move on to the setting. Every single ring is different, so it’s hard to say.
What’s on the horizon for your shop? How do you see your business evolving?
My main focus is to work on custom rings and client-oriented design—that’s the most enjoyment I get out of this—and building relationships. And learning and trying to bring in new methods, to always keep moving forward: That’s the path I’m going to go down for awhile.
Follow Kate Szabone Jewellery on Facebook and Instagram.
Photographs courtesy of Kate Szabone Jewellery.
44 comments
Elena from BetulaPainting said 3 years ago
Beautiful jewelry! Congratulations!
Vadim Moroz from VadimMorozArt said 3 years ago
You have a beautiful shop! Congratulations on the feature! All the Best!
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 3 years ago
Gorgeous jewellery collection! Congratulations on the feature!
elle and belle Forster from elleandbellejewelry said 3 years ago
Beautiful work, Kate! Sapphires are also one of my favorites. All the best!
Monika Moroz from NickoArts said 3 years ago
Thank you for sharing your interesting story. Congratulations on the feature of your lovely store. I wish you much success :)
Anna from FairyToysWorld said 3 years ago
So beautiful rings! Nice story! Thanks for inspiration!
Sherri from ButterflyFeetDigital said 3 years ago
Beautiful Jewelry, congrats on the feature!
ClassicMemories from ClassicMemories said 3 years ago
Lovely shop and items. Congrats on the feature.
Olga Kaplina from KnitteditemsbyOlga said 3 years ago
Beautiful jewelry! Thanks for inspiration!
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 3 years ago
Gorgeous jewelry pieces! Love the way pieces are photographed. Congratulations on the feature!
Priscilla from Gardenmis said 3 years ago
Your nature inspired jewelry is most lovely! Congrats on the feature and best wishes for achieving all your dreams :)
Rosita from pillowlink said 3 years ago
Nice works and story! Wish the best here around on Etsy!
Jennifer and Gary Pierce from LoftAtticEarth said 3 years ago
Your designs are unique and elegant, best wishes as you continue to create and bring joy to others with your art!
Jennifer Tyson from LadyInPurpleBoutique said 3 years ago
Congrats on the feature Kate! Your jewelry is so romantic and that kite shaped stone ring is to die for! I wish you and your shop much prosperity!
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 3 years ago
Wowie! Beautiful inside and out ! Cheers to much continued success ~
Kashuen Collectibles from Kashuen said 3 years ago
Love how technology can really make design easier and 3D printing is so useful nowadays. Congratulations on the feature.
R.M Garrett from ArtisticAcrylics said 3 years ago
Beautiful! Your rings are just beautiful!! Your talent is undeniable, and very inspiring. I could literally spend all day just gazing in your shop. You make such unique jewelry in such a special way, and I can easily see why many choose you to make something as meaningful as a wedding ring, or something precious for someone they love. Thank you for sharing your journey, and congratulations on your deserved feature!!!!
Tim and Brigita Cornwell from jacobswoodentoys said 3 years ago
So beautiful! Congrats on the feature. Well deserved.
Nadya Mamaeva from DecoWeddingFlowers said 3 years ago
Wow! Very Beautiful!
viena bone from bonesreusablebags said 3 years ago
Wow, your pieces are so beautiful! Designing so many custom orders is super impressive! Congrats on the feature and success!
Gillian Northcott from esanivintage said 3 years ago
Well done on your career successful change. What a wonderful field to work in. beautiful work.
Leo Nuvunga from AfricanCraftsCenter said 3 years ago
Wow! Very beautiful items! Congrats!
Cathy White from msbijouxjewelry said 3 years ago
stunning jewelry, love the stones and the nature inspired designs, thanks for sharing your work. Great story
Widya from Macbookandarts said 3 years ago
Congratulations! They are so pretty!
CAMSimm said 3 years ago
Congratulations on these amazing jewelry♥️They are so beautiful
Natalya Ashkina from MagicKnittingNeedle said 3 years ago
Reading about such creative people may be inspiring to make something unique for other sellers. So great Thanks!
Dig Deep Vintage from digdeepvintage said 3 years ago
Wow-I am so impressed with all that you do. I admire your ability to use current technology to create your masterpieces! Stunning-congrats!
Julie Garland from juliegarland said 3 years ago
Congrats on the feature!! Your work is stunning!!
Yuri Pysar from Pysar said 3 years ago
what a great story! what a dedication! congrats on the feature, Kate!
Flair Nouri from FlairPaintings said 3 years ago
I really love your jewelry!!!
Sally from SallysVintageKitchen said 3 years ago
Beautiful shop! Gorgeous jewelry! Congratulations on the feature!
Naomi P. from NaomichanShop said 3 years ago
Wow! Your work is beautiful. Amazing. Thank you for sharing your story.
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 3 years ago
Beautiful work!
renee and gerardo from GTDesigns said 3 years ago
Exquisite line!! Beautiful shop and great story!! Congrats on this lovely feature!!!
Shirley from Shirlbcreationstoo said 3 years ago
Beautiful!
Beverly Kornell from bk1947 said 3 years ago
This jewelry is nice to look at but Way out of my price range. It is not one of my favorites
Purvi Desai from Zaaina said 3 years ago
I have never seen such beautiful work. breathtaking photography and jewelry. Very inspirational story. Congratulations on the feature.
Maria from StyleGraphicDesign said 3 years ago
Amazing work!
DominatoR from dominatordesign said 3 years ago
Lovely shop and items. Congratulations Kate !
Danielle Strapac from SugarShacksTeepee said 3 years ago
The presentation of her items is gorgeous!
Julia K Walton from FireHorseVintageHQ said 3 years ago
Wonderful jewellery - so beautifully made and presented.
Jenn Duval from MoodiChic said 3 years ago
Congratulations on your feature, I have always admired your work.
emaxtees from EmaxTees said 3 years ago
Amazing work and items, congrats!
Barbara from TwistingsByBarbara said 2 years ago
Such gorgeous pieces! Love your creativity and unusual designs.