Every piece of jewelry begins as an idea, a flash of inspiration from a seashell, a constellation, or the curve of an old picture frame. Before it ever reaches your jewelry box, that idea passes through many skilled hands. At Sequin, we believe knowing how a piece is made makes wearing it even more meaningful, so we’re pulling back the curtain on our process, from the first pencil line to the final golden glow.
The Journey of a Handmade Piece
It starts with a sketch. Each design begins on paper, drawn by hand by our Creative Director. She fills notebooks with motifs inspired by nature, the night sky, and the ornate swirls of the past, which is where our rococo jewelry finds its romantic, ruffled shapes. Only the sketches that spark real joy move to the next step.
Then it’s sculpted by hand. The chosen drawing is carved into a three-dimensional model in clay or wax. This is where a piece gets its personality. We keep the small organic imperfections a sculptor’s fingers leave behind, because they make each piece feel alive rather than mass-produced.
Next comes the casting. Using the centuries-old lost-wax method, the model is encased in a mold, the wax is melted away, and molten brass is poured into the empty space. Once cooled, each piece is cleaned, polished, and inspected by hand.
Dipped in gold. Here’s where the magic happens. Every piece is dipped in 22K gold for our signature finish: a warm, rich glow that sets 22k gold plated jewelry apart from paler, brassy alternatives. It’s the reason our bold gold jewelry looks so luminous in candlelight and sunlight alike.
Adding color and stone. Many designs are finished with semi-precious gemstones, freshwater pearls like those on our pearl necklaces, or tiny tiles set one by one. Mosaic jewelry is especially labor-intensive, since every fragment must be placed by hand to create a pattern that catches the light.
Final assembly. Chains are cut, clasps are attached, and stones are strung, all in our workshops in New York and Rhode Island. Each piece gets a last inspection before it’s packed and sent to its new home.
Why does all of this matter? Because handcrafting is what turns fashion jewelry into something you’ll actually treasure. A piece made with care holds up better, feels more personal, and carries a story. It’s also what gives our statement jewelry its sculptural, one-of-a-kind presence.
The next time you clasp on a favorite necklace or slip on a ring, take a moment to remember its journey: a sketch, a sculptor’s touch, a bath of gold, and many patient hands. Handmade jewelry isn’t just an accessory. It’s a little piece of art, and it was made with you in mind.