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Maria and Billy went on their first date at 15, at an ice skating rink. After dating on and off over the years, things started to get serious in 2013. Maria approached me about an engagement ring first, because she wanted to make sure she got the kind of ring she was hoping for. She sent me a few images, and also some sketches she had done. We figured out her ring size and put together a list of likes: two-tone rings, bezels, beaded details, and twist shanks.   I love when women reach out to me first to make sure I...

Ready to order a custom piece of jewelry? Fill out my brand new Custom Design Form and I'll get started on your bespoke piece right away! Maybe you're talking about getting engaged, but you don't want to seem pushy to your significant other? Fill out the Custom Design Form and send your SO to www.christinealaniz.com. I'll have all your info on file for when they're ready! xo, Christine

Maria asked me to create a custom fern leaf necklace for her. I've always been drawn to ferns because of how they demonstrate fractal geometry. This scaled, graduated design is perfect for computer-aided design. Using CAD gives me the precision to design a perfectly tapered leaf pattern, replicating the mathematical perfection found in Mother Nature.   I designed this necklace to have a curling, gently curved leaf centered along a delicate box chain. With an oxidized finish layered on top the sterling silver, the mathematically precise graduation of the fern leaves is especially prominent. xo, Christine

Come try on all the jewels I've been creating for Navona Handmade! You can visit our booth this weekend at Chestnut Hill's Fall for the Arts Festival. We'll be showcasing our latest collection, the Portland Collection, this weekend at the Fall for the Arts Festival in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia. Here are the details: When: This Sunday, September 30th from 11am - 5pmWhere: Chestnut Hill, PA. The show is on Germantown Avenue, between Willow Grove and Rex AvenuesWhy: It's going to be a beautiful fall day, and you want first dibs on our new collection! xo, Christine

Sarah proposed to Chris with a pair of classic, simple white gold wedding bands, and they were married shortly thereafter. Even though they had already exchanged wedding bands, Chris still wanted to create a special custom engagement ring for his wife. He had several heirloom family diamonds and a brilliant green garnet that he envisioned clustered together in an asymmetrical, organic, delicate engagement ring. Chris sent me photographs of his gemstones so I could start sketching ideas. After he dropped off the stones at my shop, I measured them and created several CAD options for him to review. He had...