Ever wondered what a typical day looks like for a jewelry designer? Spoiler: there’s no such thing as “typical.” It’s a mix of inspiration, hands-on work, and moments where a simple mistake becomes the best idea of the day.
Here’s a peek into a day at Stanza—messy desks, golden dreams, and all.

Morning: Inspiration and Sketching

9:30 AM - Coffee & Inspiration

  • For me, mornings are when ideas are freshest and the best time to absorb any new ideas. The day often starts with a hot cup of coffee (or milk tea) while flipping through old poetry books, magazines, or browsing Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration.

  • This could also include reviewing current trends in jewelry design, nature, art, and architecture, which often spark fresh ideas.

10:00 AM - Conceptualizing New Designs

  • I grab my notebook and start sketching—sometimes it’s something I dreamed about, sometimes it’s a doodle that turns into a potential design, sometimes it's refining previous concepts. One morning, I drew a kite because it reminded me of childhood like in Robert Louis Stevenson’s poem "The Swing," , and just like that, the Soarer Necklace was born.

  • I would also create mood boards and gather material samples like stones, metals, or sketches to help visualize a new piece.


Mid-Morning: Material Sourcing

12:00 PM - Lunch Break

  • A quick break to recharge, usually away from the desk, to clear my mind and refresh for the afternoon. We are located in a pretty robust area of town. From sushi to burgers, lunch break is never plain.

Afternoon: Prototyping and Discussions

1:30 PM - Creating Prototypes

  • In the afternoon, I work on creating prototypes, where initial concepts start coming to life. Using CAD (computer-aided design) software, I adjust sizing, add details, and ensure that everything is perfectly aligned.


Late Afternoon: Craftsman Communication and Marketing

3:30 PM - Craftsman Communication

  • I typically spend late afternoon responding to emails, sending updates, and communicating with manufacturers, suppliers, or partners to keep projects on track. Because this is when they are the most active.

  • Today, I’m fine-tuning the Honeyed Grace Earrings. I sat with the original sketch, compared it to the first wax model that the craftsman sent in, and discussed with them that the citrine at the bottom needs a slightly different cut to catch the light better. It’s a mix of problem-solving and artistry, and there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing it all come together.

5:00 PM - Social Media & Marketing

  • One of my favorite parts of the afternoons is the hands-on crafting. Whether I’m filing metal or testing how a turquoise bead sits against a gold link for the Reverie Necklace, this is the messy, tactile part. Some days, you’ll find gemstones scattered across the table while I figure out the perfect layout. Other days, it’s about precision, like soldering tiny gold links for a bracelet. (Don't worry, this is just our initial sampling process. We have professional craftsmen working on your pieces.)

  • Today’s challenge? Finding the perfect pearl and gemstone combination for our Azure Pearl Necklace. It’s a game of trial-and-error, and yes, I’ve dropped a bead or two on the floor (don’t worry, I found them).


Evening: Final Touches or Relaxation

6:00 PM - Wrapping Up for the Day

  • As the day winds down, I review the pieces I worked on. It’s always checking the details: Does the Honeyed Grace Earring dangle just right? Are the Gilded Link Bracelet’s edges perfectly smooth? I want every piece to feel as good as it looks.

  • Before calling it a night, I take a moment to reflect. Sometimes I’ll tweak tomorrow’s to-do list or jot down a note: “Try combining pearls and diamonds for the next project.”


Designing jewelry is equal parts creativity and precision, but it’s also about the joy of seeing something go from an idea to something someone will treasure. That’s the magic of a day at Stanza—every piece starts with a little coffee, a lot of heart, and a whole lot of sparkle.

Sincerely Yours,