What do you get when you mix a handful of coins and crystals with a dash of inspiration and a ton of skill? From hand-mixing the alloys, to hand-twisting the braided sterling silver wire used to create its regal frame, the craftsmanship of this magnificent one-of-a-kind piece is a true testament to Hunsinger’s unique vision, exquisite hand skills and intimate knowledge of his craft.
ABOUT THE JEWELRY
+ Hand sculpted sterling silver custom wedding tiara with 14K gold plated and oxidized leaves and embellished with cubic zirconia.
CRAFTING THE PIECE
Hunsinger designed and handcrafted all the wedding jewelry for himself and his wife, including her engagement ring, both of their wedding bands and this elegant, custom made tiara.
He began the process of making the tiara, by sketching a design based on his then-fiancé’s description. She said she wanted it to look like leafy vines intertwined—similar to what inspired the free-flowing style of her engagement ring.
The foundation was constructed from a sterling silver bar of hand-mixed alloys. He painstakingly hammered, pounded and hand-pulled the bar into a spaghetti-string thin wire. The wire was then hand-twisted into a perfectly braided frame.
Each dainty, one-of-a-kind leaf, was then hand sculpted and soldered in place.
After the wire frame was complete, he polished the final piece and embellished it with hand-set jewels, to make it sparkle. She wanted it to have an oxidized look—a mix of gold, silver and bronze tones—so he painted the leaves with 14K gold.
A PRINCESS BRIDE
His wife was thrilled with the final polished piece.
“I was so lucky to be able to participate in designing Greg’s wedding band and my tiara. I knew I wanted to wear a tiara on my wedding day, but I couldn’t believe Greg wanted to make it for me. It’s really special and I absolutely love it. So many of our wedding guests told me how much it sparkled and beamed in the sun as we exchanged our vows. My young niece kept looking up at me like I was a princess. I certainly felt like one.“—Molly Hunsinger
The Hunsinger’s were married in an intimate ceremony in the presence of their closest loved ones at their seaside home in Saint Pete Beach, Florida.
After they exchanged their wedding rings and vows, the officiant wished them well with these words.
“May the sun bring you new energy by day; may the moon softly restore you by night. May the rain wash away your worries, and may the breeze blow new strength into your being. As you walk through this world, may you stop long enough to see its beauty. And may you live the days of your lives in peace, love, and happiness.”—Jennifer Moore, Wedding Officiant
Click here to see more about the making of their custom wedding bands.
Click here to view a snapshot of Hunsinger’s custom portfolio.
