HELLO WORLD!
Thank you for following me forward on my mission…
Jeweler? Yes! But above that I’m a multi-faceted artist and creator, and I like to think that my most recent project is the perfect reflection of that.
My mission has always been greater than building a brand around cookie-cutter product that the world has seen time and time again. My sights have always been set on bringing quality and innovative products to the market. And this is just the beginning of that...
Let’s rewind to an afternoon in January when I’m touring a clothing tailor’s showroom in the heart of New York City. I’m running my fingertips across the delicate fabrics of the garments that are on display. The passion and love that went into creating each piece resonates with me as there are so many similarities found in what I do with jewelry. I’m drinking my shot of espresso and flipping through the fabric swatch books when the idea is presented to me…
“Take your pick. Let’s make you a custom suit.” — He says.
Excitement washes over me while I suddenly realize that I get to experience the custom process from a different point of view.
My hands stop in the swatch book at a black and white pinstripe fabric. “This is boss. This makes a statement. This is it.” I said aloud. Everyone in the showroom agrees, and the tailor pulls out his supplies. A measuring tape graces my body as he scribbles numbers on his notepad. He then grabs a few pins in which he proceeds to delicately pierce the fabric in place. Suddenly I find myself hooked on this process that’s so personalized to me. The final step (and perhaps my favorite of all) is selecting the subtle details. I pick the lining for the jacket. I pick the embroidery for the inner pocket and the interior of the collar. And lastly… I pick the buttons.
The tailor’s button selection is nice, but coming from a design perspective I see areas for improvement. My mind is consumed with ideas… “What if I created my own button? What if I crafted it out of precious metals and diamonds?” I thought to myself. In that moment I knew that’s what would take this custom suit to another level; and a level in which the world has never seen before. The tailor adores my idea and hands me a sample button for reference. The manufacturing process ensues…
First, we start by doing a detailed scan of the sample button. Preforming this scan ensures that we’re able to build the measurements of my new button exactly to spec. Next, we start designing. We build the three-dimensional product design on the computer by drawing a CAD file (computer aided design file). This is where we start to see the product idea come to life and can manipulate it to align perfectly with our vision. Once I’m 100% satisfied with the design, the production of the button starts.
The digital design is cut into a physical wax via our high-precision cutting machine → The wax is cast into solid 18K yellow gold → The Hearts & Arrows diamonds are each hand-set one by one by our master setter → The quality markings are etched on the button’s edge → The button is hand-polished and finished ever so carefully by our master jeweler.
Let’s fast forward to a few weeks later when I’m sitting at my desk gazing out the window at my view of New York City. My phone pings with a text from my manufacturer that the button is ready. I drop what I’m doing and immediately rush to his office.
“Here it is. It turned out amazing.” — He says.
A sea of emotions washes over me every time I see one of my ideas come alive for the first time. There was so much thought, love, and expert craftsmanship put into this piece and it truly shows.
I’ve already gotten word that the suit is complete and ready for my final fitting. I place the button into my carrying case and I rush to the tailor.
Two worlds begin to collide as the tailor sews the button to the cuff of my suit jacket. The button is secured with red thread to match the red lining inside of the jacket. It becomes both a beautiful and unexpected contrast against the other buttons that are secured with black thread. I take a look at the finished product and I’m blown away. This is a work of ART.
I’ve successfully bridged the gap between jewelry and clothing — two categories that make so much sense together but are rarely fused.
Let’s dive into the details of this very special item…
The button is crafted out of solid 18K yellow gold and features our KATRINA VRAKAS logo at the forefront. It’s hand-set with six VS+ clarity, F+ colorless collection-grade Hearts & Arrows precision-cut white diamonds. The quality markings, including the gold purity and the diamond quality, are etched on the outer border of the button.
The VRAKAS Button now lives as part of our permanent jewelry collection, and is available to customize with our client’s own unique logo, name, or initials.
Quality lies in the details, so in turn, no detail is overlooked.
Now back to perfecting my craft ✍🏻 And on to the next creation…
Sincerely yours,
KATRINA VRAKAS