Celebrating the human animal bond
Like you, I adore animals. And I adore making custom pet jewelry!
My entire life has been filled with the barks, meows, neighs and cuddles of my beautiful animal friends.
As a child I rescued baby birds fallen from their nests, nurtured a beloved hamster and discovered the beauty and fascination of small wildlife. Salamanders, frogs and even bugs were constant companions throughout my first decade of life. As a young teenager I fell in love with a rescued Tabby cat. (She lived to the ripe old age of 22!)
My adult life has been filled with animal companions. You know how it is…your child brings home a bedraggled cat, a couple of bunny rabbits or a tiny frog. When you love animals, you just make it work somehow. And of course, my children became animal lovers as well.
I’ve been very lucky as an artist, because over thirty years ago I discovered a unique way to honor the beauty and companionship of pets, farm animals and wildlife. I became a full-time animal jewelry artist. And over the years it has become a passion, and a way to connect in a meaningful way with my fellow animal lovers and their pets.
I adore making animal jewelry. There is nothing quite as exciting as seeing the likeness (including the personality) of an animal emerge from a mere lump of clay. Sometimes it happens after an hour, sometimes it takes days or even weeks of work.
A favorite animal companion, in a one-of-a-kind design
One of my customers approached me two years ago and asked me a question that made me think. She wanted to know if I could make a truly custom, one-of-a-kind design of her beloved bulldog Floyd. Diane wanted something that only she would own and wear. She wanted to know if I could make an 18K gold design of her bulldog.
I knew this would be a commitment, and I considered my answer carefully for a few days.
You see, making any design takes me a very long time. I work over the clay for hour after hour, sometimes starting over 5 or 6 times until I know I’m on the right track. Because the piece has to not only look like the animal I am creating, it has to capture the spirit of the animal as well. At least to my own satisfaction! And I knew it had to feel right to Diane, too.
Of course, I told her yes. I knew how special Floyd was to Diane, and he was getting on in years.
As I developed the model from her photographs over several weeks, I sent her photographs of my work. The custom pet jewelry design of Floyd was progressing! Diane was excited, and I was too. It felt like we were making it together, which made it exceptionally special.
Since this was my first custom pet design in 18K gold, and since Diane has become a friend over the years, I flew to Florida and delivered it to her in person. I wish I could do that every time! It was an emotional experience I will never forget. Luckily, I was able to capture her reaction in the video in the above link.
Would you like a custom pet jewelry design of your own?
Would you like me to create a one-of-a-kind custom pet jewelry design of your dog, your cat, your bearded dragon, bird, rabbit or guinea pig? We all have our favorite pets, that one furry, feathered or scaled friend who has managed to capture our hearts forever.
I find myself falling in love with each pet I create, getting to know them through their photographs and the personal stories my clients sometimes share with me. I find it a humbling experience to be entrusted with creating a special piece of wearable art.
Will it really look like my pet?
For my 14K and 18K custom line I work closely with you to make sure that my vision is also your vision. I ask for a series of photographs to work from so I can choose one or two that especially capture the beauty and personality of your special pet.
I create the original model in polymer clay, completely by hand. As I work, the personality of your pet begins to appear. It can take hours or days before I see the image of your beautiful friend emerge. No matter how long it takes, that is always a magical moment.
At last the spirit of this special being, your best friend, is captured.
And of course, before the design is cast, I send a clear photograph of the custom pet jewelry to you for your approval. Anything that doesn’t seem quite right I address and rework in the clay. I spend many hours and days on each custom design, and I am very picky about getting the piece just right. When you are happy with it, then I am too!
Who casts the finished design?
The artisan who does all my casting work is an extremely skilled professional. Mr. Green is located in New England. His is one of the few remaining American casting shops in the USA, (much jewelry is now created overseas) and he has been in business for over 4 decades. He is so in demand that when President Obama was elected, Mr. Green was chosen to create the inaugural pins. I have worked exclusively with him for 18 years, and we have a wonderful working relationship.
He takes great care with each and every model I send him, and the result is an exquisite piece, created using the ancient lost wax casting method. Each piece is beautifully finished and polished, and will have the 14K or 18K stamp on the back, depending on your choice of karat.
If this design is to be a pendant, he will add a bail to the top loop for your chain, soldering it in place for added security.
Mr. Green has skilled gem setters that work with him on each of my Magic Zoo designs. If are interested in gemstone as added details, rest assured that each one will be professionally set.
What does a custom design in solid gold cost?
Obviously, this is a very special design. This custom pet jewelry even has its own name, “Forever Pet Treasures.”
Your design will be cast to your specifications in 14K or 18K white, yellow or rose gold.
You can even add specialized details like gemstone eyes.
You might think a design this rare would be completely out of reach. After all, there will never be another one of its kind, and it is completely handcrafted just for you. I can only make a few of these special pieces each year. The original model and mold are kept in a safe, never to be recast unless you yourself would like another copy for some reason. You will be the only person on the planet to have, wear and enjoy this design.
It can be passed down through generations of pet lovers in your family. It will truly be an heirloom piece of jewelry.
My customers have told me that they feel a special connection to their pet whenever they wear a custom Magic Zoo design. To me, there is no greater praise.
Each custom pet jewelry pendant or charm in 14K yellow, white or yellow gold (without gemstone eyes) starts at $12,000, including your choice of engraving on the back.
A Forever Pet Treasure pendant or charm in 14K yellow, white or rose gold (with gemstone eyes) starts at $13,500, including your choice of engraving on the back.
Forever Pet Treasure pendants or charms in 18K yellow, white or yellow gold (without gemstone eyes) starts at $15,000, including your choice of engraving on the back.
A Forever Pet Treasure pendant or charm in 18K yellow, white or yellow gold (with gemstone eyes) starts at $16,500 including your choice of engraving on the back.
I can also create Forever Pet Treasure earrings.
How long does it take to make a Forever Pet Treasure?
I schedule each custom pet jewelry design to allow for as much time as I need to create the perfect piece. It is not a fast process, and it can take me up to a month or more to get a handcrafted model ready for casting. I do not hurry this. The most important thing of all is for you to be happy with the finished design.
In fact, I insist that you as my client are in love with your Forever Pet Treasure. I will send you clear photographs of the model created, and make absolutely sure you feel I have captured the spirit of your pet before it is cast.
That way, you are absolutely certain of what your unique design will look like before my caster begins work on it. If there is anything you want me to change, we will work together to get it exactly right.
What my clients say about their special Magic Zoo custom pet designs
“I contacted Merry to make a unique memorial for a very special Betta fish. Merry worked closely with me and made a beautiful 14K gold Betta fish pendent. The details of this pendant are stunning and it is even accented with diamonds! I love this pendant and whenever I wear it, I remember my cherished Betta fish.” Michele M., Pennsylvania
“Floyd is an amazing bulldog. He brings such joy to my life. I wanted to have a pendant that has all the happiness that I experience when I’m with my dog. And this 18K gold pendant is absolutely perfect. I was so thrilled that what Merry created for me looks so much like Floyd. I am over the moon! Now I will always have Floyd with me.” Diane Stein, Florida
And a few more testimonials…
“My friend Frances gave me your AMAZING basset hound earrings for Christmas. I’ve received so many compliments — what fine work you do. These dogs are the light of our lives and you have immortalized them for us. I thank you so much.”
-Mary S., California
“I just wanted to say ‘thanks’ for the Briard pin—it just arrived today. It is amazing how much it looks like my dog. It’s wonderful. I’m very pleased!”
-Jeanne S., Ohio
“Just a note to thank you so much for the wonderful llama pin fashioned after our llama, Spats! It is JUST like him and I love it. I’ve had several compliments on it already.”
-Karen C., Texas
“My necklace and earrings arrived and I LOVE them. Moluccan and umbrella cockatoos are really special birds—so that makes my new jewelry even more special! My necklace and earrings have brought many favorable comments.”
-Rita G., Texas
“The pin that you made of Penelope my guinea pig is perfect!! I love wearing it! Thank-you very much for capturing my little friend so well.” – E. S.
Your own Forever Pet Treasure
How would you like a gorgeous one-of-a-kind pendant, charm or pair of earrings of your favorite pet or animal?
Would you like to have it in 14K or 18K solid gold?
Do you love yellow, rose or white gold the best?
Would you like gemstone eyes, or a gemstone studded collar or bow?
I want to make something you will adore, and will go the limit in making sure my creation of your special pet is what you envision.
I can only make a few Forever Pet Treasures in a year, so if you would like me to make one for you or someone you love, be sure and contact me so I can schedule time for your design.
We can set up an appointment for a consultation, and we can ask each other questions! I would love to learn about your pet, and you can ask me anything you like. Email or text me and we can get started today. Email merry@themagiczoo.com Text or phone 727 686 4527
Before you know it, you’ll be wearing your own unique custom pet jewelry design!