Business Details
Handmade Natural Jewelry Studio
At Variance, we believe natural beauty is revealed, not manufactured. Our jewelry is handcrafted in Santa Cruz, California, using ethically sourced materials and a minimalist approach that prioritizes the inherent qualities of each stone and metal. Founded on the principle that artistry should complement nature rather than dominate it, our process involves cutting and polishing stones to preserve their textures, color patterns, and light qualities. We specialize in one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect the unique character of natural materials, from salt-and-pepper diamonds to rare gemstones. Our commitment to sustainability is evident in our use of recycled metals and conflict-free diamonds sourced from trusted family-owned businesses.Every piece, from our hand-fabricated bands to our custom designs, is created without casting or outsourcing, ensuring authenticity and reducing waste. With over a decade of experience, our team combines technical expertise with artistic vision to craft jewelry that evolves with wear, embodying both timeless elegance and modern individuality. We invite customers to visit our studio for personalized consultations or explore our collections online, where each creation tells a story of collaboration between maker and material.
Services
Custom Jewelry Design
Diamond Engagement Rings
Gemstone Necklaces
Handcrafted Wedding Bands
Ethical Sourcing Consultation
Highlights and features
- We handcraft each piece using ethically sourced, conflict-free diamonds.
- Our unique stone-cutting preserves natural textures and patterns.
- We mix gold and silver for distinctive, non-traditional designs.
- Every piece is made-to-order or one-of-a-kind, never mass-produced.
- We offer personalized studio consultations for custom jewelry creation.
Associations and certifications
- Kimberly Process Certification
What people say
Stunning unique designs
Ethical sourcing
Perfect custom ring
Beautiful imperfections
Excellent craftsmanship
Services
Custom Jewelry Design
Our custom jewelry service allows clients to collaborate directly with artisans to create unique pieces. We guide you through material selection, design refinement, and production. Each creation uses ethically sourced stones and recycled metals, with pricing starting at $2,000 for basic designs.
Gemstone Engagement Rings
We specialize in non-traditional engagement rings featuring unique gemstones like salt-and-pepper diamonds and rutilated quartz. Our rings start at $1,840, with options for custom band combinations and personalized engravings.
Metal Fabrication
Our metalwork includes hand-fabricated bands mixing gold and silver. Prices range from $240 for simple designs to $4,180 for intricate custom pieces. All metals are ethically sourced and crafted without casting.
Strand Necklaces
Hand-knotted gemstone strands feature combinations like agate, opal, and freshwater pearls. Each piece starts at $1,320, with customization options for stone selection and necklace length.
Ethical Sourcing Consultation
We offer guidance on creating jewelry with minimal environmental impact. This includes selecting conflict-free diamonds and recycled materials. Consultations are available in-studio or via virtual appointments.
People
Nicole
Co-Founder & Artisan
Nicole co-founded Variance with a vision to create jewelry that celebrates natural imperfections. With over 15 years of experience in stone cutting, she specializes in revealing the unique character of each material through minimalist techniques.
Scott
Co-Founder & Designer
Scott brings technical expertise to Variance's creative process. He oversees metal fabrication and studio operations, ensuring every piece meets exacting standards while maintaining the organic aesthetic central to the brand's identity.
Questions
What makes Variance jewelry different from traditional fine jewelry?
We focus on revealing natural beauty through minimalist cutting techniques and avoid mass production. Our pieces use ethically sourced materials and combine metals in unique ways.
Do you offer resizing services for purchased rings?
Yes, we offer resizing, but please note that resized pieces cannot be returned or exchanged according to our refund policy.
How are your diamonds sourced?
Our conflict-free diamonds come from Kimberly-certified suppliers and family-owned businesses committed to ethical practices.
Can I commission a completely custom piece?
Yes, our Made to Order service allows full customization. The process takes 6-8 weeks and may include additional costs based on complexity.
What is your anti-polish treatment for silver jewelry?
We provide an Anti-Polish solution with most purchases to maintain the darkened finish of our silver pieces. This treatment can be reapplied as needed.
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