Sausalito jewelry designer Sarah Greenberg, 32, principal of Sarah Swell Jewelry, takes an ancient approach to her hand-hewn rings, carving each in wax before casting them in precious metals.

The three- to four-week process results in fully one-of-a-kind designs that whisper of the Bay Area’s native flora and fauna. Take her latest collection of engagement rings, for example: Launched last October, the Big Sur solitaire is evocative of the Central California coast, and the textured Fern Dell band echoes of leafy bounty.

From left: Molly Decoudreaux; Sarah Swell

This spring, Greenberg expands her offerings to include the groom, with timeless bands rendered in 14- and 18-karat gold. But the real signature in Greenberg’s pieces is that ever-imperfect weathered look, achieved by hammering the bands with a rock she found at China Beach eight years ago. “No couple and no marriage is perfect,” says the designer. “So it makes sense that your wedding rings wouldn’t be either.” 

This article was published in 7x7's Weddings 2015 issue. Click here to subscribe.