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Studio Notes: The Big Little Charm Collection

The Big Little Charm Collection has been TWO YEARS in the making!
It started with a short list of ideas which then turned into endless sketches & drawings by Jasmine on our design team (she is a font of ideas).

The list grew and grew, twisting and turning to all sorts of wonderful places.
When it was time to decide which of the ideas to put into production, Rony and Leigh, our creative directors, had to come up with an organizing principle beyond “this is cute!” Because.. well, they were all cute!

The list grew and grew, twisting and turning to all sorts of wonderful places.
When it was time to decide which of the ideas to put into production, Rony and Leigh, our creative directors, had to come up with an organizing principle beyond “this is cute!” Because.. well, they were all cute!
The design team moved forward with concepts that had an element of surprise and a story, or emotional response. Pieces like the Holy Cannoli.
And said no to pieces that would lose their sense of self in the movement from sketch to gold (for example, they didn’t think they could crack the beautiful idea of a cloud with a silver lining.)

The design team moved forward with concepts that had an element of surprise and a story, or emotional response. Pieces like the Holy Cannoli.
And said no to pieces that would lose their sense of self in the movement from sketch to gold (for example, they didn’t think they could crack the beautiful idea of a cloud with a silver lining.)


From sketches, the charms are brought into 3D form with wax! Each charm went through two or three wax iterations before it was cast.
The first casting is made in 5k gold. These rough castings are finished by hand so that additional design details could be added.

From sketches, the charms are brought into 3D form with wax! Each charm went through two or three wax iterations before it was cast.
The first casting is made in 5k gold. These rough castings are finished by hand so that additional design details could be added.
Details like adding antennae and engraving the wings of the butterfly, or giving texture to the bottom of the mushroom cap and a toasted texture to the bagel.
We also tinkered with modifications like where the perfect bail placement was and which tiny pearl was the right size for filling the cannoli.

Details like adding antennae and engraving the wings of the butterfly, or giving texture to the bottom of the mushroom cap and a toasted texture to the bagel.
We also tinkered with modifications like where the perfect bail placement was and which tiny pearl was the right size for filling the cannoli.

From this perfected metal object, we create a mold for all future castings of 14k yellow gold and silver - the charms you will wear and love forever!

We hope you love the charms as much as we do! We are excited to show you more.
xo,
The Catbird Team
P.S. A special shout out to Rebecca & Jasmine from our design team who have really seen this project through from start to finish - and now beyond!!
