Some ideas take root instantly. Other’s take time to bloom. This particular project is an example of both. This is the story of how our dog pendant came to life.
Years ago, Susan attended a trade show where among other fabulous things, she saw an incredible brooch- containing a carved portrait of a beautiful dog. It wasn’t over the top, but it was special. There was something timeless and unique about it. Susan loved it and filed it away in her memory rolodex for a later time.
Fast forward to last year: A beloved and cool longtime client reached out to us with an idea. He wanted to create a tribute piece in honor of his adorable pup, and he sent us pictures to inspire us. This was the spark we needed- Susan remembered the carved portrait she saw at that show all those years ago. Now it was time for us to explore what our version of the dog pendant would look like- and of course it had to have the Susan Kottemann signature style and soul.
We definitely wanted to do this right, so we started with a prototype.
Our muse? None other than our VP of First Impressions, Tanzi. If you’ve met him, you know he is the bestest boy and oh so regal. Capturing the essence of someone’s pet in jewelry form isn’t just about having the ears be correct or matching the fur pattern; it’s about really getting the emotion and character.
We decided to work with a wonderful woman-owned and operated company in Germany to bring this vision to life. What followed was months of back-and-forth: refining measurements, adjusting proportions, and working closely on every detail. When we finally got the carving, it blew us away. It was perfect!
We then explored various options for a frame that would really make this pendant pop. From vintage or antique silhouettes to more modern styles- there were so many ways to go about this design. Keep in mind we weren’t just designing jewelry; we were designing sentiment, and every choice had to feel intentional. The handmade bezel frame handcrafted by one of our incredibly talented jewelers was the perfect addition.
There are other pet pendants out there, sure. But we wanted this one to feel different. We wanted it to feel right.
That meant thinking about how the pendant would be worn, too. We opted for leather- both for its comfort and its character. Leather gave us a way to make the piece feel more casual, more unisex, and more accessible. With the rising cost of gold, this also allowed us to be thoughtful about price while still honoring the design. Besides, clients always have the option to pair it with a chain if they choose.
Even the smallest components of the design had to be done with care. The terminals, the caps at the end of the leather, came to fruition by being hand-carved out of wax. This was still fine jewelry, after all- it needed to be and feel elevated even if it was more laid-back stylistically. Even the final touch of a personalized tag on the back makes this pendant necklace incredibly special.
From initial concept sketches to holding the final necklace in our hands, this process took us a full year. A year of design, collaboration, refinement, and love. Now, we are proud to say the prototype is complete. We’re ready to take your order and help you honor the pet that has left paw prints on your heart.