Tools with Meaning: Turning Everyday Objects into Personal Jewelry

Surveyor using a Tripod Laser leveler - Photo by Mila K

Some pieces of jewelry are more than accessories—they’re stories you can hold in your hand. We recently had the honor of creating such a piece for Oksana, a mother who wanted to celebrate a proud moment in her daughter’s life in a way that would last forever.

Marking a Personal Achievement

Oksana’s daughter was accepted as a volunteer for the construction of the Long Island Assembly Hall (LIAH), where she contributed her professional skills in surveying. Watching her daughter take on such responsibility and grow through the experience filled Oksana with pride. She came to us with a powerful idea: to transform that experience into a meaningful piece of jewelry.

Surveyor using a Tripod Laser leveler – Photo by Mila K

The Power of Symbolism

The inspiration came from a tool her daughter used daily on the construction site—a tripod laser leveler. It was more than just equipment; it represented her role, her skill, and her contribution to something bigger. Oksana wanted to turn this symbol of hard work and maturity into something wearable—a tribute in silver to her daughter’s journey.

Turning Objects into Jewelry

Working closely with her master designer Tricia, they set out to recreate the tool into a dimensional pendant—carefully modeling its structure in 3D while adapting it into a wearable and symbolic piece. It was important to preserve the essence of the original object while transforming it into something both elegant and enduring.

Tricia presented two design options, shown in the sketches below: one featuring a solid background with a raised, dimensional tripod design, and the other with a cut-out silhouette for a lighter, more modern look. In the end, Oksana chose the cut-out design—striking the perfect balance between symbolism and subtlety.

Concept sketch by JewelryThis showing Design Option 1 – Solid background

Concept sketch by JewelryThis showing Design Option 2 – Cut out design

As a final touch, Oksana chose to set a diamond in the lens of the pendant—a detail that echoed the glint of the original tool. and adding a delicate sparkle that brings both beauty and deeper meaning to the piece.

Once the design was complete, we produced a high-quality, photo-realistic rendering to give Oksana a clear vision of the finished pendant. Seeing the piece brought to life in such detail allowed her to fully appreciate the transformation—from a functional object into a deeply personal and beautifully crafted piece of jewelry.

3D digital design

The Finished Piece: A Lasting Reminder

Crafted in sterling silver with a lab-grown diamond set in the lens, the finished pendant is both precise and personal. It captures the spirit of the original tool while transforming it into a refined, wearable symbol of achievement. More than just jewelry, it’s a meaningful celebration of a milestone—something her daughter can wear with pride and treasure for years to come.

Finished pendant in sterling silver with a lab-grown diamond set in the lens

“I’m very happy I found JewelryThis. The design team worked closely with me to discuss any design questions, they were updating me on the progress and were quick to respond to my questions that I had. It was beautiful!! I couldn’t believe they did it! ” – Oksana-

Jewelry That Tells a Story

This project reminds us that jewelry can do more than mark birthdays or anniversaries. It can celebrate growth, effort, and the quiet victories that shape who we are. Whether it’s a professional achievement, a life transition, or a moment of pride, custom jewelry can capture it in a form that lasts.

If you have a tool, object, or part that holds meaning—tied to a memory, a passion, or a personal milestone—what if you could turn it into jewelry? Whether it’s in your life or a loved one’s that deserves to be remembered, we’d be honored to help you transform it into something truly beautiful.