Custom Lion & Star of David Pendant

This project began with meaning, not materials.

The client came to us with a clear idea of what the pendant needed to represent. Strength, faith, and personal identity all had to exist in the same piece — not layered on, but built together from the start. The design needed presence, weight, and intention. Nothing symbolic could feel secondary.

The Hamsa shape was chosen as the foundation. Its outline gave the piece structure and balance, while allowing room for the elements that mattered most. From there, the focus shifted to the lion.

The lion was sculpted as a separate element, not engraved or flattened into the surface. The face was modeled in wax first, allowing the expression and depth to be refined before anything was cast. Attention was given to the mane, the brow, and the overall symmetry so the face would read clearly once finished in gold.

Once the lion form was finalized, the Star of David was introduced beneath it. Rather than sitting on top of the surface, the star was designed to integrate directly into the pendant. Its proportions were adjusted several times so it would feel connected to the rest of the piece rather than decorative.

Diamonds were added to the star to create contrast and definition without distracting from the overall design. The goal was clarity, not sparkle for its own sake.

The back of the pendant was treated with the same level of care as the front. A textured surface was applied, and Hebrew lettering was engraved to personalize the piece further. Even areas that wouldn’t be seen while worn were finished intentionally.

The structure of the pendant was built in layers, allowing the lion, star, and base to be assembled cleanly and securely. The bail was sized to support the weight of the piece and sit properly on a chain, ensuring it would wear comfortably.

Suggested images: disassembled gold components, internal construction views

Once assembled, the final piece came together exactly as planned. The lion sits forward with presence. The star is clearly defined without overpowering the design. The pendant feels solid in hand and balanced when worn.

This wasn’t about creating something delicate or subtle. It was about making a piece that holds meaning, carries weight, and feels personal every time it’s worn.

Suggested images: finished pendant front and back, worn or styled if available

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