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birthdesigns

Hand-Forged Custom Sterling Silver Jewelry

Tacoma, Washington
5,055 Sales | 5 out of 5 stars 5 out of 5 stars

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birthdesigns is taking a short break

Note from shop owner We are taking a bit more time to rebuild after our fire. We are available if you contact us, but our shop is closed until reconstruction is complete - likely 1 Sept 2022. All current orders have been refunded. Thank you for your support and understanding.

Note from shop owner

Last updated on Aug 4, 2022

We are taking a bit more time to rebuild after our fire. We are available if you contact us, but our shop is closed until reconstruction is complete - likely 1 Sept 2022. All current orders have been refunded. Thank you for your support and understanding.

Bonnie Swensrud

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Bonnie Swensrud

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About birthdesigns

Sales 5,055
On Etsy since 2007

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  • I've been in business making silver designs and stamping custom messages since 2001! Featured in over 100 publications.
  • Light, domed ring with custom stamping inside and/or out.
  • Extra thick, heirloom sterling silver cuff. Can be stamped inside and/or out with any personal characters or message.
  • "Fishers of Men" necklace with sterling silver hook as the centerpiece. Uniquely adjustable with sterling sliders.

Birthed in 2001 - Growing Every Day!

In the Beginning...
Birth Designs was founded in 2001 when leading up to the birth of my first child, I could not find the jewelry or greeting card designs I wanted in order to express the joy I was feeling. Later, I was again frustrated when I could not find a quality "nursing necklace" (a necklace worn when breastfeeding or bottle-feeding a child to help distract and entertain little hands). My passion renewed as I began researching and testing different stones, designs, and stringing materials that were suitable for nursing necklaces.

A Dream Begins
That was just the beginning of Birth Designs, however. In 2003, birthdesigns.com was launched. We began to find our niche. We specialize in classic, personalized pieces with a unique artisan flair. Why make jewelry that's like everyone else's out there? We wanted only the highest quality - something better - and items that hold real meaning, not just bling (while we love that too!) We are proud to offer both new and age-old styles and techniques - every single one of our pieces is made by hand, one by one, in our small west-coast studio. We have many retail boutiques and stores across the US, Canada, and the UK that carry our products, as well as a thriving shop at Etsy (www.birthdesigns.etsy.com). While I still forge all of the pendants and do all of the metalsmithing, I now have a small staff that helps out on busy holiday with all of those details that make your Birth Designs experience so special.

Recognition
It began small, with blogs, being featured on Etsy's front page, and indie artisan groups. In the past five years, Birth Designs has been featured on Stylebakery.com's Designers on the Rise, in PARENTS Magazine, PARENTING Magazine, Tips 'n Trends, EastWest Magazine, Midwifery Today, Complete Mother, The New Yorker, Seattle Child, Parent Map, WickedlyChic, SHEfinds & more! Our designs can be seen on celebrities and we've been featured in several LA fashion shows. We've also been spotlighted on over 100 blogs and counting. In 2013, we were featured in O Magazine as one of Oprah's "Favorite Things." We're always looking for new retailers to carry our products - both brick-and-mortar and online boutiques.

Thanks to You!
We are so grateful to our customers - and you are the inspiration for many of the concepts behind our designs. Thank you for stopping by our shop and taking a moment to read more about Birth Designs. Feel free to add yourself as a fan to our FaceBook page (www.facebook.com/birthdesigns), where we often post new designs and contests, or follow us on Twitter or Instagram. I am looking forward to providing you with that special piece of jewelry - no matter what season of life you are in at the moment.

Shop members

  • Bonnie Swensrud

    Owner, Maker, Designer, Silversmith

    Hi! My name is Bonnie, and every order is hand forged by fire & hammer in Tacoma, WA, USA by me! I have been working as a silversmith for over 22 years. Every piece ordered from my shop, comes personally from our family to you!!

  • Sean Swensrud

    Photographer, Customer Service, Maker

    Sean is my husband and partner! He takes care of our 5 children, keeps the house and studio, helps with order fulfillment, packaging, keeping me sane and fed, and so much more! Of late, he's been helping with the hydraulic press =)

  • Natalie Hernandez Alvarez

    Assistant

    Natalie is our oldest daughter - finishing up her BA at a local university. As my right-hand assistant in the studio, she helps with sorting, packaging, photography, customer service, and anything else that comes up. Couldn't do it without her!

Shop policies

More information

Last updated on May 11, 2022
Frequently asked questions
Wholesale availability

I offer wholesale pricing on many items for group buys and brick and mortar shops. You can find my wholesale line sheets on the Etsy wholesale site. Contact me for more information.

Custom and personalized orders

Since almost everything I make is custom, the best way to order and let me know is to take a look at the options available in the item description for that listing.

Don't worry - I'll never make your order without checking for your personalization, if it was not included with your order.

I can make just about anything, so if you don't see what you want in my shop, just message me and I can discuss a quote, options, and even a custom listing should you wish.

My fonts here: bonniejeanmetalsmith.com/pages/fonts
My finishes here: bonniejeanmetalsmith.com/pages/finishes
My symbols here: bonniejeanmetalsmith.com/pages/symbols

Remember, not all fonts, finishes, or symbols are available on all pieces.

What is the timing of items you make? When will they ship?

Most retail items ship within about 1-2 weeks from order date. IF YOU NEED AN ITEM SOONER than the listed forging time, contact me - often I can get a single order out sooner if requested.

Exceptions: During busy holidays, it can take longer. If you are needing it for a specific occasion or date, check with me and make sure you'll receive it in time, or purchase express postage.

Sometimes, items ship SOONER, because they are ready-stock. If this is the case, the listing will state that.

Any any case - if you need something by a certain time - please contact me and double check. If I know, I can help. If I don't know... it is subject to fate.

Gift wrapping and packaging

Yes! All of our items arrive in professional packaging, with an information card about our items. Very suitable for gift giving. No receipt is included (saving a tree and also your recipient) because you can view it online at any time.

Gift cards handwritten upon request - no charge!

Sizing details

Since I actually hand- forge my items, most of them can be altered, changed, sized, etc. I try to be very thorough in my descriptions, but I encourage you to ask if you need a sizing exception. I can usually accommodate - and happily!