{"id":12968,"date":"2026-05-26T17:01:29","date_gmt":"2026-05-26T21:01:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dunejewelry.com\/blog\/?p=12968"},"modified":"2026-05-27T12:07:03","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T16:07:03","slug":"wood-sand-story-meet-drift-by-stonington-designs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dunejewelry.com\/blog\/wood-sand-story-meet-drift-by-stonington-designs\/","title":{"rendered":"Wood, Sand & Story: Meet Drift by Stonington Designs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Wood, Sand & Story: Meet Drift by Stonington Designs<\/span><\/h1>\n

Two of the rarest natural elements on earth, wood and sand, come together in a refined collection rooted in craftsmanship, permanence, and place.<\/span><\/p>\n

Created in collaboration with Drift by Stonington Designs<\/a>, the Drifting Dune Double Channel Ring<\/a> pairs natural hardwood with selected sand and earth elements from Dune Jewelry\u2019s Sandbank. One material is shaped by time and tide. The other grows slowly over years, carrying the grain, depth, and character of the natural world.<\/span><\/p>\n

Together, they create a modern heirloom<\/a> designed to hold story, memory, and connection for a lifetime.<\/span><\/p>\n

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A Collaboration Rooted in Craftsmanship<\/span><\/h2>\n

Drift by Stonington Designs was founded by husband-and-wife duo Rich and Michelle Drake<\/a>, whose work blends artistry, sustainability, and American craftsmanship. From their Connecticut workshop, they create handcrafted jewelry from reclaimed natural woods, giving meaningful materials a second life through work made by hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Rich\u2019s background as a craftsman and process engineer allows the couple to manufacture jewelry components in-house, ensuring quality at every step. Michelle, an artist at the core of her being, brings a creative vision shaped by painting, design, and a deep appreciation for materials with history.<\/span><\/p>\n

Together, they have built a brand that honors natural materials, thoughtful design, and the beauty of making something lasting by hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

Giving Reclaimed Materials New Life<\/span><\/h2>\n

Over the years, Rich and Michelle saved end cuts of exotic woods from Rich\u2019s projects, committed to honoring every beautiful piece of material. In 2022, after taking a basket weaving class, Michelle found the perfect inspiration: handcrafted jewelry.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Refined and rooted in nature, this unisex ring makes the perfect father’s day gift.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Blending traditional weaving techniques with sustainable design, they launched Drift by Stonington Designs in January 2023, creating distinctive reclaimed wood jewelry in their Connecticut workshop.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Each design reflects a dedication to American craftsmanship, sustainable practices, and thoughtful design, transforming reclaimed materials into jewelry with depth, texture, and meaning.<\/span><\/p>\n

Supporting Military Families Through Craft<\/span><\/h2>\n

As Stonington Designs grew, Michelle recognized the need for additional help with weaving. What began as a family conversation soon became a meaningful program inspired by their daughter-in-law Donna, who is married to their son Michael, an Air Force pilot.<\/span><\/p>\n

Donna\u2019s experience at a faraway base sparked the idea for what is now Stonington Designs\u2019 Military Spouse Weaving Program.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The program offers military spouses free training, earning potential, and the opportunity for a flexible at-home work schedule. For families often far from home and family support, especially while a spouse is deployed or serving, this work offers a way to learn a new skill while contributing to their family\u2019s bottom line.<\/span><\/p>\n

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It is a beautiful extension of Stonington\u2019s mission: to provide high-quality wooden designs that showcase innovation, artistry, and reclaimed materials while supporting military families.<\/span><\/p>\n

Introducing the Drifting Dune Double Channel Ring<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Drifting Dune Double Channel Ring brings this shared purpose into a refined unisex design<\/a> crafted with natural wood, real sand, and enduring materials.<\/span><\/p>\n

Formed in durable tungsten, the ring features two channels inlaid with natural hardwood and selected sand or earth elements from Dune Jewelry\u2019s Sandbank. Clean lines, organic texture, and lasting materials come together in a design shaped by place, memory, and American craftsmanship.<\/span><\/p>\n

Available with White Oak, Walnut, or Ebony, each wood carries its own natural character and symbolism:<\/span><\/p>\n