How Marlowe Optics Partnered with a Freelance Jewelry Designer on ZapMyWork to Create a Limited-Edition Line

A Collaboration That Sparkled: Marlowe Optics Meets Jewelry Design

Marlowe Optics, a company known for its premium eyewear with bold, architectural frames, wanted to try something different—blend its signature eyewear with bespoke jewelry details. This wasn’t about adding decorative flair just for the sake of it. They envisioned an entirely new line—one that would blur the line between functional eyewear and high-end accessory. Think frames that didn’t just sit on your face but finished a look, like a statement necklace or a designer cuff.

They weren’t interested in mass-produced embellishments or off-the-shelf parts. What they had in mind required a more thoughtful approach—one rooted in craftsmanship and intentional design. They needed someone who could look at their product through a fresh lens, quite literally. Someone with a strong design perspective and the technical skills to translate abstract concepts into wearable art.

With only a handful of people on their internal creative team and no jewelry designer on staff, they knew outsourcing was the best option. But this wasn’t a task to hand off casually. It required a designer who could do it all—from early concept sketches to 3D CAD files ready for production.

That’s when they turned to ZapMyWork, a freelance services marketplace known for connecting businesses with independent creative professionals. They weren’t just looking for someone to draw up a few ideas—they needed a full-scope partner who could dive into the creative process, offer material and construction guidance, and deliver production-ready designs. Within days of posting the project in the Fashion & Jewelry category, they found the right match.

The Challenge: Merging Function with Style

The project wasn’t just about adding sparkle to eyewear. It required careful thought and a precise balance of form and function. Marlowe Optics wasn’t looking for surface-level glamour—they wanted refinement that felt intentional. Every decision, from the placement of a gemstone to the angle of a metal inlay, had to support both the aesthetics and the wearability of the final product.

Balance and Weight

One of the first challenges was figuring out how to incorporate jewelry elements without compromising comfort. Eyewear already requires a precise distribution of weight to avoid pressure points on the nose and ears. Add metal, stones, or chainwork in the wrong place, and the frame could become awkward—or worse, unwearable. The design needed to stay lightweight while still feeling substantial, and any additions had to hold up to everyday movement and wear.

The freelancer, Isla Dune, approached this by using hollow metal forms and recommending lightweight, lab-grown gemstones. She carefully adjusted thicknesses and dimensions in the CAD models so the jewelry features wouldn’t throw off the balance or cause stress on the hinges.

Design Harmony

It wasn’t enough to tack on something shiny. The design had to make sense. Jewelry elements needed to flow with the lines of the frame—not compete with them. The additions had to look like they belonged there, as if they were part of the original design language of Marlowe Optics' collections.

Isla spent time studying the company’s past eyewear releases to understand their aesthetic language. She played with negative space, geometric forms, and subtle motifs that echoed the angles of the frame. In the final designs, everything felt cohesive—no part looked like an afterthought.

Limited-Run Exclusivity

This wasn’t a high-volume product. Marlowe Optics was planning a small-batch drop, and they needed each piece to convey the level of intention and refinement that would justify its higher price point. That meant attention to even the smallest details.

Material choices had to be just right—not only beautiful, but capable of holding up over time. Isla helped them choose between matte gold plating, brushed titanium, and custom patinas. She even recommended techniques like laser engraving and hand-polished finishes to create subtle texture. Custom packaging was also part of the discussion, reinforcing the idea that this wasn’t just another accessory—it was a collector’s item.

Enter the Freelance Jewelry Designer

Marlowe Optics hired Isla Dune, a freelance jewelry designer they discovered on ZapMyWork. What stood out about Isla wasn’t just her portfolio—it was her versatility. With a background in both metalsmithing and wearable tech, she had a rare blend of artistry and engineering. She knew how to make a piece look beautiful and function flawlessly, which was exactly what this project needed.

From the beginning, Isla approached the collaboration as a creative partner rather than just a contractor. She took the time to understand the story behind Marlowe Optics’ brand—how their frames were inspired by geometry, architecture, and clean lines—and found ways to bring that language into her designs.

What Isla Brought to the Table

● Mood Board Creation and Concept Sketching
Before any files were opened or specs discussed, Isla started with visuals. She pulled together a mood board that blended inspiration from art deco jewelry, futuristic metals, and even vintage mechanical watch parts. This gave the Marlowe team a visual foundation to react to, which helped guide decisions early on. From there, she sketched multiple concept directions—some minimal, others bolder—so they could explore different vibes before committing.

● 3D CAD Modeling of Jewelry Embellishments
Once the direction was locked in, Isla shifted to digital modeling. She created precise 3D CAD designs that showed how the jewelry elements would integrate with both acetate and metal frames. These weren’t just decorative pieces—they were engineered with proper tolerances and functional placement, ensuring they wouldn’t interfere with frame durability or comfort.

● Material Sourcing Advice
One area where Isla really made an impact was with materials. She didn’t just suggest gold or silver and call it a day. Instead, she walked the team through options like brushed steel for an industrial edge, rose gold for a warm, contemporary feel, and hematite plating for a moody, almost gunmetal-like finish. Her insight helped Marlowe choose finishes that matched their design goals and worked well with their manufacturing partners’ capabilities.

● Vendor-Ready Production Files
By the time the designs were approved, Isla had prepared a full suite of production files. Every measurement, curve, and groove was accounted for. These files were plug-and-play ready for Marlowe's eyewear manufacturer, which saved time and reduced the back-and-forth that usually happens in the prototyping stage.

● Packaging Design Consultation
Even the unboxing experience wasn’t left to chance. Isla suggested adding small touches—like a soft microfiber pouch embroidered with the collection’s symbol, and a magnetic case with metallic foil stamping—that elevated the feel of the product right out of the box. Her input made sure the packaging felt just as refined as the product itself.

Isla wasn’t just a jewelry designer—she was a design problem solver. Her ability to bridge style and precision made her the ideal freelance partner for Marlowe Optics. Thanks to the flexibility of working with her through ZapMyWork, the project moved quickly and smoothly from concept to production.

Design Meets Function: The Collection

The result was a thoughtfully crafted three-piece collection that seamlessly merged the clean geometry of eyewear with the intricacy of fine jewelry. This wasn’t a decorative afterthought—it was a conversation between design disciplines, where jewelry and eyewear informed one another. Each frame had its own personality, but together, they told a cohesive story of bold refinement.

The Iris Frame

Arguably the most daring piece in the collection, The Iris was built around the idea of movement. Isla designed a series of detachable sterling silver chains that clipped discreetly to the temples. Each chain featured geometric charms—cubes, half-moons, and open circles—that caught the light with every turn of the head.

The charms weren’t just ornamental. Their shape echoed motifs found in Marlowe Optics’ previous frame designs, creating a visual link to the brand’s DNA. The chain could be worn draped like jewelry or removed entirely for a clean, pared-down look. That duality—statement-making yet versatile—made The Iris a favorite among stylists and early testers.

The Nova

A reinterpretation of the classic aviator, The Nova pushed boundaries while remaining wearable. Isla gave the frame a sleeker, more angular silhouette and introduced subtle gemstone detailing at the temples. Rather than opt for something flashy, she chose small, precision-cut black spinels that sat flush with the metal frame—offering a quiet glimmer instead of a sparkle.

The design was inspired by the idea of hidden luxury: details that only reveal themselves up close. With its jet-toned accents and sharp edges, The Nova struck a balance between rugged structure and elegant subtlety. It felt tailored for someone who appreciates modern design but doesn’t want to shout about it.

The Astrid

The Astrid was the most minimal of the trio, but it made a lasting impression. A sculpted cat-eye frame with understated curves, it featured ultra-thin metal inlays micro-engraved with a fine, repeating pattern. The engraving, done using a laser technique Isla had recommended, added a layer of sophistication that wasn’t immediately visible but gave the frame texture and depth.

Unlike The Iris and The Nova, which leaned more into embellishment, The Astrid was all about precision and restraint. It was the kind of piece that invited a second look—not because it demanded attention, but because it rewarded it.

Each design blended industrial lines with soft elegance—something that felt genuinely fresh for Marlowe Optics. Instead of overpowering the frames, the jewelry accents worked with them, enhancing their form and character. What could have felt gimmicky ended up as a harmonious blend of fashion-forward design and functional craftsmanship. For Marlowe, it wasn’t just about creating new products—it was about expanding what their brand could be.

Why ZapMyWork Made the Difference

The team at Marlowe Optics appreciated that ZapMyWork wasn’t just another freelance platform with a sea of generalists. From the start, it felt tailored to businesses that needed specialized talent. Instead of sifting through profiles that only half-fit the project, they were able to zero in on creatives who focused specifically on what they were looking for—jewelry design with a fashion-forward edge.

The search process felt intuitive. Within minutes, they could filter by category, review real portfolios, and get a sense of each freelancer’s style and capabilities. Being able to directly message candidates allowed them to gauge communication style and process—two things that mattered just as much as design skill.

What Stood Out About Using ZapMyWork

● Niche talent was easy to find
The platform’s organized service categories—like Fashion & Jewelry—meant they didn’t have to dig or guess which freelancers had the right background. It was all clearly laid out. Profiles were detailed, with portfolios that included past client work, concept sketches, and even behind-the-scenes process shots. That level of visibility made it much easier to make a confident hire.

● Transparent pricing and clear project scopes
No one on Marlowe’s team wanted to deal with vague proposals or surprise fees. With ZapMyWork, they appreciated how freelancers outlined what was included—deliverables, timelines, revisions, and pricing—upfront. This made it easier for the team to compare options, stay within budget, and avoid delays due to misunderstandings later on.

● Built-in tools for collaboration
Rather than juggling separate email threads and file-sharing links, the team used ZapMyWork’s project dashboard to stay organized. They could leave comments on uploaded sketches, review CAD files, and approve final deliverables all in one place. The ability to track feedback and revisions directly through the platform saved time and minimized confusion.

● A smooth, efficient timeline
From the moment they posted the job to receiving final production files, the project moved faster than they expected—just under 30 days from start to finish. The freelancer’s responsiveness played a role, of course, but having everything centralized on ZapMyWork helped keep the momentum going. Even when they needed a few last-minute tweaks to the packaging specs, the back-and-forth was quick and seamless.

For Marlowe Optics, this wasn’t just a one-time project. Their experience with ZapMyWork gave them a new sense of what was possible when working with freelance creatives: flexibility, efficiency, and access to high-quality work without the overhead of expanding their full-time team. It changed how they think about creative partnerships moving forward.

A Stylish Outcome—and a Stronger Brand

The limited-edition collection was originally intended as an experiment—a creative test to see how Marlowe Optics’ audience would respond to something a little outside their usual wheelhouse. There was curiosity, sure, but also a fair amount of caution. Internally, the team framed it as a one-off drop: a three-piece capsule to spark interest, showcase the brand’s evolving aesthetic, and learn from the results.

But the reaction caught them off guard—in the best way.

As soon as the collection was announced via their email list and social channels, interest surged. Pre-orders opened and began filling up within hours. Influencers in the fashion and accessories space started posting unsolicited shoutouts. Customers who had never bought from Marlowe before said they were drawn in specifically by the jewelry elements—they saw the frames not just as functional eyewear, but as wearable art.

By the end of the second week, every unit was gone. No backstock. No leftover pieces for the showroom. Just a waitlist full of people asking when the next drop would be.

Looking Ahead: New Possibilities and Continued Collaboration

The success of the launch prompted an internal shift. What started as a side experiment quickly became a core opportunity. The team began brainstorming seasonal capsule collections—frames designed in tandem with freelance jewelry artists, released in limited quantities a few times a year. It was a way to stay creatively fresh and maintain that sense of exclusivity that customers clearly loved.

And Isla? She’s already back on the schedule. After the smooth collaboration and impressive outcome, Marlowe Optics reached out to secure her for the upcoming fall/winter release. This time, they’re building the collection around darker tones, layered metals, and subtle chain accents—concepts Isla has already begun sketching out.

A Valuable Lesson in Flexibility

For Marlowe, the experience underscored something they hadn’t fully appreciated before:
You don’t need to bring every skill in-house to do high-quality, boundary-pushing work.

Hiring Isla through ZapMyWork gave them:

• Creative firepower without adding permanent headcount

• The ability to test ideas quickly without committing to long-term contracts

• Fresh perspective from someone who wasn’t buried in internal brand norms

It turned out to be the perfect middle ground—scaling their creative output while keeping the process lean and flexible. And in the end, that agility helped them pull off one of the most successful product launches in the company’s history.

Thinking of Doing Something Similar?

If you’ve got a product line that could benefit from a unique design perspective—whether it’s accessories, custom gifts, or elevated packaging details—ZapMyWork offers a simple, streamlined way to find the right creative partner.

Instead of trying to force a one-size-fits-all approach, the platform allows you to connect with freelancers who live and breathe niche design work. Whether you’re envisioning jewelry accents on wearable products, limited-edition packaging, or statement accessories, there are talented creatives ready to collaborate and bring your concept to life.

At ZapMyWork, you’re not lost in a general marketplace. You can go straight to the Fashion & Jewelry category and find specialists who focus on things like:

• Fine metalwork and accessory design

• Gemstone layout and material selection

• 3D modeling for jewelry components

• Design integration for eyewear, handbags, packaging, and more

A Few Tips When Hiring a Jewelry Design Freelancer on ZapMyWork

Whether it’s your first time or you’re refining an existing product, these tips can help you get the most out of the collaboration:

● Request both sketches and renders
Early concepts should be sketched out, but don’t stop there. Ask for digital renders or CAD files to visualize how the design will look in three dimensions. This helps prevent miscommunication later on and gives your manufacturer exactly what they need.

● Confirm what’s included in the scope
Not every designer includes production files or vendor-ready documents by default. Before starting, make sure you’re both clear on the deliverables—are you getting just the visuals, or also the CAD files, material specs, and packaging mockups?

● Talk materials early
If your product will be physically produced, material sourcing can make or break the outcome. A good designer can advise on everything from plating finishes to gemstone alternatives that stay within budget but maintain visual impact.

● Leave room for creative input
You may have a strong vision—but some of the best ideas often come from back-and-forth dialogue. Many freelancers bring years of design problem-solving to the table. Let them push your idea just a bit further—you might be surprised by where it goes.

Looking for someone who understands the details that make a product unforgettable?

Head over to ZapMyWork.com and browse the Fashion & Jewelry section. You’ll find skilled freelancers ready to partner with you on custom design projects—whether it’s a jewelry-infused product line, personalized packaging, or something entirely original.

You bring the idea. They’ll help make it tangible.