The Marina Aquamarine Ring - jewellery redesign
The brief for this heirloom jewellery redesign project was ‘Jazzy Cocktail Ring’!
A friend showed me a lovely white gold and aquamarine ring that she had owned for many years, but rarely wore. It was a very a pretty ring, but this is a lady who owns a lot of lovely day rings, and wanted to use it as the starting point of a full-on bling ‘jazzy’ cocktail ring!
For this jewellery design project I wanted to incorporate some sparkly tiny blue diamonds in a halo around her aquamarine, and with the addition of some white sapphires from an inherited ring, I thought we had some stunning ingredients to start designing with!
After a chat to discuss Clare’s needs (and to find out her ring size)! I set to creating some design ideas. Her chosen design was then converted into a CAD drawing, 3D printed, cast in 18ct white gold and the gems were set!
The client's rings
the initial jewellery redesign ideas
the favourite design
developing the design
taking the clients rings apart
the CAD drawings
the CAD drawings
the CAD renderings
the blue diamonds
the loose blue diamonds
the resin casting ring elements
the cast white gold
me modelling the finished ring redesign
bringing the casting pieces together
ready for the client
Aquamarine redesigned ring
Aquamarine redesigned ring
Aquamarine redesigned ring
“I just wanted to tell you how delighted I am with The Marina ring. To marry together the old and the new and come out with a redesigned jewel that looks vintage is genius.
The sentimental attachment I had to my old Aquamarine has only been enhanced, by incorporating my Aunt's ring. The two together bring years of history to a new beginning and by encircling them with the unusual darker stones you have created something truly magical. Thank you I love it.”
— Clare
Things to consider when you want to commission bespoke piece of jewellery or a jewellery redesign using preloved gems:
Budget
What would you like to spend on a piece of bespoke jewellery? Once you know what you would like to spend, we can discuss possible options. My jewellery designs are adaptable to fit a budget, but it is important to remember that many pieces of off-the-shelf jewellery are made in set designs and to make them quickly they are made from pre-cast metal components and uniform calibrated gems. Bear in mind that remodelling and desiging jewellery into bespoke pieces means that they are hand-made to suit the individual gemstones and diamonds, which takes considerable craftsmanship and time, and is priced accordingly.
For bespoke jewellery commissions I charge a design fee of £250+VAT up-front and when the design and quote of the piece is agreed, I ask for the balance before it goes into production.
Family jewellery
If sentimental gemstones or jewellery are languishing in your safe (or sock drawer!), perhaps it is time to think about remodelling the old jewellery into a lovely new piece of jewellery that you’ll love to wear. Jewellery redesign projects are really special, because honouring your family gems in a new wearable piece of jewellery creates a new chapter in their legacy.
Timeline
Bespoke jewellery takes time and sometimes there are many steps involved in the creation process: Briefing, design, sourcing gemstones, making, setting, hallmarking and polishing the finished piece. Communication is key, and if decisions are made quickly, the process will be much faster. If you're not sure what you are looking for, we can discuss your ideas and help you on your way. Get in touch and we will start the process of making something beautiful that can be cherished and worn forever.
Design process
Once we have decided on a budget and an estimated delivery date, we can plan in the designs. The more information you can give me, the better. But we can discuss the recipient and their loves, interests and life, that was I can help design the perfect piece!
Vouchers
You can also purchase a gift voucher in my shop that can be used in full or part payment for a bespoke design.