The Nicole blue sapphire and diamond ring
The long awaited 10th wedding anniversary present!
Originally planned as an aquamarine cocktail ring, we decided to change the gemstone to something suitable for more regular wear and we decided on a sapphire centre stone instead.
Sometimes is takes me a while to find the right gemstone, however my lovely gem dealer Jason showed me this gorgeous ~5ct emerald cut sapphire and I knew it would be perfect!
Nicole came to see the gem and loved it too, so it was time to design the ring!
I sketched up some ideas with different diamonds on the shoulders and then took the designs into Photoshop for her to view.
Nicole and I joked about how quickly we had found the right sapphire and we discussed whether the ring would be ready for Christmas …
Spoiler alert: the pandemic had other plans …
Nicole chose the style with the trapeze-cut diamonds and so I went to look at some options. Lining the three stones up for reference is tricky, so I ended up laying on the floor under a glass table to see the three stones together - you can just make me out wearing a mask in the reflection! - What we do for our art!!
The platinum ring went into production, but straight away we went into Lockdown three and the ring spent a lonely time locked away in a safe in London before I could come down and collect it!
I’m pleased to say that I got to be there when John handed over the ring box to Nicole, and she loves the finished piece!
As this sapphire was a few million years in the making, I think it was happy to wait a few more months for its forever home!
initial ring designs
developing the ring design
checking out the sapphire
finalising the design
the sapphire
the sapphire
choosing the diamonds
choosing the diamonds
making the platinum mount
the platinum mount
the final platinum ring
the final platinum ring
the final platinum ring
the platinum, sapphire and diamond ring ready for collection
“My husband and I were approaching a milestone anniversary and my husband wanted to buy me an eternity ring. Jade had previously designed the most amazing necklace for my birthday so the choice for a ring designer was easy!
Working with Jade was a delight from the outset. I had some very simple ideas and over a number of meet ups Jade and I discussed my ideas. What I later realised is that through these discussions Jade was not only formulating a design but thinking through what gemstones and materials would work best.
Jade has an amazing eye for design which is complemented with a deep knowledge of gemstones and jewellery making. Jade quickly located the perfect gemstone and came to me with a number of ring designs – in all honesty, they were all beautiful and I would have been happy with any of them. In the end I picked the perfect design.
Thank you Jade for my beautiful eternity ring and a thoroughly enjoyable design process!”
Nicole
Things to consider when you want to commission bespoke piece of jewellery:
Budget
What would you like to spend? Once you know what you would like to spend, we can discuss possible options. My 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 bespoke pieces are hand-made to suit the individual gemstones and diamonds, which takes considerable craftsmanship and time, and is priced accordingly.
For bespoke 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 redesigning them into something you’ll love to wear.
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.