The Tanzanite and Aquamarine birthday Necklace
Matching the gorgeous blues of tanzanite and aquamarine for a very special birthday.
Now, I know that Nicole LOVES Tanzanite - whenever she sees my jewellery in person, her hands gravitate to my tanzanite rings … and for very good reason too - it’s a vibrant colour that would really suit her and it’s an amazing, rare gem!
I also know Nicole loves standout coloured gems, as I’ve created some stunning pieces for her in the past. So being able to design a one-off necklace for her landmark Birthday was a total pleasure for me! Nicole is Australian, so, given the go-ahead with a good 14 month lead time before her birthday (thanks John), I started by looking at some Aussie gemstones like parti-sapphires and opals, but nothing really had the gravitas I wanted for her to enjoy.
I kept circling back to Tanzanite, and was leading down the path of an emerald cut, to match the sapphire ring she wears. But then I found something rather fabulous - A true-blue Aquamarine in an elegant marquise shape that was mined on her birthday in 2024! I was captivated by the shape, but at just under 2ct, it was simply too small for Nicole as a solitaire (am I wrong N?) But I realised it was a fabulous accompaniment to something bigger and would harmonise with the deeper blues of tanzanite, so then the hunt was one for a significant Tanzanite to create the full design.
After a little sketching I realised that a pear shape would sit beautifully in a tall elegant setting with the marquise and sourced this incredible flawless 7.8ct tanzanite to set in a simple platinum setting. Memorable, colourful and impactful - much like Nicole herself! Happy Birthday lovely!
Aquamarine gemstone
The aquamarine's mining report
Initial sketches of gem shape combinations
The rough tanzanite
the polished tanzanite
the design concepts in photoshop
seeing the gems together for the first time
the platinum settings
the finished necklace
the finished necklace
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.