As life goes on, it’s natural for our styles and preferences to change. When change happens, people sometimes feel guilty about its impact on sentimental jewelry. But it’s important to remember that jewelry is an expression of you. Who you are and what you love can change, and that’s okay!
When this client came to me, she hadn’t worn her engagement ring or wedding band for years. As a young bride, she had opted for what was popular at the time: the classic white-gold diamond set in a halo. Ten years and two kids later, the rings no longer fit and were damaged. Her active lifestyle didn’t mesh well with a prong-set ring, and she was missing stones from her halo. However, she still loved her central diamond and everything it symbolized.
Together, we set out to design something uniquely hers that she could wear every day.
In-Studio Design Session
To start off, this client came down to my studio for an in-person design session. I pulled out several different pieces and she pointed out elements she loved from each. She was initially drawn to the Dandelion Double ring but also liked the climbing vines style of the Deux-Vignes Cuff.
I was very excited to design a ring with a vine-like style, which would fit in nicely with the Bonjour Belle Collection. This is a great example of how commission pieces allow me to continue to evolve my permanent collections over time.
Design Details
After our design session, I built a model in silver for the client to see. The double ring had little flower bud details, creating a twisting vine effect. To better compliment her skin tone, we opted for a yellow gold ring rather than the white gold of her original ring. Our next step was determining the best way to incorporate the beautiful 3/4ct diamond from her original wedding ring. Given her active lifestyle, I suggested going with a bezel setting. The client liked the idea but wanted something that would let in light and keep her stone sparkling.
Personalized Details
This client attended LSU for college and has deep connections to New Orleans, so when I found a bezel with a fleur-de-lis pattern from one of my suppliers, I immediately called her. The bezel was the perfect way to incorporate her personal history with components within the aesthetic, all while achieving her goal of letting light into the bezel.
Final Design
The final design of this ring is the ultimate combination of all the design elements we were aiming for from the beginning, with lots of personalization sprinkled throughout. The ring is very symmetrical with a highly textured band and the stone low-set in the bezel, perfect for an active lifestyle. The diamond actually sparkles even more in this new setting!
The best part is that the ring now fits the client perfectly, matches her personality, and is something she genuinely enjoys wearing every day. For a designer, this is the ultimate reward!
