Every year I get numerous requests to redesign a ring. The scope of work may range from minimum to a complete transformation of the ring, all depending on what each customer is open and ready for. In the following three blog posts, I’m going to show you some of my creations. I created each design according to each customer’s existing stone, hand structure, personal style and lifestyle and the amount of transformation that they were ready for. Get ready to be inspired by the magic of ring redesign!
Margaret’s story: A complete engagement ring makeover
Margaret's original engagement ring consisted of a center Asscher cut diamond flanked by trapezoid diamonds, all three diamonds were bezel set in a heavy platinum setting that tapered down to a thinner band on the back side.
Need to take into consideration: Margaret's finger is smaller where the ring sits and much wider at her knuckle. Since the ring was much thinner at the bottom section, the majority of the ring’s weight was on the top. Given Margaret’s finger structure, and the top heavy mounting, the ring would always rotate on her finger. Over time, Margaret’s knuckle got larger to the point that she could no longer take her ring off so she had the ring cut off.
The New ring: Margaret was ready for a complete make over of her ring using her original three diamonds. Given her skin tone, yellow gold looked much more suitable and happier. She definitely needed a wider band so the weight of the ring would be evenly distributed on her finger. She wanted diamonds continuing on the band to have more of a sparkle effect and an overall low setting since she has an active lifestyle.
To show the beauty of her diamonds, I made a refined and angular style of bezel for each of her three diamonds while keeping the overall height low. For the band section, to achieve the sparkle effect, I put small emerald cut diamonds. To widen the band without getting too heavy on the metal, I put my signature Flower Beads design on either side of the entire ring, creating a framing effect. I stopped the small emerald cut diamonds halfway on the band, for comfort given Margaret's active lifestyle, while keeping the width the same all around so the weight is distributed evenly all around the ring.
Here’s a video of Margaret’s before and after! A substantial yet refined, elegant and functional ring for Margaret.
Karin’s story: Father and daughter surprised mom with a new engagement ring
Greg and his daughter came in with Karin's bridal set; a solitaire gold setting with a round brilliant cut diamond in between two gold swirl designs and a wide gold wedding band. They wanted to surprise Karin with a new ring incorporating the original round diamond.
They showed me pictures of Karin to help me understand her avant-garde style – a blend of elegance with an edge. I sketched a few ideas, including my signature Comet ring. They were captivated by the design and they both agreed that it captured Karin’s essence. Since their original diamond was a round brilliant cut, I suggested adding a pear shaped diamond next to it.
I first had the original round diamond polished and then sourced a few matching pear-shaped diamonds. With my guidance, Greg picked his favorite pear diamond and I made the Comet ring given the two stones’ measurements. Greg was thrilled with the finished piece and then he surprised his wife with her stunning new engagement ring!
Karin loved her new engagement ring and she came in personally to show it. Next is a suitable diamond wedding ring for her new engagement ring. Stay tuned!
Shaz’s story: Engagement ring redo for a returning client
I initially met Shaz and her husband a few years ago. She wasn’t quite ready yet for an engagement ring redo, even though it was on her mind. What we started with was a new wedding band. She loved my Flower Bead design and that was the wedding band I created for her using diamonds from her original wedding band.
Last year, Shaz and her husband returned! This time she was ready to redo her engagement ring. Her original engagement ring consisted of a center round brilliant cut diamond with a cluster of three diamonds on each side.
Need to take into consideration: The diamonds used in the cluster of three were too large, overpowering her center diamond. The band was too thick on the sides, drawing the eye away from the center. It was thinner towards the back of the ring causing the ring to rotate on her finger.
New ring: Shaz wanted to have a focal point, a ring that pops on her finger and at the same time not have a complete change in design. Given her finger structure, she needed an element of contrast; a ring that has a larger center section and then tapers down. Since she was open to having a halo, I suggested using the leftover diamonds from her original wedding band and making a scalloped, almost floral like halo. The scalloped outline of the halo would be cohesive with her Flower Bead wedding band which also has a scalloped outline. I would then use the cluster of the three diamonds from her original engagement ring on either side of the halo. The band would be much wider at the back, balancing the weight that’s on the top section of her ring. Then pinch it so it gets narrower as it approaches the cluster of the three diamonds. This gives it a pop and the contrast that it needs. A beautiful transition from the large center to the smaller sides.
When the ring was completed, Shaz and her husband came in to pick up. Shaz was nervous, but as she opened the ring box, tears of joy started pouring down. It was an emotional moment, bringing her husband and myself to tears!
Now Shaz rocks her new bridal set, everyday!!
I believe that jewelry should be more than an adornment; it should capture the wearer’s essence. I’m incredibly grateful for the trust and opportunity to envision and create for my customers.
Interested in learning more about how I can help you bring your jewelry dreams to reality? Contact me today for a consultation. I'd love to create something truly special and one-of-a-kind just for you!
