I love Crystal’s story! Not only is it a transformation story, but it was a surprise ever for me!
It all started when Crystal’s fiancé called to have an engagement ring custom made with a fancy yellow diamond set in the center. He also mentioned that he’ll be coming with Crystal! Usually when couples come in together it’s not a surprise, however this was very much a surprise in a very unique way! Crystal had no idea where she had come and why. Once we were all seated, her fiancé asked me to let Crystal know what was going on, which was a shock to me as much as it was to her! Crystal is absolutely adorable, she’s an incredibly delightful and stylish young lady and a joy to work with! She described what she likes and based on her hand structure we both agreed that a cushion shape center stone and design would be the most complementary look to her lovely hand.
Crystal and her fiancé then came in for the second time and brought two heirloom rings that her fiancé’s mom had given them. One was a period piece in platinum with a floral motif that had a cushion shape to it with the center section missing. The other piece was a newer diamond cluster ring in white gold.
Heirloom Platinum Estate Ring
White Gold Diamond Cluster Ring
Their idea was to make a piece that would go into the missing center section of the beautiful floral ring, fill it with diamonds from the cluster ring, then make a basket and set a suitable cushion cut fancy yellow diamond. A fantastic idea to bring back to life the platinum floral ring and to put into use the diamonds from an out-dated cluster ring.
I first took out the diamonds from the cluster ring to measure their sizes, then grouped the similar sizes together. I was able to sort out a few matching larger stones and a good number of matching smaller ones.
I arranged the larger ones for the right and left sides of the ring and the smaller ones for the top and bottom portion of the ring. This arrangement would give me the cushion shape that I was going for. Based on the size of the stones and the space that was required for setting, I had the center yellow gold section made.
Last but certainly not least, I found a cushion cut fancy yellow diamond for the center stone. Then I made its basket in yellow gold and put the entire ring together. Once all the pieces were soldered together, the diamond setter set the appropriate diamonds in the indicated spaces!
Here’s an image of the ring showing the new yellow gold center section with the original platinum ring all polished and clean!
Platinum Ring With Its New yellow Gold Center Section Ready to go for setting!
Here’s Crystal’s ring all finished!
Crystal’s Engagement Ring
Side View Of Crystal’s Engagement Ring
Crystal’s fiancé picked up the ring and surprised Crystal again, this time, with her beautiful engagement ring.
Something old, something new—custom made just for you!
Enjoy your beautiful ring Crystal!
Cynthia
p.s. Here is a video I made:
