The age-old tradition of "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" adds a touch of sentimentality to many weddings. But what if the engagement ring itself embodied this spirit? I recently helped a couple achieve just that, creating a stunning custom engagement ring that blended family history with modern flair.
Follow Haley and Malcolm, a lovely couple who came to me with a unique request. Haley was gifted a diamond – a precious heirloom passed down from her mother. This diamond held immense sentimental value, and Haley wanted to incorporate it into her dream engagement ring.
The picture I took of Haley’s mom's diamond when she came in for the initial consultation
My rough sketch for Haley’s engagement ring
The proposal was planned as a surprise for Haley. So moving forward, I only discussed the finer details and any design tweaks with Malcolm, ensuring Haley remained completely unaware of the ring's creation. This way, the moment of reveal would be filled with genuine awe and pure joy.
Haley’s two tone solitaire engagement ring with mom’s diamond
With the ring finished, I discreetly informed Malcolm it was ready for pickup. The excitement on his face as he held the ring was truly contagious! He later shared with me that Haley's reaction to the ring was everything he'd hoped for. She absolutely adored it, and the compliments she received filled them both with joy. Hearing this heartwarming story truly made my day. It's these moments of witnessing love stories come to life that make my work so special.
The engagement picture Malcolm and Haley sent me
The picture I took of Haley’s mom's diamond when she came in for the initial consultationSetting the Stage: Analyzing heirloom diamond and hand structure
The exciting journey began with a personalized consultation where Haley and Malcolm took center stage. The goal was to create a ring that not only held sentimental value but also perfectly complemented Haley's unique style. First, I took a close look at the heirloom diamond, carefully assessing its cut, clarity, and size. This allowed me to understand the diamond's potential and envision how it could be best showcased in the new setting. Next, we turned our attention to Haley's hand structure and personal style. Examining Haley's hand and style gave me valuable insights for envisioning a design that would flatter her hand structure. Discussing preferences was also among essential parts of the process. Did she gravitate towards sleek minimalism or prefer intricate details? This all together allowed me to curate design elements that resonated with her personality. Finally, transparency is key. We openly discussed budget expectations to ensure the final design aligned with their financial goals.From vision to paper: Sketching the perfect design
Based on our conversation regarding different options, Haley decided on a two-tone solitaire with a wide gold band. For her to fully visualize the ring, I drew the design right there during our consultation. Knowing the diamond's measurements and Haley's budget, I sketched a design that perfectly balanced the diamond's brilliance with the boldness of the wide band. I also had some additional suggestions to elevate the look. Considering Haley's hand structure, I proposed a six-prong setting instead of the typical four. This would not only offer increased security for the precious heirloom diamond but also visually complement her finger structure and the strength and balance of the wider band. Haley's eyes lit up with delight at the sketch! She immediately connected with the design and gave me the green light to proceed. My rough sketch for Haley’s engagement ringThe Secret Surprise: Dream Engagement Ring Comes True
When I had all the information needed, I started making the ring. Unlike retail stores that offer pre-made settings, I take a bespoke approach. Each ring is meticulously crafted, with the setting custom-built to perfectly cradle the specific stone it will hold. This ensures a more secure and durable fit, allowing the ring to become a treasured heirloom that can be enjoyed for generations. For Haley's ring, I followed the same philosophy. Using the measurements of her heirloom diamond, I made the setting that perfectly embraced the stone and maximized its brilliance. Haley’s two tone solitaire engagement ring with mom’s diamond The engagement picture Malcolm and Haley sent me