I want to share the story of an eye watering diamond ring that I remodelled for my client recently. The complication was that he lived on the other side of the world and the diamond was just too valuable to send via post. I couldn’t NOT tell you the story!
My client with ‘The Ring’ first heard about my jewellery through his parents, who have been long standing supporters of my work. In fact they had bought him a pair of my cufflinks from the famous Lesley Craze Gallery, a renowned contemporary jewellery store that opened in the 80s and continued to be a real landmark gallery until it closed in 2015.
But back to the story. Earlier this year my client presented me with an exciting proposition - to reset his immaculate 5ct diamond in a totally new design for his wife. The white gold ring it was currently housed in just did not work for her.
The challenge? Not only did the couple now live on the other side of the world but also the diamond was extremely valuable and could not simply be sent over to me using the usual channels.
After many emails and video calls we concocted a plan for me to design the new piece remotely. The new ring was loosely based on one of my Cube designs that my customers liked, however it had to be completely re-designed to accommodate the proportions of their diamond.
The new ring was loosely based on this piece
Although I didn’t have access to the diamond itself I was able to use the measurements from the diamond’s GIA certificate to accurately design the ring for it. I didn’t actually see the stone in person until the day I set it!
CAD drawings of the new ring - drawn up using measurements from the diamonds GIA certificate
Timing was key as I had to design and make the ring in time for when my customer was visiting the UK.
Making the ring before meeting my client and the diamond...
Given the size and value of the diamond it was important for me to make sure it was protected at all times. Although the customer signed a stone waiver (the diamond was not something that could be covered by my own insurance) to limit the risk, it was agreed between us that I would be with the stone at all times, even when my setter was setting it. The plan was for me to receive the stone, set it, finish the ring and deliver it back all in one single day.
The ‘Diamond day’ came and although I can’t deny my adrenaline was pumping, I’m proud to say everything went without a hitch. Here are some snapshots from the big day:
The two rings meet...
Carefully removing the diamond from it's original setting...
The diamond is released!
Checking the diamond fits in its new home before setting...
The finished piece
Working with such a piece honestly took my breath away! It was a great pleasure to be entrusted to create a new home for this mind boggling gem. Thankfully, my customers are over the moon with their finished ring.
