A Long-Distance Engagement Ring Commission, From Scotland to Cornwall.
Bespoke 18ct Yellow Gold and Diamond Engagement Ring.
Whilst there’s nowhere else I’d rather be than my seaside jewellery workshop in Cornwall, this little corner of England can often feel like the end of the world. We’re in our own creative bubble down here, which is one of the reasons it’s so inspiring. That said, it’s a breath of fresh air when I take on a commission from further afield.
Technology makes it incredibly easy to virtually meet customers, as I can chat to you about your bespoke jewellery wherever in the world you are via Google Meet. A recent commission by a customer in Scotland proved again how smoothly the whole process can work, and made me feel a little less far away here in Cornwall.
A’s Bespoke Engagement Ring Request
Scotland based customer, A, reached out to me to ask if I could use some sentimental family metal to create an engagement ring for his partner, K. He had a 22ct ring which held great sentimental value to the family, but wasn’t a style or fit that was suitable for an engagement ring. He wanted to use the metal to make a beautiful ring and have the freedom to design something in a style that K would love.
A & K had sourced a stunning oval, lab-grown 1.02ct diamond, which was to be the star of the show. It had a gorgeous soft yellowy hue, which would work beautifully with the yellow gold.
Collaboration
A provided with me ideas and inspiration that he’d gathered which provided a starting point for the ring. Throughout our conversations A and I refined a design, and talked through little personal details which would make the ring all the more special. We included a surprise hidden diamond halo around the sides of the main setting, a detail which K wasn’t expecting.
A final design coalesced and I sketched up a scale drawing for A to approve.
Process:
Melting the Original Ring
Once it was in the workshop, the first step was melting down the original 22ct gold ring. I added extra fine silver, copper, and fine gold to increase the overall quantity of metal and settle the alloy at 18ct.
18ct gold is much more durable than 22ct gold and has a beautiful warm, buttery colour.
Making New Wire
I poured the molten metal into an ingot mould, where it cooled in a rectangular shape like a tiny loaf of bread. This ingot was then rolled and thinned, divided into sheet and wires, and cut into all of the components needed to make up the ring.
Personal Touch
We close to close the base of the setting by making a little circle of gold instead of the traditional ring. This allowed space for personal engraving to be included, where only the couple would see it.
Before setting the ring was sent to a wonderful laser engraving company in Birmingham where their experts carved a special symbol into the ring for A and K.
Setting the Diamond
Once the main structure of the ring had been built, it was ready to add the 1.02ct oval diamond, and halo of smaller diamonds beneath it.
The Finished Ring - and a Proposal!
The finished ring is really beautiful, it’s an elegant solitaire style in yellow gold with a large oval diamond. This is complemented by subtle, hidden features and the inclusion of sentimental, family metal. Commissioned from Scotland, and made in Cornwall.
A and K’s proposal was just as beautiful as their engagement ring, and I’m honoured to have been a part of their journey. She said yes, and apparently couldn’t stop walking around the room to catch her ring sparkling in the different lights! Congratulations A and K!
A’s Google Review
Becca is an incredibly lovely and talented jeweller and goldsmith. I luckily found her website when looking for someone to use a family ring to create a new ring with a sourced stone for my girlfriend (now fiancée). Becca was friendly and professional at every step of the process - helping to guide me where I didn’t know what to ask and able to pull out important details of the idea my partner and I had.
A final budget, design and timeline was agreed and everything was smooth from there right up to delivery. The final product was within the agreed budget, no big surprises, and I was given updates during the production to let me know how things were going.
My fiancée is ecstatic with her ring, as am I, along with the service that Becca provided in addition to the ring itself. I have absolutely no reservations in recommending Becca as an artist and artisan to work with, she has created something really beautiful we can cherish forever, and built it solidly so it feels like it will last that long as well. Would absolutely work with her again in the future.
Thank you Becca x
Wherever in the world you are, my bespoke jewellery process remains the same. We’ll bounce ideas off each other, and refine a design you are 100% happy with. I then make your jewellery myself in my Cornish jewellery workshop, to the highest standard. Get the ball rolling, and get in touch.
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