Creative engagement ring design

April 2, 2019 2:59 PM

I am looking for ideas and expertise on how to depict a life event in an engagement ring. The wearer wants a classic diamond ring setting and stone, but would like to custom design it to incorporate the fact that they have a child. We would also appreciate tips on choosing a custom jewelry designer (hopefully these don't run extremely expensive, budget is probably ~$17k.)

I'm looking for ideas and expertise on how to incorporate the birth/existence of a couple's child into an engagement ring. My only idea right now is an asymmetrical design with a small round (located a millimeter or two away from), or pear shaped diamond (straight side flush with), the center stone.

Wearer has chosen a cushion-cut or emerald-cut center diamond* on a white gold ring. Classic pronged setting, no bezel. She wants a timeless look, but is not interested in vintage designs. Some other considerations:

- She likes asymmetrical designs (the rocks definitely won't be that big!)

- Prefers a two stone ring

- Open to split-shank or other design in the setting or the shape of the ring to signify their child

- For purposes of this question, please assume center stone will be ~1.5 kt

I realize there may not be too many options here, but with a lack of jewelry design expertise, I am reaching out to the hive mind for ideas and things to keep in mind while custom designing a ring.

*Kindly request no debate on the ethics of using diamonds - wearer is aware of the issues surrounding this and will be choosing either a stone from an existing piece of jewelry or a synthetic diamond.

posted by Everydayville to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (13 answers total)

Do they want to design it to leave open some way to incorporate potential future children? That's the first design question that comes to mind for me.
posted by LobsterMitten at 3:19 PM on April 2, 2019 [3 favorites]

Best answer: I’d find a jeweler with CAD/CAM experience and sketch ideas out. Their designers can take it from there. Plenty of options if you do some looking to get ideas. Most will require you to purchase diamonds from them, just as an FYI.
posted by OneSmartMonkey at 3:21 PM on April 2, 2019

Check out Mociun’s “cluster rings.” Lovely, graceful sense of balance. They do custom designs and orders.
posted by sestaaak at 3:21 PM on April 2, 2019 [3 favorites]

You have specific enough preferences that a jeweler who does custom work using CAD/CAM should have plenty of ideas, especially if you can bring in a few likes this, not that suggestions. Sorry for double, got an error on the first try!
posted by OneSmartMonkey at 3:22 PM on April 2, 2019

Something like this? You could have the side stone be the childs birthstone if you like the way that it looked. You could engrave it's birthday on the ring. Or mom's name + dad's name= child's name.
posted by BoscosMom at 3:48 PM on April 2, 2019 [5 favorites]

That is quite a list of preferences. The only advice I can give is to have the wearer-to-be involved in every step of the design (including this preliminary stage) to avoid a situation where they are unhappy with the ring because your jeweler was unable to meet all of their demands in a single piece.
posted by schroedingersgirl at 4:33 PM on April 2, 2019 [1 favorite]

I highly recommend you contact this guy. He has his own shop in Ireland now, but he used to do jewelry work for Tiffany and Disney. He's done celebrity stuff, circlets for Irish singing women, cufflinks for famous actors, etc. but he does his own work, and there will be a line, and you have to ask him about your dates and priorities, because he'll move you up if it's necessary.

He's off and on on Twitter, depending on how busy he is. You can message him there too, he usually responds within 2-3 days, but if you're looking for a high-class custom ring by a master goldsmith who knows his stuff, he's the guy.
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 6:26 PM on April 2, 2019 [1 favorite]

P.S. If you mention me, he might move you up a bit. Marie from Maine.
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 6:35 PM on April 2, 2019 [1 favorite]

I'm still in early stages of my own process, but I am having a custom wedding ring (engagement-ring-like with a focal stone) made at a reputable local jeweler with experience in custom work. Even in my HCOL area, I was quoted 2k for a "complex" platinum setting -- so given your budget, most of the cost will be in the diamonds that you choose.
posted by serelliya at 7:27 PM on April 2, 2019 [1 favorite]

This suggestion depends on how obvious the wearer wants the second stone to be but I've always like the idea of a 'secret' stone that is on the inside of the band where you would normally have an engraving. Some mens' wedding rings have them. It's a nice private touch that only the couple know about. You could make it the child's birthstone too.
posted by Jubey at 7:40 PM on April 2, 2019 [8 favorites]

Green Lake Jewelry does amazing custom work for situations just like this.
posted by corey flood at 10:37 PM on April 2, 2019 [1 favorite]

I have a platinum ring which incorporated a tiny gold heart resting between the prongs holding the main stone. It's not terribly noticeable unless you look closely. My husband says he chose this ring because he knows that I'll always carry his heart with him. I don't think I've seen this design on any other ring.
posted by IndigoOnTheGo at 8:43 AM on April 3, 2019 [2 favorites]

This ring should be timeless to YOU!

Prong settings are great...but they could be limiting, as there is much that can happen in the body of the ring...As an example, there could be a sphere with a bezel setting that holds a diamond, and that sphere opens up to reveal a little diamond inside that represents the child.

It could be made very custom and special.
For example, an organic shape that weaves around your finger, or incorporating symbols, and imagery that is special to you.
There are patterns and symbols that symbolize childbirth, children, and parenthood....
the possibilities are endless :) ....
Special texturing, and engraving could also set it apart...

A ring does not have to be simply a shank and a stone.
It could be unique wearable sculpture. that is an expression of you. It should all BE About YOU. and that will make it timeless :)

Find a creative designer! Someone who will work within your parameters. I would recommend Lukamorie Studio, a high end fine jeweler who is passionate about her clients' unique visions, and has the sort of skills that would let you accomplish a fantastical idea like I mentioned above (with the sphere that opens to reveal a baby diamond inside)
here is a custom ring she made for someone who wanted something sea or mermaid-inspired, and wanted to use recycle diamonds from jewelry she inherited from her grandmother. Here is an engagement ring made for someone who wanted something "snow queen" inspired. She loves unique design prompts like yours! That is what attracted me to her when I was looking for someone to design a set for my mom with some stones we had - here is the result. Good luck on your search!
posted by Kateruba at 5:39 PM on April 3, 2019 [1 favorite]