Magnolia Bud Diamond Ring

With my bespoke projects, there are many conversations about what elements my clients are drawn to. Her mother, a flower farmer, was also involved in our design chats. Magnolias became the subject of discussion for the ring concept. My young client wanted the flower's bud to somehow be a part of the design. She also had the brilliant idea of the buds falling off the edge of the ring's profile. We discussed adding a texture throughout the ring's surface, a subtle dimpled pattern, much like the bud's stem.

For the ring's design, she wanted an antique quality, but also modern and sculptural. The design would feature her grandmother's diamonds from the engagement ring with a white gold setting. Although the ring could be worn alone, she also wanted to sometimes stack it with her other rings.

Magnolia Design Inspiration, a vintage drawing, bursting bud and huge tree.

Wax carving with diamonds mockup to share with my client before casting in metal.

With bespoke projects, re-imaging old jewelry into a new design, gemstones are sometimes not in great shape. This is revealed during the process of removing gemstones from the original setting. Her grandmother's large Old European Cut diamond had a small chip on the edge which was remedied by a talented diamond cutter, who brings life back to sentimental gemstones that need a little refresh.

Sharing the rough casting to my client before stone setting.

When the project was finished, she shared this photo wearing the ring. Since this was taken, the ring has been made a little bigger so she can wear it on her right hand, which was the original plan. Sizing can be tricky and sometimes needs a little tweaking to get the perfect fit.

It was so much fun to create this ring with my client. She wears her re-imagined family heirloom, beautifully. What a lovely young client to work with on a very special bespoke jewelry project. Her mom says she's next in the line, which I'm really looking forward to.