At the beginning of a project clients can have lots of ideas and it's my job to use this information to create something that is possible, on budget and to my clients brief. 

Amy visited the workshop to discuss her idea of a surprise birthday gift for her mum. She had lots of ideas and so we set up a WhatsApp group for Amy to send all her thoughts through. 

Initially, Amy wanted to combine all birthstones into a cluster ring but after playing around with birthstone colours it was clear the gemstone colour palette didn’t work. We moved onto the next idea of using an array of citrine stones to create a geometric cluster which didn't work.

Amy knew she wanted a fancy cut (unusual shaped gemstone) and knew it had to be a topaz so I ordered in a selection of Topaz colours from our supplier in Hatton garden.

 

Blue Topaz, London Blue Topaz and Citrine Topaz

As a jewellery designer and maker it's my job to piece an idea together to create something cohesive that suits the clients brief and sometimes that means moving away from an original idea and get to the nuts and bolts of what a customer wants which can be a case of knowing what you don't like at first. A great way to start is with an array of gemstones. Who doesn’t get excited about sparkling, pretty gems?!

 

 

 

Once we have chosen the stone, i can design the piece of jewellery to a clients brief:

Amy chose the middle hexagon fancy cut Citrine Topaz above.

Now we have a clear brief its time to Design

Clients brief: 

Material: 18ct Yellow Gold and Citrine TopazOccasion: Surprise Gift for Mother’s Birthday. 

• Show stopper dress ring - hexagon stone.
• To include Topaz Birthstone (Mum suits golden tones so would prefer yellow topaz over london blue topaz.
• To subtly include children’s birthstones in ring (diamond, emerald, tanzanite, ruby)

The first design is an open, claw-set, hexagon citrine cocktail ring. It includes the children’s birthstones on the outside of the setting. This didn't work aesthetically and so we decided to put them into the inside of the ring which works beautifully and creates a super special finishing touch.

 

Rather than an open claw setting, Amy went for a secure setting to protect the stone. Citrine is a fairly soft stone so Amy decided to go for a closed setting to offer more protection from any knocks. (and yes, you must take into consideration how often you wear softer stones on your fingers -diamonds are not just pretty but they're rock solid which is why they’re the first choice for everyday engagement ring wear).

 

Time to make the real thing

Once the design has been okayed by my client, we go for it and make the real deal. We don’t make anything until it's been approved - this avoids disappointment and allows for complete transparency with cost and design.

Time to set

Finished Piece.

 

Tada! An heirloom cocktail ring thoughtfully designed for a special Mother! 

To start your project please get in touch with KIrsty on the contact page or use the whatsapp messaging service.