The Proposal

Bespoke engagement Rings

I really enjoy taking on bespoke commissions, especially wedding and engagement jewellery. Even though I love designing and making the pieces, I also like to get to know my clients and find out their story. Sometimes the fiance asks me to design and make the ring as a surprise, but I also get the couple coming together to discuss getting the bespoke engagement ring, designed to their taste. This is what happened with Rachael and Neil.

Rachael and Neils story

The Proposal

They got in touch after Neil proposed on the beach on the Isle of Lewis. When someone gets in touch about a bespoke commission I get them to fill in a consultation form asking questions about materials, stones, budget, inspiration, etc. This allows the client to do some research and think about what they really want. It also gives me a good idea of their style and helps to make sure that we’re on the same wave length.

Rachael told me her inspiration behind the ring and how Neil proposed,

“The beach that has stole Neil & my heart and has become the inspiration behind my engagement ring. The materials I thought of using are Gold and an aquamarine gemstone to reflect the colour of the sea surrounding the Isle of  Lewis. I love the more greeny/blue aquamarine gems.”

“The ring represents the whole beauty of Lewis and it’s amazing beaches… Neil proposed to me at midnight on Kneep bay, Uig.  Although it was freezing, windy, raining and we were camping in a tent in May we simply couldn’t imagine being anywhere else in the world …. Also the meanings and tradition, surrounding aquamarine gems, strikes a very personal cord with me and Neil. We’re very committed in getting a ring made that is unique to us and our promise to each other.”

These are the images of work in progress of the commission.

After we discussed the design and Rachael was happy with it. I sourced the right materials and got a variety of aquamarine gemstones on appro so that Rachael could choose the perfect aquamarine with the right shade of blue, then I begin making the ring.

The piece was sent off to the Assay Office to get tested and hallmarked to the jewellery trading standards. These stamps prove that the piece is genuine gold. It also has my makers mark, the year and the stamp of the assay office that it was hallmarked it. Once it comes back from the Assay Office in Edinburgh, I set the stone and do a final polish/clean up. Then the customers come to collect the piece or I can post it out to them if they can’t make it through to my studio in Dundee.

This is what Neil and Rachael had to say about commissioning me

“We were looking for a unique piece that encapsulated the moment we got
engaged. I only had a photo of a coastal scene in Lewis. We had decided
that we wanted aquamarine to our stone to mirror the amazing blue sea.
Genna came highly recommended and didn’t disappoint.We visited her
studio in Dundee and were delighted to have found someone who was
genuinely excited and enthusiastic. We simply gave Genna a photo of the
scene where I proposed. She managed to capture the moment with several
designs. Both allowing it be both classical and contemporary. She guided
us through the design process with her knowledge and suggestions.

Needless to say, we were very happy with the finished ring. It’s just
what we wanted. So much so, we’ve asked her to do or weddings rings
as well.

Regards Neil & Rachael March 2016″

If you have a story that you would like to share about your special proposal please comment below.

Also if you would like a bespoke piece made get in touch to discuss your ideas.

Thanks for reading x