An Engagement Ring to Make you Green with Envy
This bespoke tourmaline engagement ring was made in my Cornish jewellery studio, in collaboration with the happy couple.
Some clients come to me with an exact vision of what they’re after, they can visualise their bespoke jewellery in their mind already - and it’s my job to help them create it. Other clients prefer a more guided process, where I can make suggestions and offer up options as we go, in a process that feels truly collaborative and organic. Both are always refreshing, and I love bringing you into my jewellery bubble to create a unique piece of jewellery you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
Today I’m looking back into one of my most memorable commissions, and telling you how to involve your partner in the creative proposal process without losing the element of surprise. Also, if you’re wondering which green gemstones are best for engagement rings, read on…
The Bespoke Brief
W reached out to me early in 2023, looking to have a bespoke engagement ring made for his partner, C. He wanted the ring to be absolutely perfect for her, and had a clear idea of what he wanted, but was after some advice on the best metals and gemstones before we went ahead.
His partner C had dropped a few helpful hints, so we knew that she was hoping for a green stone set in a gold ring, and that she loved an emerald cut. An emerald cut typically consists of a long rectangular shape with cut off corners. It’s loved for its sleek and sophisticated look, with long lines and clean edges. The cut was initially created for emeralds (hence the name), but is now a style used on most gemstones.
Different Types of Green Gemstones:
Although we might initially be drawn to the colour and connotations of certain gemstones, they are not all created equally. It’s worth considering how the durability, cost, and traceability differ between them, and whether it’ll suit everyday wear, or are just best for special occasions.
Emeralds:
Emeralds are synonymous with the colour green, and perhaps the first green gemstone that springs to mind. Although gorgeous, emeralds are not always a great choice for engagement rings because while they are strong, they can be internally flawed and prone to breaking. As an engagement ring is worn daily, emeralds are not the most durable option.
Sapphires:
Although most people consider sapphires to be famously, gloriously blue, they come in a variety of colours, and green sapphires are truly beautiful.
However they don’t reach quite the same intense deep green as an emerald, and have more of a grassy hue.
Tsavorite Garnets:
Tsavorite Garnets are a lovely choice, they are so vibrant and their colours are often breathtaking. They are also really hard wearing, which make them ideal for engagement rings which will be worn daily.
Tsavorites aren't as readily available as other gemstones, and in this case we couldn’t source an emerald cut tsavorite we were happy with. So we parked that idea and moved onto the tourmalines.
Tourmalines:
Tourmalines are one of my personal favourites! It’s an incredibly versatile stone that comes in a wealth of different colours. For most people a pink or green tourmaline comes immediately to mind, but you can also find a really beautiful shade of teal, and all of the colours in between.
Stone Choice
Having spoken with W about the benefits and drawbacks of certain stones, and chatted through his costs, and the exact tone of green wanted, we settled on using a tourmaline for this design. He also decided on adding a few extra stones, which would be laboratory grown diamonds.
Input from W's (soon to be) Fiance!
Once the materials and style had been decided on, it became clear that we might need a little input from W’s girlfriend, to make sure the finer details and the overall look was bang on. It’s a fine line here between ruining the surprise, and including your partner in a really special process.
W balanced it perfectly, and the couple arranged a trip down to Cornwall over the summer. A Cornish summer is not to be missed - and I gave them a handful of recommendations that ensured they had a romantic weekend and missed the crowds.
When they visited the studio I presented them with a range of 9mm x 7mm deep green emerald cut tourmalines for them to take a look at. We spent a wonderful few hours poring over the different gemstones, seeing how they caught the light with the tweezers and gemstone holders, before they chose their favourite. I was so pleased when they decided on a gorgeous deep green tourmaline. The stone exhibits utterly gorgeous flashes of light where stripes of brighter green reflected off the stepped facets at the back of the stone.
The plan was to make a sample of the style for C, so she could check she was happy with the style and fit, before keeping any development and final photos a secret from her. This is a fantastic way to include partners in the engagement ring journey, feeling like they have some creative input, without taking away from the special reveal during the proposal!
Drawing the Design & Making a Sample
I drew up the design first in Procreate before moving onto CAD software, and had a 3D print made for C to try on. It was made up in pink resin, and held the gemstones exactly as the final ring would. Thankfully, C absolutely loved it and gave the green light for us to go ahead.
The Finished Ring
This particular emerald cut tourmaline is a large, deep stone, and a bold choice which took some careful planning to ensure a secure, but also really striking design. C & W wanted the ring to have a cool, crisp, art deco influence which works beautifully with the clean lines of the stones..
The couple suggested a little window cut into the side of the setting, so you could see the sharp point of the stone through the gap. It’s a really lovely touch and emphasises the scale of the stone in a discrete way.
Made from 18ct yellow gold, the ring was made and set with the glorious dark green tourmaline and two lab grown diamonds. C had no idea what the production timeline of the ring would be (it’d been hinted that she may have to wait months, if not years!) so I finished the project in secret and delivered it discreetly.
The Proposal
After reaching out at the start of 2023 and a summer visit to the studio, W decided on a Christmas proposal, perfectly tying up 2023 for the couple. He hadn’t told C that I’d started making the ring so when they took a trip to Bordeaux, W caught her entirely by surprise when he asked her to be his wife - and a delighted C said yes!
Thinking of Creating a Bespoke Engagement Ring?
From sourcing gemstones, to guiding you through style and metal options, I’m a dab hand now at making bespoke engagement rings from my jewellery studio in Cornwall. Each couple has an entirely unique process, tailored to them.
Whether you’re further afield and would like to carry out the conversations virtually, or like the sound of visiting the studio where your ring is made, I’ll make the process as inclusive, easy, romantic, and fun as it should be.
