Some commissions stay with me forever—and this one will always hold a special place in my heart.
A green stone with a personal meaning
When my son George told me he wanted to make an engagement ring for his girlfriend, I felt so honoured to be part of it. He had a clear vision: it needed to include a green stone. The colour had a personal meaning for the two of them, linked to a story from when they first met and he wanted that memory to be subtly woven into the ring design.
Choosing a green gemstone for an engagement ring needed a little thought. Emeralds can be worn every day, but they generally need more care than harder gemstones and may not suit every lifestyle. George wanted something unusual that could stand up well to regular wear, so I suggested a green diamond—durable, elegant and still deeply meaningful.
My supplier only had three available, so they sent all three on approval. George chose a stunning oval faceted stone—soft, earthy, and full of personality.
He came to stay for a few days so we could design and make the ring together in my studio. Those days were really special. We worked side by side, sketching ideas, discussing proportions, and refining the design until it felt just right.
Making an engagement ring from family gold
We decided to use family gold—mine, his grandmother’s, and both great-grandmothers’ on either side. We smelted it all together, creating something entirely new from pieces that had been worn, loved, and passed down through generations. It felt right—like their love was being supported by all the women who came before.
I showed George how to roll and form the gold into wire, and he made most of the ring himself. He was so thoughtful and careful throughout the process. When it came to setting the stone, he asked me to take over while he watched. He wanted to see it come together, step by step, but trusted me to do that final part for him.
The finished ring was elegant, personal, and full of meaning. A quiet beauty that tells a deep story.
The proposal
George proposed during a special trip to Wales—a gift from his girlfriend’s mum. They spent the weekend canoeing over an aqueduct, staying in a beautiful hotel, and exploring the countryside. On the final day, in the grounds of a castle, he got down on one knee.
She said yes.
And now she wears a ring made with love—crafted by the man she’s going to marry, carrying stories from four generations of women, and wrapped around a stone that quietly holds the memory of how they began.
Thinking about a personal engagement ring?
You don’t need to arrive with a finished design. You might have a particular gemstone in mind, family gold you’d like to reuse or simply a story you want the ring to carry.
I can help you explore suitable stones, metals and designs before creating a bespoke engagement ring that feels personal to the two of you.
Explore my bespoke jewellery service or contact me to start a conversation.
