Some heirloom redesigns are about preserving a single treasured piece. This one brought an entire lifetime collection together.

The client arrived at the studio with a collection of jewellery and gemstones gathered over many years. The pieces held beauty and history, but she no longer wore them in their original forms. Her wish was to combine the stones into one show-stopping ring that could carry everything forward with renewed purpose.

A much-loved costume ring provided the starting point. She enjoyed its generous scale, so its measurements helped guide the proportions of the new design. Several concepts were explored, including flowing arrangements of diamonds, but it was the richness and impact of a densely set diamond surface that held the greatest appeal.

The diamonds were all different sizes, so each was positioned individually across the platinum setting to create a beautifully layered field of light. The natural blue sapphire, the only note of colour, was raised above the diamonds and deliberately placed away from the centre. Its position gives the stone importance without making the design feel predictable, allowing it to stand proudly within the composition rather than simply sitting at its middle.

The original gold was melted down and reworked by hand, while new platinum was introduced for the durability of the gemstone setting. Beneath the oval face, handcrafted scalloped detailing lifts the ring elegantly from the hand while removing unnecessary weight from what is otherwise a substantial piece.

The finished ring feels like the resolution to a chapter of life. A bold and beautiful collection of memories, gathered into one place and given a new purpose. Fun, expansive and full of brilliance, it was created to be worn into the future rather than kept safely out of sight.

Although the commission began with a studio visit in Whangārei, the design process continued by email before the completed ring was safely delivered to Christchurch. It is a reminder that deeply personal bespoke jewellery can be created with care for clients anywhere in New Zealand.

Handcrafted by Christine Price Goldsmith in Whangārei, New Zealand.

This piece is shown here as inspiration. Similar commissions are welcome.

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