This summer I was asked by a recently engaged woman to help her repurpose the diamond from her mother’s ring into the centerpiece of her own bridal set. Her mother had passed and she felt it would be a powerful way to connect the love between her own parents and the love she feels for her soon-to-be beloved.
Repurposing is often an emotional and nostalgic process, so as with all of my projects, we start by establishing connection – between me and the client, the client and their materials, the intention and the new piece.
This client lives out of state, so we worked remotely through phone calls and emails, sending images and inspiration back and forth. This initial collaboration helps us get creatively aligned, but most importantly, it allows us to develop the trust that makes a transformation like this possible.
First we removed the center marquise diamond from her mother’s ring and placed it in a design that balances round and squared elements. Once we had the overall direction established, I began to carve a seat for the marquise in wax, all the while thinking about the things my client had shared with me.
Once we reviewed the wax together and she approved the design, the rings were cast into metal, finished, polished, and the stone set. A final finish and texturing added the contrast she wanted. I took high resolution images, sent them to my client for approval, and then shipped the set out with the original ring via insured mail. Another very happy person was on her way.
I pinch myself daily that I get to be a part of these stories and personal journeys. By bringing my whole self to my work, the relationships I’ve been so lucky to forge fill me up with such gratitude, making my work also my joy.
Have a tired, broken, not-quite-you piece of jewelry you’d like to transform? Let’s talk!
