Dated, ill-fitting or unclean jewellery leave our workshop sparkling, resized or remodelled looking like an entirely new piece. Heavily worn, often defective watches are refurbished and returned to their owners like new.
Since lockdowns have thankfully become a distant memory and with the surge in engagements over the last year or so, we have seen an explosion of enquiries into how old family jewellery can be reimagined into new and contemporary pieces and specifically engagement rings. Around August last year, a customer who had recently gotten engaged brought her soon-to-be husband’s grandmother’s seventy-year-old ring in for the team to inspect and redesign.
The original ring was composed of x2 round cut diamonds set on an 18ct yellow gold band. The bride’s dream ring was a x3 round diamond (or trilogy ring) setting with a platinum band so merging the two was set to be quite a transformation.
After measuring for a ring size, armed with some screenshots and a rough sketch illustrating her desired setting, the bride happily handed the conversation over to the groom to discuss the budget and timeframe with one final request – to retain as much of the original ring as possible. Once the options were presented to the groom-to-be, taking into account how the x2 original diamonds would sit alongside a centre stone, the plan was in place to recreate a new family heirloom.
Exceeding Expectations
Our goldsmiths work closely to the customer's brief and painstakingly labour over the minor details to ensure the finished piece reflects the standard for which they are renowned and that the customer's expectations are exceeded.
As with any hand-crafted design, it isn't easy to imagine the end result and to be confident that it will look as imagined. Our sales team ensure the customer has all the information presented from the outset, so there are no surprises or disappointments when presented with the finished piece.
To ensure the budget was adhered to, the groom-to-be was shown an existing round brilliant cut solitaire diamond on a platinum band to demonstrate the quality of the centre stone. This ensured the two smaller diamonds from the original ring would complement it, given it would be the bigger stone.
This also helped with the visualization process of how the ring would look when finished. This platinum solitaire was then deconstructed to allow a new setting to be incorporated, giving the ring a completely different look.
Manifesting a Bespoke Commission
The joy of this particular commission is that two rings from two very different eras became one ring that beautifully reflects the modernity of the times we live in yet seamlessly retained its history and heritage.
Approximately one week later, the couple returned to the store for the presentation of the ring and obligatory bubbles. They were overjoyed at how beautiful the three diamonds looked side by side and especially delighted at how expertly the original gold was integrated into the platinum band.
Before leaving the store, an appointment was made for later in the year to try on wedding bands in preparation for the big day. We always advise our couples to allow three months minimum to order their wedding bands to ensure unforeseen delays don't cause unnecessary stress in the run-up to the wedding. Also, wedding bands must be tried on in-store so that different styles can be fitted alongside the engagement ring and for the groom to be comfortable with the size and finish of his band.
This bride-to-be appeared confident that she wanted a plain platinum band the same width as the engagement ring; however, when she tried on various styles, surprisingly, she opted for a Castel set diamond platinum band instead, as it beautifully accentuated the diamonds in her engagement ring.
Time to Honour the Groom
The groom chose a 5mm brushed platinum slight court band. Subsequently, the groom had a couple of choices on the day as he'd had his eye on a Breitling Chronomat for a few years and felt there was no better time than his wedding to indulge.
Although it is more of an optional tradition, it has become customary for the groom to gift jewellery to the bride and the bride to gift a watch to the groom ahead of their impending nuptials. Given the overall cost typically associated with a wedding, gift cost is entirely dependent on a budget, so there is no set guide, but the idea is that the pieces are built to last as a symbol of the couple's love. This groom left the store a happy man with his wedding band and new watch, ready for their first outing on the wedding day.
We were delighted that the couple were happy to share their pictures with us to help showcase their special engagement and wedding story. Every couple is unique, with different tastes, budgets and timeframes to work to.
We pride ourselves in delivering products that meet their expectations and give them confidence that they have an after-sales service that ensures their purchases will last forever. We offer a lifetime guarantee with all our diamond engagement rings and an annual complimentary clean.
The Paul Sheeran Jewellers Quality Promise
We work with the world's most established brands and businesses to bring only the highest quality diamonds and metals into our workshop, where our team of Italian goldsmiths mastermind and hand-craft works of beauty every day. Our portfolio of luxury Swiss watch brands offers a variety of styles and price points, and with our team of in-house horologists; watch straps, batteries, and general maintenance can be completed on-site to ensure a quick turnaround if needed.
Preparing for a wedding is a considered, well-planned process culminating in the most special day for a couple and their families and friends.
Our role is relatively small in terms of providing expert advice and sourcing the desired jewellery; however, we guarantee that you can happily tick this part of the plan off your list, having experienced a seamless and love-filled visit to our store, knowing you are in safe hands.
If you are thinking of getting engaged or are looking for ideas on how you can reimagine old jewellery into contemporary and wearable pieces, get in touch at info@paulsheeran.ie or call to speak to one of the team at 01 635 1136.
