They first came to me through a referral from his mother, who lives locally. As active-duty military personnel, they have traveled extensively around the world, making it especially meaningful that they entrusted me with this project. Their wedding set had been designed and crafted elsewhere, and it was beautifully executed. More importantly, it suited her perfectly, both elegant and distinctive. There was only one concern: the accent stones were opals. I have a deep appreciation for fine opals, and despite their small size, these were exceptional examples with beautiful color and character. However, opals are not ideal for the daily wear that engagement rings and wedding bands typically endure. The very structure that gives opals their remarkable play of color also makes them more vulnerable to damage over time. The challenge was to find a replacement stone that would honor the original design they loved while providing the durability needed for their active lifestyle. Because they were living out of the area, we worked together through email and eventually scheduled a virtual consultation to review potential options. During our “show and tell,” one choice quickly stood out: genuine Ceylon blue sapphires. The sapphires proved to be the perfect solution. Their vibrant color complemented the design beautifully, and they fit the existing settings as though the ring had been created specifically for them. The result preserved everything they loved about the original piece while enhancing its practicality for everyday wear. The finished ring is both stunning and enduring, a beautiful balance of thoughtful design, meaningful sentiment, and lasting craftsmanship.
- Materials: 14k rose gold, natural diamonds, genuine blue sapphires
- Client location: Germany, Texas, Ghana, West Simsbury, CT
