Inspiration from a classic 1936 engagement ring
For this exciting bespoke ring commission, we worked with a returning client interested in recreating an antique engagement ring that had been stolen some years ago. Fortunately, the original ring had been repaired by a local jeweller, who photographed the ring while it was in their care. The original ring featured distinctive diamond shoulders, with geometric pattern detailing on either side of a Victorian-cut diamond.
Styling from the Interwar Period of jewellery design
The interwar period, spanning from the 1920s to the 1930s, saw the rise of Art Deco and Modernism in jewellery. Bold, geometric shapes, abstract patterns, and a deviation from ornate designs characterised this. This era embraced streamlined aesthetics, industrial influences, and a celebration of modernism. Such elements appear in this very ring design.
From original photographs of the antique ring design
We received pictures of the original ring on which we would base the brand-new design. Like many of the pictures we receive, we could see enough detail to reproduce the design.
Next steps...simple sketches of the new ring
Before embarking on CAD designs for the new ring, we created a couple of very basic sketches of the proposed ring design as a starting point.
Taking the next steps with CAD ring designs
After determining the correct diamond weights, sizes, and proportions for the ring, our next step involved creating CAD designs for our client. CAD designs provide a glimpse of the final ring, albeit in a slightly heavier form.
We create CAD designs around the exact diamond sizes. As a result, the images provide accurate proportions and an idea of scale.
Selecting the diamonds for a new a vintage ring design
Unlike the original ring, we provided our client with a modern substitute for the original centre diamond. Instead of a Victorian-cut diamond, we created the ring with an ideal-cut 1-carat lab-grown diamond, dazzling with perfect proportions. For the shoulder diamonds, we used matching natural diamonds in two sizes: 1.5mm and 1.8mm.
Rather than 18ct Gold, our client chose luxurious Platinum for the new ring.
Final results - the 1936 diamond engagement ring finished
Over approximately 5 weeks, a 3D model was cast in Platinum, made in two parts, and assembled into the basic ring. Next, we prepared the mount, semi-finishing the ring, ready for diamond setting. Once completed, the finished ring undergoes extensive polishing to achieve the perfect shine. One of the advantages of Platinum is its remarkable restorative ability, which allows for repolishing any Platinum ring back to its original, as-new condition.
