I love working with fellow artists on their redesign or upgrade pieces and this Client happens to be a painter here in Savannah. I knew this was going to be fun! For her 56th year of marriage, she decided to redesign her original engagement ring. Unfortunately, her original engagement ring broke about 35 years ago and had been sitting in her jewelry box since. The story behind this ring makes my heart melt and I can't wait to share it with you. Read on to see how this much Awaited Upgrade made its new debut!
It’s going to be just “fine”
This Client had already browsed through designs in my collections that she really liked, but wanted to work with her existing materials, so we chose to combine inspiration elements from several pieces of my Fine Collection. We started with my signature Rhythm of the Sea Band for the wedding band. It was the perfect “ebb and flow” piece to kick off this redesign.
So many choices, so little time!
The Client was fond of quite a few of my engagement ring designs, so in order to narrow down the selection for the 2nd piece of this project, we met up at a local coffee shop. I brought an arrangement of my pieces with me, and we spent time trying on, testing and contemplating which design would make the best fit.
The right choice
She settled on one of my all time favorites, the Beneath the Stars ring, as the base for her engagement ring, knowing that I would tailor the setting to fit her original round diamond. Fortunately for her, she also had six additional small diamonds from two other rings that we were going to use for the accent stones on the side. Sometimes things just work out so perfectly!
Pure perfection
With the game plan prepared, the process itself didn’t take too long and the pieces quickly took their rightful shape. Once the Rhythm of the Sea band was all set, I ensured that it was properly sized and just like that, the first portion of this duo was done! When it came down to customizing the Beneath the Stars ring, I tailored the center of the setting to ensure a perfect fit for her beautiful round diamond. Then I removed the smaller diamonds from her other pieces and gently set them into the accents on the sides. Pure perfection!
Long-awaited upgrade
I love it when a plan just comes together. This duo truly shines like the stars in the sky and for this Client, she finally got her long-awaited upgrade! It makes me so happy knowing that her engagement ring is no longer sitting in a lonely jewelry box and is now a re-interpreted piece that she can wear on a daily basis. Bonus - the piece also beautifully works with her other jewelry that she wears on her other hand! What a joy knowing her piece lives on and is still a part of a 56-year (and counting) marriage! I'm only 50 years behind...what an inspiration!
“Having been a happily married woman for 56 years, I’ve been in need of a new ring set for 35 of those years. My white gold set snapped at year 21. I’ve looked at different styles now and then, but finally landed on Kristen Baird’s “Rhythm of the Sea” ripple designs. She made a gorgeous set of 14k yellow gold rings using my original engagement diamond and 6 small ones from other rings. Kristen is a delightful young woman to work with and I could not be more pleased with the final result. All the girls in our family are loving it and so happy that I finally made the perfect choice! Thank you so much, Kristen!” -PD
Do you have an idea for a project that's been on your mind for years? Or maybe you've seen one of my pieces and wonder if it could be tailored to fit your wishes and goals? Check out our commission tab for more information and let's talk. I'm always full of ideas and would love to work with you!
