Lucky you: not only have you met the woman of your dreams, but you’ve also been given the perfect antique or heirloom diamond with which to propose. However, maybe your grandmother’s engagement ring doesn’t quite match your significant other’s style. What to do?
Bring it to us to re-set your gem in a beautiful new band with custom embellishments. We know that re-setting an heirloom gem can be a daunting task, so we’ve gathered our designers’ best advice on how to bring an old jewel into the 21st century.
Don’t Limit Yourself
You might think that since you have a stone in a certain size, shape or color, you must limit yourself to a particular setting or style. Not true!
At Jewels by Alex, you have a team of talented and creative designers working for you, so take this opportunity to let your imagination go anywhere and everywhere. Spend some time researching engagement rings worn by friends or celebrities, visit jewelry blogs and look at art books or trade magazines to get ideas.
Keep in mind that your ring design doesn’t have to be traditional. White gold and diamonds look timeless together, but if your intended’s style is more contemporary or eclectic, consider colored gold and gems, which come in shades of pink, green, purple, black and more.
Don’t assume that the design that you want is impossible or too expensive. You already have a positive attitude about your engagement, or you wouldn’t be asking, so keep a positive attitude about the ring.
Be Realistic (Just A Little)
Ring re-design can have a practical application as well as a purely aesthetic one. If the wearer of the ring has an active lifestyle, you’ll need a band made from durable materials like platinum to prevent scratches. You will also need a setting that protects the stone if it’s made from a gem that’s low on the hardness scale.
Don’t let these concerns prevent you from creating something unique, however. Our designers will work with you to suit the wearer’s lifestyle while preserving your preferred design.
Add Gems and Embellishments
Your heirloom gem might be the star of the show, but the right embellishments can draw attention to it while adding extra detail and flair. Consider adding colored gemstones to accent your heirloom gem, whether in a halo setting or tiny rows of pave diamonds. Customization's like floral details or engraving can add personal meaning to your ring as well as visual appeal.
Recycle Metal and Gems
We know you have no intention of tossing the valuable material left over from your ring re-design. But what do you do with it? You could hang on to it “for later,” but if you’re taking the plunge of getting engaged, you might as well take the plunge with some custom jewelry as well. Leftover metals or gems that didn’t make the final cut can be fashioned by a Jewels by Alex designer into a pair of earrings or a necklace pendant that matches the engagement ring.
These repurposed jewels make a beautiful wedding or honeymoon gift surprise. And imagine being all set for your first Valentine’s Day gift as a married couple: we think that makes for a happy future together.