Diamond & Sapphire 9ct Chunky Gypsy Ring Commission
A Bespoke Chunky Gold Engagement Ring Using Heirloom Diamonds
One of my favourite things about creating bespoke engagement rings is the stories they carry. This chunky solid gold ring was made for Lucy, who came to my East London studio looking for a statement engagement ring that felt meaningful, timeless, and deeply personal.
Rather than starting from scratch with newly sourced stones, Lucy wanted to repurpose diamonds from her mother’s old engagement ring, transforming them into a modern heirloom she could wear every day — while still honouring her family history.
Lucy’s mothers engagement ring
Repurposing Old Stones into a New Engagement Ring
Lucy brought her mother’s engagement ring with her to my East London studio, a piece filled with memories but no longer worn. Together, we decided to carefully remove the stones and select the two best diamonds to give a new life in a completely reimagined design.
Using inherited or vintage stones in a bespoke engagement ring is not only a beautiful way to preserve sentiment, but also a more sustainable and ethical choice. These diamonds already held emotional value — my role was to elevate them into a piece that felt powerful, contemporary, and uniquely Lucy.
Old cut diamonds from the original ring
Designing a Chunky, Statement Gypsy Ring
Lucy was drawn to antique gypsy rings, particularly the bold, solid gold styles her mother used to wear. She wanted something chunky and sculptural — a ring that felt grounding and strong rather than delicate or traditional.
I began by hand-making a wax model of the band, carving it to be thick, weighty, and solid, with extra depth across the top to give the stones presence and protection. The proportions were carefully considered so the ring would feel luxurious and substantial on the hand without compromising comfort.
Once the wax model was complete, the ring was cast in solid, recycled 9ct gold, chosen for its warmth, durability, and suitability for everyday wear.
Choosing the Perfect Green Sapphire
To sit between the two inherited diamonds, I sourced a beautiful green sapphire — a gemstone that adds richness and individuality while remaining timeless. Green sapphires are an increasingly popular choice for bespoke engagement rings, especially for those seeking something a little unconventional without straying too far from classic elegance.
The soft, earthy green tone worked perfectly with the warmth of the gold and the sparkle of the diamonds, creating a balanced yet striking composition.
9ct recycled gold cast from my wax model
Decorative Star Settings Inspired by Antique Jewellery
All three stones were finished with decorative star settings, a detail inspired by antique jewellery techniques commonly seen in traditional gypsy rings. These hand-cut star settings not only secure the stones beautifully but also add texture, symbolism, and a subtle celestial feel to the design.
The result is a ring that feels ancient and modern all at once — a bold statement engagement ring designed to last generations.
A Modern Heirloom Engagement Ring
This bespoke ring is a celebration of family, craftsmanship, and individuality. By reusing her mother’s diamonds and pairing them with a carefully chosen sapphire, Lucy now has an engagement ring that tells her story — not one pulled from a display case, but one created just for her.
If you’re dreaming of a chunky engagement ring, an antique-inspired gypsy ring, or a bespoke piece using old gold or inherited stones — and you’re looking for a bespoke jeweller in East London — I’d love to help you reimagine them into something powerful, meaningful, and uniquely yours.
An engagement ring is deeply personal. If you’re ready to explore a bespoke approach and create something designed just for you, I’d love to hear from you. Get in touch via the form below and let me know a little of what you are dreaming of. I offer free 30 minute initial consultations either on Zoom or in person in my East London studio.