When Jewelry is a Real Surprise
Most people know me as a custom jewelry designer who works closely with her clients to make one-of-a-kind pieces.
Yet, on a few occasions I've been asked to make a piece of jewelry that was a total surprise.
That type of assignment is very challenging, as I don't know who the wearer is and their finger size, and when the final product is a surprise, we have to find work-arounds to get the size exactly right.
The size, style and design can be determined by asking the appropriate questions, having a picture or sense of the person's style, and even a sample of their jewelry.
When the wearer doesn't know they're getting a piece of jewelry, there are a few things I still need to figure out:
Ring size
Hand size
The worst thing you can do is to gift a ring to your loved one and have it not fit. But we don't want to ask the size and give away the surprise.
Here are 4 examples of custom surprise rings I've made for my clients.
A friend of mine referred me to his brother who wanted to get engaged and create a unique ring for his girlfriend.
We spoke several times about the design that he wanted.
The only issue was that he lives in California and I am here in New York City. Not a problem!
I found the perfect sapphire that matched her blue eyes and I created the ring around the gem. With the help of Bob's brother who is based in New York City, he approved one of the gems I chose.
The ring arrived in more than enough time for the wedding. You can read the full story here.
A client wanted to get engaged with an interesting twist-designed ring. I worked with him to create this unique setting, and placed a round diamond in the center.
An hour after he proposed, we just happened to bump into the couple on our way home.
She came running towards me to tell me how much she loved the ring and show how beautiful it is.
This chance encounter was yet another pleasant surprise this ring brought.
A significant wedding anniversary sparked my client to create a ring to match his wife's engagement ring. He showed me her engagement ring, and I had to make a ring that would compliment her current ring as well as be interesting enough on its own.
It had to have Columbian emeralds, because she is part Columbian and diamonds in 18K yellow gold.
When I saw her months later she was wearing the ring and told me how much she loved it!
A good friend commissioned me to create a custom ring for his wife. As a collector of stuffed bears, he had an idea of creating a ‘bear hug’ ring for his wife.
He and I sat together and viewed many images online that spoke to the ring he wanted to make. We chose the particular design (above).
This ring was custom-made in 14K white gold, and was created from a 3-D model. The fur detail for the bear on the ring had to be done by hand, so the figure looked like a real bear.
You can read the full story here.
Last time I spoke to her, she remarked how much she enjoys every piece of custom jewelry I have made for her.
With my years of experience in the industry, I can create unique custom pieces that will surprise and delight your recipient.
Part of my expertise is translating exactly what my clients want into a finished piece of jewelry.
TIP: If you're thinking about surprising someone with a piece of jewelry, try to get as much information as possible (such as ring size or style they like) and I can do the rest.
Contact me with any questions.
~ Jane
(212) 923-3328 jane@jbjewels.com
JB Jewels | Fine Jewelry Redefined