Rising to a Challenge - created 2009

One of the most challenging projects I faced in my journey as a designer is to create a piece for another multi-award winning jewellery designer. In September 2009, the husband of another local designer came in our shop for a design consultation. He already have the gems with him and just wanted me to draw up a ring design for an upcoming anniversary. It was quite a challenge since the husband might be totally off with the taste of his wife and knowing who she is it even makes me think twice about decisions we are making. If someone would design a ring for me, I would be very critical about the design components and the fit and finish of the piece. All of my pieces are always top notch, since I want each of my pieces to be competition grade. I can't afford to slack off in any of my pieces since it represents me to my future potential clients.

I presented him with only one design concept based on some of the inputs he made and the suggestions of my co-workers here at McGrath Diamonds since they know the wife pretty well. this design is very simple yet showcasing technical components that might be subtle but very eye catching. the shoulders of the ring showcases 2 round brilliant cut diamonds and are tension set. This gives it a very contemporary look but keeping a very simplistic profile, the main gem is pink in color(not confirmed because the client never had it appraised with us) approx 4x6mm in size. We have the main gem set diagonally on its' half bezel head, this way the ring would have a "twisted" look showing off all the design elements we incorporated to the design.

I went for a month long vacation in late October 2009 just a few weeks after we had the ring produced. I had no updates how it all went while I was away, but as soon as I got back I heard some really cool news how much Kristy loved her ring.

Great challenges do truly yield the greatest achievements, and for me Kristy loving my design is one really rewarding achievement. With all the awards under her name, it's such a compliment that my designs is certainly up to par with the best out there.