Crafting a Sapphire Alternative Engagement Ring for an LGBTQ+ Couple
A dramatic and edgy alternative engagement ring for a lovely couple.
The traditional diamond engagement ring isn't for everyone. For some, a piece of jewellery should be as unique and unconventional as their love story. This was the case for M and K, a lovely same-sex couple who wanted a striking ring that truly reflected K's personal style.
The Brief: Edgy and Timeless Engagement Ring
When M first contacted me, she had a clear vision. Her partner, K, knew exactly what she wanted, and she had been dropping hints for ages. She wanted: a large, dark central gemstone, preferably emerald-cut, set in platinum. This was an unconventional choice, but I knew we could create something truly elegant and edgy.
Sourcing the Perfect Gemstone in London’s jewellery quarter
The first step was to find the perfect stone. As a London jeweller, I have a network of trusted dealers, so sourcing a dark gemstone was no problem. We explored options from black diamonds to onyx, but the clear winner was a dark blue sapphire.
This sapphire had a remarkable depth to it. From a distance, it appeared almost black, but up close, it revealed a mysterious, mesmerising array of blue hues. Like a painter knows black is a mixture of colours, this sapphire was full of enigmatic character. It was the perfect stone for a truly alternative engagement ring.
To enhance its beauty and add a touch of sparkle, I suggested we flank the central sapphire with two lab-grown baguette diamonds. This helped to lighten the overall design and create a beautiful contrast. To match the modern, edgy feel of the brief, I crafted a knife-edge band, which gives the illusion of a thinner, more delicate ring without compromising its durability.
A large central dark blue sapphire with baguette diamonds on each side gives this ring an elegant yet modern touch
The Result: An Engagement Ring with a Story
The final result was a timeless yet contemporary engagement ring with a captivating allure. The deep blue sapphire perfectly represents K's style, creating a piece that is both a departure from the norm and a classic in its own right.
M also asked for a special, personal touch. Underneath the central gemstone, I set a small blue diamond—a secret memento to represent a loved one who had passed away. It was a touching and beautiful tribute for this special couple.
The perfect touch: a small blue diamond hidden inside the ring.
Testimonial
"I commissioned Militza to design an engagement ring for my partner and could not be happier with the end result, it’s perfect. I had several consultations with Militza; her knowledge and eye for detail was invaluable in honing in on a final design that was not only stunning and timeless but that would capture my partner’s style impeccably.
As a same-sex couple, finding a jeweller I could comfortably speak to about my partner when designing such a special piece was key—Militza’s studio provided the perfect space for this, and she couldn’t have been more approachable. It’s safe to say my partner loves the ring, and it has been endlessly complemented by others. It was also so special to be able to use a local jeweller, and I instantly trusted Militza to carry out this work—she really is incredible and I would recommend her to anyone looking to commission a bespoke piece of jewellery."
— M.B. google review
Feeling inspired?
If you're looking for a bespoke engagement ring that tells your unique story, I'd love to help. Get in touch to discuss how we can create the ring of your dreams.
