I want to share the story of jewellery enthusiast Dominique’s stunning aquamarine ring.
Over the years, Dominique’s father gave her beautiful jewels to mark special occasions. One of these was a lovely aquamarine pendant. Unfortunately she rarely wore it. Thinking back, Dominique realised that she’s more of a ring person, and that’s most likely why it remained largely unworn.
The original pieces with the aquamarine and diamonds we re-set in the new design.
Her mother was also very generous. She gave Dominique her wedding band which had two sweet baguette diamonds. It was too small for Dominique to wear but it always meant so much to her because it represented her parents’ union.
Another beautiful piece that Dominique’s father gave her was a gold wire necklace that she wore often, but sadly it was damaged a few years ago and again, it ended up sitting in a drawer for years.
Breathing new life
Upon discovering my designs many years ago, Dominique loved everything immediately. Time passed, she read about my repurposing projects and had a lightbulb moment, realising that her meaningful heirlooms could enjoy a second life and actually be worn!
Upon discovering my designs many years ago, Dominique loved everything immediately. Time passed, she read about my repurposing projects and had a lightbulb moment, realising that her meaningful heirlooms could enjoy a second life and actually be worn!
Dominique's 18ct yellow gold which we used to create her new piece.
As a huge jewellery enthusiast she had undertaken some jewellery making courses and created some pieces herself. She loved the process of making her own pieces at her bench at home, but didn’t actually wear them much. So she decided to melt down the handful of gold bands, a bow clasp, and a chain necklace along with her family gifts.
The design process
We had been in discussions for a while as Dominique considered all the various different possibilities. I encouraged her to take her time, repurposing your jewels is a big decision and there’s no need to rush the process. Dominique was deliberating whether to create stacking rings or a more statement piece with her gold. Originally she loved the Parquet shield, but once she saw the Deco design she decided that would be most suited to the stones she had.
We had been in discussions for a while as Dominique considered all the various different possibilities. I encouraged her to take her time, repurposing your jewels is a big decision and there’s no need to rush the process. Dominique was deliberating whether to create stacking rings or a more statement piece with her gold. Originally she loved the Parquet shield, but once she saw the Deco design she decided that would be most suited to the stones she had.
Jo's CAD drawings of the new Deco ring.
Dominique explained ‘The design process was seamless for me as I love all Jo’s work. Inspired by the rings in Jo’s collections, it was simply a matter of choosing the right design to suit the stones.
Working with Jo was a joy. I had spotted a few rings at the Goldsmiths Fair that I thought were stunning and that’s what got my creative thinking started.’
Working with Jo was a joy. I had spotted a few rings at the Goldsmiths Fair that I thought were stunning and that’s what got my creative thinking started.’
The finished ring
Dominique ‘I couldn’t be happier with my new ring. It’s an homage to both my dear parents and a big treat for myself! It was such a privilege to work with Jo. I am so happy with it. It’s truly stunning.’
Jo ‘It was so lovely seeing you when you collected your new ring. Your aquamarine was such an incredible stone to work with and I just love the ring we created together!’
Dominique wearing her stunning new aquamarine and diamond Deco ring.