This ring and gemstone was my first custom ring project. I had originally been researching aquamarine rings to mark the birth of my first son, however after a failed attempt to buy an antique aquamarine ring (which was eventually returned due to a large inclusion in the middle of the stone I hadn’t noticed in the shop), I began researching how to buy loose gemstones and having them set. 

While researching, I came across a little yellow sapphire. Nice and bright, a good price for the size (under €500), the seller was friendly and responsive and had a free return period, the seller had video as well as photos, and there were positive reviews for the store, so I bought it online without seeing it in person! 

When the stone arrived it was a lovely bright yellow/green colour. The seller had described it as ‘Yellow’ however I have had some people comment on my ‘green’ stone. There are definitely some tinges of green in the colour, which is to be expected from an Australian sapphire – there are some lovely Parti Sapphires mined in Australia, which are a blue/yellow/green mixed colour sapphire. I love the colour of the stone, however I do still want a pure yellow gemstone for my collection – perhaps a chrysoberyl or a diamond (!). 

Some photos of the stone unset:

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Note there are a couple of very thin green bands that goes across the gemstone – this is visible on magnified photos of the stone, but not noticeable at all when viewing it with the naked eye at arms length (which is how I enjoy all my rings!).

Deciding to keep the stone, I reached out to a jeweller in Australia to make the ring, as that was where I was based at the time. I first received a recommendation (my sister knew the jeweller), then researched their website to find a photo of a ring they had designed and made which I thought would suit the stone: a simple, three stone ring where my Sapphire would sit in the middle with two small round diamonds either side.

I then made contact with them, explained what I wanted and sent them a photo of the stone. They replied with some pricing and we continued to CADs. 

Below is the first CAD that arrived:

Exactly what I had asked for, however when seeing the design made up, I decided it would be a bit too modern looking for me. They also sent examples of how the ring would look with a rose gold basket in place of white gold. I decided to stick to all white gold, and asked for a revision of how the side diamonds were set, by adding claws and increasing the size so they weren’t flush with the band. 

Below is the CAD round 2:

I pulled the trigger and asked them to create the ring after popping in to have my finger correctly sized. This particular jeweller didn’t require a deposit upfront. 

Below are some photos of the finished product! Simple, cheerful and classic, highly wearable and suitable for everyday use. I wear this ring when I want to remember Australia and the sunshine. 

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For some tips on how to commission a ring of your own, please read my guide to buying or designing a gemstone ring.