This ring began with a message through my private commission form. The idea was a medieval inspired engagement ring for the client's partner, with swords and a heart. They wanted it to feel close to a world their partner already loved.
We spent a few weeks on the design. I drew a series of engraving options, and the final emblem brings together a dragon, a sun, an eclipse and a sword as one interwoven symbol. The surface follows the soft, sculpted texture of the original signet, so it feels organic rather than flat. In the end the eclipse was replaced with the spiky structure of the dragon, so the dragon and sword carry the whole emblem.
The ring is made in 9ct white gold, hollowed out so it stays comfortable for everyday wear. I carved the symbol as an intaglio, cut down into the metal, then sculpted the ring in wax and had it cast. There is a tiny pair of initials hidden inside the band.
I oxidised the recesses to darken them, which makes the imagery stand out against the polished metal. The darkening shifts a little with wear, and it can be brought back whenever it is wanted.
The ring was collected from the studio in April, a few weeks before the proposal. Soon after, I received a message to say it had gone beautifully, the ring fitted perfectly, and it was loved.
Thank you so much to my client for such a thoughtful brief, and for trusting me with such an important piece. Congratulations to you both.
