This really was a custom engagement ring, this ring really meant a lot to Howard and he designed it with so many personal touches to Sophie.
I loved creating this very special ring. Howard designed his ring with so many personal touches that would mean so much too Sophie. From the first email I realised how much this ring meant to him and knew it was going to be a really lovely one to create.
How did you feel when you had to start looking for an engagement ring?
H- Looking for an engagement ring initially felt like a daunting prospect! I had some idea on what Sophie would like and found a few rings that were ‘kind of’ what she might like. But I knew ‘kind of’ wasn’t going to be ‘just right’. There are so many options out there, and whilst I had some understanding of cuts and shapes, I knew I needed to find someone experienced, someone approachable and someone who would give me the reassurance I needed to make Sophie’s ring ‘just right’.
Steph was just that person.
How did you hear about Stephanie Stevens Jewellery?
H- St. Ives has always been the most important place to Sophie growing up and has now become somewhere dear to my heart. And so, seeking help in somewhere familiar to me, I stumbled across Steph’s website and Instagram. It sounds cliche, but as soon as I read about her ethos, working together to create a ring that is truly personal to you and your partner, and saw her amazing work I knew she was the only person who could create our ring.
Why was it important for you to have a bespoke ring?
H- While looking a saw loads of beautiful rings, but nothing really spoke to me or what I know Sophie would want. The more I thought about it the more I realised I didn’t want to buy mass-produced ring that someone else might buy. Reading what Steph does and seeing the result excited me- having a ring made in St.Ives by hand to a personal one-off design, what could be better?
Main reason you chose Stephanie to design and make your ring?
H- Even though I was pretty decided at this point, I knew I wanted to use heirloom stones and Steph also seemed to be one of the few bespoke jewelers out there who worked with them. Many of her previous designs really spoke to me I could immediately see her skill, and eye for composing a ring that just works!
I read through her design form and realised that I could truly make every aspect bespoke.
Steph ticked all the boxes for me: St. Ives, handmade, heirloom stones and a small independent woman-owned business!
What was it like receiving the photos of your ring being made and how did it make you feel?
H- It honestly felt surreal at times!
I first contacted Steph with a few half-formed ideas in my head and she helped me arrange them into a tangible (and honestly perfect) design which incorporated some very special elements to us. Steph knew exactly which setting to suggest, and helped me select the right band and shape to emphasize the stone we selected alongside my heirloom diamonds.
Seeing the metal band polished and physically with stones ready to be set was incredible!
Your favourite part of the journey?
H- Steph herself was the best part of the journey. She is so supportive, hard working and knows her craft inside out. I never felt stupid asking a question and she explained every aspect in such detail, I didn’t feel in the dark at any stage. I will miss those regular progress photos and updates though, they were always the highlight of my week!
Any tips you can give to partners looking for engagement rings?
H- I would say the sentiment and its meaning is the most important aspect of any ring. Whether you choose bespoke (Pssst! if you are choose Steph!) or not, this really guided me through the process to finding the perfect ring. If it has meaning it will be loved, and I feel very fortunate to have created something both beautiful and with meaning.
Tell us about the proposal 🙂Â
S- He kept it a total secret! I had no idea at all, it was just the two of us in my favourite place. It was perfect.
H- I honestly cannot remember what I said, it was all a bit of a blur, but it must have worked! The evening felt as though it was made just for us, and getting engaged with an amazing Cornish sunset behind: it was perfect.
How does it feel now you have your dream ring?
S- I love wearing it every day, its so beautiful that I get distracted at work just staring at it sparkle!
What does your ring mean to you?
S- Its so special to have something that Howard designed for me, knowing he put so much thought into every detail has made it even more precious.
