How did you feel when you had to start looking for an engagement ring?
I spent a lot of time researching online and trying to decide what the best route to take was. I think the initial step was the most difficult to take, but from the first consultation meeting I had with Steph she really clarified a lot for me. It became clear I knew what I was looking for and I think that’s a big credit to Steph. She was very supportive and clear on each detail and next step. Her communication and updates were clear and it’s been a lot of fun showing Daire all the planning and preparation that went into the best day of our lives.
How did you hear about Stephanie Stevens Jewellery?
I did a fair bit of research online, it felt like the best place to start. I read a few blogs and articles on how to start looking and knew I was looking for a bespoke ring.
After looking around, I found Steph’s website. I looked at her previous work and read through the testimonials across her website then booked in a consultation. The first meeting was so helpful, Steph was really clear and explained all the finer details, making it a lot more digestible. She really helped guide me with all the intricacies of the ring.
Why was it important for you to have a bespoke ring?
I never wanted to walk into a shop and buy a ring that had been mass produced with little meaning or relevance to what is important to Daire, so finding Steph, a St Ives-based jeweller was the perfect option for us. I was very lost in all the detail and quite overwhelmed when I first started researching engagement rings, but honestly Steph gave me the confidence and clarity that I did in fact know what I was looking for. She turned a stressful and important decision into an enjoyable process and meaningful end result. I’d recommend her to anyone thinking of designing a bespoke ring. I really enjoyed creating the ring with Steph
Main reason you chose Stephanie to design and make your ring?
When I first sat down to think about what kind of ring I wanted to get Daire, I landed on three main factors that were important to us both.
1. Being a part of the process was something I wanted to do, I liked the idea of helping to create something truly bespoke to Daire
2. Having the ring created in Cornwall, as Daire grew up there and I know it holds a big place in her heart
3. Ethically sourced diamonds came slightly later, but knowing these had been retrieved responsibly from the ocean became an important factor that Steph could fulfil
What was it like receiving the photos of your ring being made and how did it make you feel?
Seeing the images and videos was an amazing part of the journey. Nothing compared to opening the ring when it arrived however, it took my breath away looking at it in real life.
Your favourite part of the journey?
Besides Daire saying ‘Yes’ of course, it was definitely receiving the ring and seeing it in real life. I got serious butterflies, I was so excited to be able to share it with Daire at that point in particular.
Any tips you can give to partners looking for engagement rings?
Speak to Steph and trust your instincts!
Tell us about the proposal 🙂Â
Daire: I grew up in St Ives and the Steeple was actually the first place I took Sam when he first visited home. Sam proposing at the Steeple adds another special memory there. It’s such an iconic St Ives spot and means so much to me. It couldn’t have been a more perfect location. We had gone for a walk on a sunny Friday afternoon and I went round the corner to point out St Michael’s Mount, came back around the corner and Sam got down on one knee, then I saw the ring box. I was so shocked I couldn’t speak!
Sam: I was sooo nervous! 6 months of secret planning had led us to a sunny August Friday afternoon in St Ives. I had always known Cornwall was the right place and the Steeple in particular holds a lot of sentimental value for Daire, so I managed to quietly guide us to there without giving any inkling of a proposal. I know Daire loves surprises so I had gone to extreme lengths to not raise suspicion at any occasion. Thankfully the weather was on our side on the day, there was no one else around when we arrived and I knew the moment was here. With nothing but St Ives and the ocean behind me, I got down on one knee. We both needed a moment to collect ourselves, Daire was in shock and I was very emotional haha… Thankfully I remembered the words I had prepared, ending with asking Daire to marry me and she said ‘Yes’! We had a dream of a weekend, enjoying all the food, champagne, weather and beaches Cornwall had to offer.
How does it feel now you have your dream ring?
Daire: I love it so much. It’s so beautiful and elegant. The ring is a testament to how well Sam knows me: I would not have thought to include aquamarine stones within the band, yet it’s such a personal and unique detail which I love. I loved hearing all about the design journey which makes it so much more meaningful. I stare at it all the time.
Sam: I’m really happy Daire can now enjoy it for the rest of our lives. It will forever remind us of that incredible weekend and for me personally the 6 month journey from just an idea on an email to an amazing gift for my Fiancée
What does your ring mean to you?
Daire: Knowing how much thought Sam put into designing the ring means the world. Equally, how much love and care Steph put in is really special. Steph truly has a talent for bringing a client’s vision to life, and it’s so special that it was made locally. I have always wanted a bespoke ring, and being ethically sourced was essential. On top of that, the diamond being an ocean diamond is perfect and so St Ives. It’s an indescribable feeling knowing the ring was made only for me.
Sam: I’m so happy with the end result. I wanted it to be really special for Daire, so spending the time discussing with Steph on all the meticulous detail was very important to me, even if I felt like I was out of my depth.
Any other comments?
Daire: A huge thank you to Steph for being the perfect jeweller partner. Your knowledge and experience are second to none. Steph truly cares about helping clients achieve their dream ring and is so supportive and encouraging. Her excitement throughout the process really shines through.
