At Jacqueline & Edward we pride ourselves on our combination of tradition and innovation, creating engagement rings that combine classic jewellery making skills with modern sensibilities. We think that our commitment to the art of handmade jewellery sets us apart, so we wanted to take you behind the scenes and explore the meticulous process that goes into crafting each of our unique and ethically-sourced engagement rings.
Getting to Know You: Whether through email or in-person consultations, we engage with you to understand your unique vision for your engagement ring. We discuss everything from styles you admire to the choice of metals and specific gemstones, ensuring that every detail aligns with your vision.
Sketching and Refining: Once we understand your preferences and ideas, our team can sketch-up a range of designs which you can then review and we can refine the design until you are completely satisfied. Depending on how significant each iteration of design is, we can provide updated quotes as we progress the design so that you are fully aware of the cost implications associated with each refinement.
Making It Official: Once you are satisfied with the design, we move forward with a deposit to formalise our partnership in crafting your bespoke engagement ring. If you would prefer to choose a ring from our current collection, we are still able to make modifications to suit your specific ideas.
Acquiring the Perfect Stone: Our commitment to ethical sourcing extends to the gemstones we use. We meticulously search for stones that are appropriate to the design of your ring, but that still align with both your budget and our principles. We consult with you to ensure that the stone we choose is not just beautiful, but is also ethically and sustainably sourced, which means only working with recycled or lab grown diamonds.
Melt, Pour, Create: The process of turning your design into reality begins with melting precisely-weighed amounts of recycled metals, and a sprinkle of natural river gold, in a ceramic crucible. Unlike other companies, we create all our alloys in-house so we can be absolutely confident in the provenance of these metals. The molten metal alloy is poured into a skillet or ingot mould, to create a billet, which is then rolled to precise specifications through a rolling mill to create a ring blank.
Shaping: Once the billet has been rolled to form a blank of precise dimensions, we cut it to the desired length and then deftly turn it up with half-round pliers to form a basic ring shape. We then solder the joint and round the ring up using a triblet or ring mandrel and mallet to create the shank.
Setting: Our commitment to crafting every element of your ring in-house includes making the claws and collet from the same metal used to form the billet. Unlike most companies, we draw all our own wire in house, and set the ring ourselves, instead of outsourcing it elsewhere. Not only does this ensure the highest quality and commitment to your ring from beginning to end, but it also decreases our carbon footprint. This setting is based on the creation of a Klunie engagement ring from our collection.
Placing the Stone: Before the stone is set, we give the ring a rough polish. The stone is placed and secured, and the claws are carefully undercut and rounded off, then with the stone securely in place we give your engagement prong a final, exquisite polish, bringing out its innate brilliance.
Packaged & Ready To Go: Our packaging is 100% recyclable and your ring will be sent in a handcrafted wooden box. Our boxes are made by Grandpa Ray from fallen tree branches to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind boxes, which are then given a wool inlay hand sewn by Jacqueline’s sister, Emma, to protect your rings in transit. The wool Emma uses is 100% undyed Shetland Wool.
A Commitment to Traditional Craftsmanship:
In a world where mass-production and outsourcing have become the norm, Jacqueline & Edward take pride in the traditional methods of jewellery making. We do not rely on pre-fabricated components or outsourced labour. Instead, we start from scratch ensuring every piece is meticulously handcrafted in-house.
Unfortunately, we think that the definition of ‘handmade’ is being stretched within the jewellery industry, to include elements that we do not consider to qualify as truly handmade. However, we are committed to maintaining the integrity of our craft. While modern jewellery production often relies on CAD and CAM technology, our team hand-draws each design, avoiding the need for 3D printers to create moulds. Our hands-on approach ensures your engagement ring is genuinely handmade using traditional methods that have existed for centuries.
