Not all custom rings need to be reinvented. Sometimes, the most meaningful redesigns honour the original vision while quietly correcting what time has revealed. This ring began as a deeply personal custom piece. The original design featured onyx inlay along the sides of the shank, emeralds set into a halo, and a natural Asscher cut diamond at the centre. Visually striking and high-contrast, it featured a bold composition. However, over the years of daily wear, the materials told a different story.
When Beautiful Materials Don’t Age Well
Onyx and emerald are both visually captivating, but they are also among the more fragile materials used in fine jewellery. Emeralds often contain natural inclusions, making them prone to chipping, while onyx inlay can crack or loosen over time, especially in rings worn regularly.
After replacing several small emeralds and experiencing cracks in the onyx, the clients decided it was time to rethink the design, not because they no longer loved it, but because they wanted it to last. Ultimately, the client was not wearing the ring because it was missing stones and had a cracked inlay. They really wanted to wear their ring again!
This is where redesign becomes an act of preservation rather than change.
A Thoughtful Approach to Ring Redesign
Rather than altering the overall look, the goal was to keep the spirit of the original ring intact while improving its long-term durability. The client’s lifestyle also changed. They now had kids, and life’s activities were very different than when they first got engaged.
The redesign focused on two key changes:
- The onyx inlay was removed in favour of a solid metal shank, improving strength and wearability
- The emerald halo was replaced with natural diamonds, greatly reducing the risk of stones cracking.
The centre Asscher cut diamond remained the heart of the ring, anchoring the design exactly as before.
Rebuilding the Ring from the Inside Out
The original ring was carefully taken apart, and the existing centre stone was preserved. Using CAD, I recreated the design with precise adjustments, ensuring proportions, stone placement, and structure were optimized for longevity.
From the outside, the ring looks almost identical to its predecessor. The difference lies beneath the surface: stronger construction, more resilient materials, and a design suited for real life, not just special occasions.
Why Redesign Matters
Custom jewellery isn’t static. Lives change, hands work, and materials respond to wear. A well-considered redesign allows a piece to evolve without losing its emotional significance.
This ring is a perfect example of how thoughtful material choices and subtle design decisions can transform a beautiful yet fragile ring into one that endures for decades without sacrificing elegance or intent.
