Some pieces stay with you - not just because of how they look, but because of the connection behind them. The ring I created for Charles and his now-fiancée, Rowan, is one of those pieces. In fact, I’d go so far as to say it’s probably the best I’ve ever designed.
Why? Well in part it comes down to trust.
Charles came to me overwhelmed. Like many men in his position, he wanted to get everything right, but was faced with a world of choices, conflicting advice, and the pressure of making one of the most emotional purchases of his life. What he really wanted - and what so many of my clients are looking for - was someone who could cut through the noise, understand what mattered, and help him get it absolutely right.
From the beginning, Charles and I clicked. Even when we met we were wearing pretty much the same clothes! There was an absolute ease in our conversations, and a shared sense that this ring was going to be something truly special. He put his full trust in me, and that trust genuinely supercharged my creativity. The result? A ring that I’d describe as one of the most balanced and graceful designs to leave my hands.
The Design
At the heart of the piece is my signature Cannelé setting - the most highly sought after of all the engagement rings I make. ‘Timeless’ is a word that is banalised and overused but on this occasion I feel it is apt. There is an Art Nouveau sensibility to the Cannelé - a quiet confidence. Charles loved this design but he wanted shoulder diamonds also. To be honest when Charles requested this my internal dialogue was something like - “You want to add stones to the Cannelé? I am not sure she can take it – or that she needs it!”.
But as I started to play with the design, in the knowledge that Charles had full trust in me, the design really to started to take form. I added pear-shaped diamond shoulders, carefully chosen for the way they can work as shoulder stones and support the centre. They bring in additional curves and points to the piece without taking away from the centre settings. In fact they actually frame and lift the centre celebration of light.
Oh yes – and Charles wanted the ring to be in platinum and yellow gold. This was another challenge as the Cannelé was all about a single flow – so a flow through two metals can be difficult. But as with the pear shoulders, this bi-colour element started to be resolved in a really beautiful way.
The Moment
After some time, in which diamonds were selected and viewed, resin replicas tested, the design being refined to within an inch of its life – and a good few emails and zoom chats – it was time! I delivered the ring to Charles in a London coffee house two days before the proposal moment.
On the evening of the special day, Charles sent me the photo below of him and Rowan teary-eyed - moments after he proposed. That single image said everything – it was all in the eyes. I felt it captured the joy, the weight of the moment, and the love between them. To have played a part in that - to have created something they’ll carry with them always and that they both absolutely adore - means more than I can say.
Why do Clients need Guiding?
Having worked with countless men like Charles, I understand what they’re facing. The desire to get it just right. The uncertainty. The nerves. What they need - and deserve - is a kind of creative wingman although this word perhaps doesn’t go far enough. They need someone who can carry the weight of the decision, guide them with care, and deliver something that’s not only beautiful, but right.
Charles’ ring is a perfect example of what happens when that trust is there. And for me, it’s a reminder of why I do what I do.
Click here to see the Insta reel about Charles’ and Rowan’s ring.
