Jewelry spotlight: Custom Order Engagement Ring

by Cristina Hurley of Cristina Hurley Jewelry

I do a lot of custom orders, but engagement rings are my favorites. The person who comes in for the special order is usually anxious and excited, and I want to do my absolute best to produce something they will both absolutely love!

Some of the orders are more unusual than others. The last engagement ring I made was probably the most unusual one I have ever made, and I wanted to share it with you. The groom came in with very little notice, wanting a ring made for Christmas. It was about two weeks before the holiday. Despite the tight deadline, I took the order on the spot, I could not resist. He and his fiance had found a lovely piece of sea glass one day on a walk together on the beach. He wanted the piece of glass to be the centerpiece, instead of a diamond! I could not believe it, but I absolutely loved the idea, and the story behind it was so meaningful and romantic.

The piece of glass was a great color, almost a deep teal. I used silver for the design and accentuated the "stone" with high quality diamonds. The piece of glass was very large so I hand cut it to a square shape. I had never done this before and was a little nervous, but it ended up being very easy.
Here are some images of the finished ring:

I was very happy with the results, and even more happy when the groom saw it and loved it too. Whew! I always get that same anxious and excited feeling a fiance does right before I show him the ring. Will they love it or not?! I get as nervous as they do on the special day they are going to propose. But it is an awesome feeling. I never get tired of it. I hope they are happy and in the blissful throws of planning an awesome wedding. If the wedding is anything like the ring, it will be a truly unique and romantic day for the two of them. ♥