Some of the most special commissions are those created in secret, designed as a complete surprise for someone loved. This cocktail ring was commissioned as a birthday gift – a bold, vibrant piece that was intended to delight her and capture her love of colourful jewellery.
From the very beginning, the client knew the design should centre around colour. By asking the right questions of close family and friends, he discovered that a sapphire cocktail ring was at the top of her wish list. With that direction in mind, our designers explored the many forms a cocktail ring can take – from dramatic single-stone designs and bold gemstone halo rings to playful cluster settings and even the increasingly popular Toi et Moi style, where two contrasting stones sit side by side. Each style has its own character, but what became clear was that the sapphire should remain the star of the show.
We curated a selection of sapphires, each chosen to showcase different aspects of this extraordinary gemstone – quality, hue, shape and proportions. Among them was one very distinctive stone: a striking sapphire with distinctive natural colour zoning that gave it a striped, almost claw-like effect within the gem. Nicknamed the “tiger sapphire”, it was unlike anything else, and immediately caught his attention.
During the design discussions, he also came across one of our past creations that balanced coloured gemstones with sculptural proportions. Inspired by this, we reimagined the design to frame the tiger sapphire with a pair of glowing aquamarines, each rubover set to highlight their clear blue tones. The setting was crafted entirely in rich 18ct yellow gold, chosen to complement and intensify the vibrancy of the gemstones.
The finished ring is a generous and joyful piece – a unique sapphire flanked by two brilliant aquamarines, all brought together in a bold, contemporary three-stone design. Presented to her on her birthday as a complete surprise, the cocktail ring was received with sheer delight. A true celebration of colour, craftsmanship and the joy of gifting, this piece embodies everything we love about creating bespoke jewellery.
At W&W Jewellery, we specialise in transforming ideas – even the faintest hint of one – into extraordinary bespoke designs. Whether you are dreaming of a sapphire cocktail ring, a Toi et Moi ring, or creating a surprise gift, our London bespoke jewellery studio would be delighted to bring your vision to life.