Around this time last year, we had an enquiry regarding a commission for a ruby wedding anniversary. The client wanted something different and loved our ‘Satellite’ rings which are made by the awarding winning designer, Andrew Geoghegan. He asked whether we could create something similar, but with a more personal/bespoke element to it and so we embarked on a wonderful journey of creating something together to celebrate a beautiful love story.
Although the planning of this began at the beginning of the year, the actual anniversary wasn’t until October and the presentation of the final design, is one of the most romantic stories we have ever witnessed here at Gatwards.
40 Years of Marriage
After meeting at work many years ago, our client and his wife have now shared 40 years of marriage and have two lovely children. He wanted a really special piece of jewellery to mark this upcoming milestone anniversary and came to us with a few ideas of his own.
Sapphire Satellite
Traditionally ruby is used to mark 40 years, but he knew that ruby wasn’t really her favourite gemstone and that she would much prefer a sapphire. He loved the concept of the ‘Satellite’ design, as he felt it reflected her as the Earth and him as the Moon in her orbit. He specified that he also wanted to have a reference to her Welsh heritage and also to include a link to their two children.
Sourcing the Sapphires
All the requirements were set in an initial meeting and then we started with sourcing some loose sapphires for the client to view. A wonderful selection of gemstones ranging in size and quality were sent to us to choose from. The client came in and fell in love with the most exceptional sapphire of the collection, and from there we would create the design around it.
The Design Process
We sent the chosen sapphire to our designer, Andrew Geoghegan, who then set about creating a CAD design of the ring using the measurements of the gemstone as a starting point. We also consulted with Andrew about adding in the other elements that the client had requested.
Andrew suggested a hidden ruby inside the band of the ring to represent the 40 years of their marriage, a lovely extra touch to mark their special anniversary. Our client wanted to also include a reference to their son and daughter and so the CAD design was created to include a pink and blue sapphire, for their son and daughter.
Engraving within the band – “Precious Darling”
We discussed the different options for including a Welsh element and the client decided that a secret engraving within the band would be a great addition. He researched different phrases and ideas for the engraving and finally decided on the lovely, “Cariad Aur”, meaning “Precious Darling” in Welsh. He also decided that he would use this phrase in a design for his first ever tattoo, as a tribute to his wife and a way of linking himself to the ring. He consulted with a local tattoo artist and decided to match the font of the engraving with the font of the tattoo. The font selection took some time, but eventually the “Heart of Everything” font was selected.
With the design confirmed, we went ahead on making the ring and the final result was breathtaking. All this was arranged in secret, without his wife knowing anything about all the work he had put in to create something wonderful for her. He did run the concept of a tattoo by her, but the theme was kept entirely secret. The tattoo was done a few weeks ahead of the date of the anniversary, but he kept it hidden from her, until the day of the “big reveal”.
The Treasure Hunt
The ring was finished months ahead of the anniversary date and so it was kept safely at Gatwards, along with the paperwork from the designer and an independent valuation for his insurer. As we crept closer to the date, our client thought up a brilliant idea for his wife to ‘find’ the ring as part of a treasure hunt around the town.
He consulted a few of the local shops including Hotel Chocolat and a local florist, hiding clues in gifts at each destination and finishing at Gatwards for the reveal of the ring. Getting to Gatwards first thing in the morning, he brought a bottle of the same champagne that they had enjoyed at their wedding day, 40 years previously. The champagne was put on ice ready for her entrance. After setting the treasure trail he came back and hid himself in one of our private rooms upstairs. It was an exciting morning in preparation and we all had goosebumps by the time she found the last of the clues and finally arrived at Gatwards.
The Big Reveal
As she entered the boutique to “their song”, he arrived from upstairs with the ring to present. Her reaction was wonderful, with tears of happiness and complete surprise. After months of secret planning, we all enjoyed a celebratory big glass of champagne and toasted their special day.
We have to say, he has absolutely set a precedent for the amount of thought and effort that has gone into an anniversary gift and its presentation!