Some of the most personal pieces of jewellery begin with an idea that already means something to the person creating it. These bespoke sapphire earrings began in exactly that way.
For this commission, a client approached Icecool Diamonds with an idea for bespoke sapphire earrings for his wife. He wanted the design to incorporate her initial, S, together with beautiful heart-shaped sapphires.
Rather than choosing something ready-made, he wanted to create something completely personal.
That’s exactly where the bespoke process began.
Starting With the Client’s Idea
One of the things we love about bespoke jewellery is that you don’t need to arrive with a professionally drawn design or know exactly how every detail should work.
Sometimes a client comes to us with a very clear vision. Other times, they have the beginnings of an idea that we can develop together.
In this case, our client already knew some of the elements he wanted to incorporate into the earrings.
The letter S would become an important part of the design, while heart-shaped sapphires would provide both colour and a distinctive finishing detail.
From there, we could begin exploring how those elements work together as a pair of earrings that were not only personal, but beautifully balanced and wearable.
Developing Four Different Designs
Rather than settling on one interpretation right away, we developed four hand-drawn design options based on the client’s original idea.
Each explored a slightly different way to form the letter S and position the stones, chains, and heart-shaped drops.
This stage of the bespoke process can be incredibly useful.
Seeing several interpretations of an idea often helps a client identify the details they are naturally drawn to—whether that’s the proportions, the position of a stone, or simply the overall feel of a particular design.
The sketches also allowed us to develop the concept while keeping the original idea at the heart of every option.
Choosing the Final Design
Once we presented the four concepts, the client chose the design he preferred.
From there, we developed the selected design in greater detail.
A more detailed hand-rendered illustration helped bring the concept to life, showing how the white metal, diamonds and rich blue sapphires would work together before the earrings themselves were made.
For us, this is one of the most enjoyable parts of bespoke jewellery.
An idea that may start as a conversation or simple sketch gradually becomes something tangible.
Choosing the Stones
The client chose the gemstones for the bespoke sapphire earrings.
The finished design combines round blue sapphires, diamonds and heart-shaped blue sapphires, with the stones becoming an integral part of the S-shaped design rather than being added as decoration.
The heart-shaped sapphires hang beneath the central design, while the round blue sapphires form the top of each earring.
Between them sits the most personal element of the piece: the letter S, picked out with three diamonds.
Together, the different elements create a pair of unmistakably individual earrings.
From Drawing to Finished Jewellery
Once the client chose the design and stones, it was time for our craftsman to bring the earrings to life.
The finished piece remained true to the idea that began the project: a pair of earrings designed specifically for one person.
The polished white metal creates a clean backdrop for the blue sapphires, while the diamonds running through the centre of the S introduce light and sparkle.
Delicate chains connect each section and allow the earrings to move naturally when worn, finishing with the heart-shaped sapphire drops below.
Looking from the initial pencil concepts to the detailed illustration and finally the completed earrings shows just how much can happen between an idea and a finished piece of jewellery.
What Bespoke Jewellery Is Really About
For us, these bespoke sapphire earrings are a lovely example of why bespoke jewellery can be so personal.
The client didn’t simply choose a pair of earrings and give them as a gift.
He was part of creating them.
His original idea became the starting point. We explored different possibilities, developed four designs, refined his chosen concept and helped him select the stones before the final earrings were handcrafted.
The result couldn’t simply have been picked from a display.
It was created for one particular person, with details considered from the very beginning.
And sometimes, that’s what makes a piece of jewellery truly special.
Have an Idea of Your Own?
You don’t need a finished drawing to begin creating bespoke jewellery.
You might have a photograph you’ve saved, a gemstone you’d like to use, an existing piece you’d like to transform or simply an idea you’d like us to explore.
We’ll work with you to develop the possibilities and turn your idea into a design that can be made especially for you.
Have an idea you’d like to bring to life?
Book an appointment with Icecool Diamonds in Hatton Garden and talk to us about creating your own bespoke piece.
Icecool Diamonds
Crafted in Hatton Garden
You Dream, We Create.
