November 10, 2024

Bespoke Jewellery; Modern Knot Opal Pendant Redesigned From An Inherited Ring

Creating bespoke jewellery that captures the heart and soul of an original piece is one of my greatest joys. I love reimagining jewellery, preserving its sentimentality by melting down precious metals and reusing gemstones to breathe new life into designs. The result is always a piece of bespoke jewellery that not only honors its past but reflects the wearer’s personal style—something they truly adore and are excited to wear.

When a client brought me an inherited opal ring, the design didn’t do justice to the stunning gemstone; it was uninspired, simple, and didn’t reflect her style. She wanted something larger, more contemporary—an opal piece she could cherish and wear with pride. Instantly, I saw the potential to transform this ring into a bespoke jewellery piece that would embody not only the beauty of the opal but also the cherished bond with her mother, from whom it was inherited.

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The mothers knot as inspiration behind this gold opal pendant

Drawing inspiration from the idea of a “mother’s knot”—a symbol of the deep, enduring connection between mother and child—I began sketching. The knot became the central element, subtly woven into the pendant’s design. This would be a secret, known only to her, a hidden story within the bespoke jewellery that would keep her mother’s memory close. The symbolism of the knot became the heart of the pendant, but I wanted to enhance it further.

To give the piece a modern edge, I played with the lines of the knot, breaking up the flow with varying gradients of thickness, guiding the eye across the pendant in a dance of light and shape. I envisioned adding diamonds, knowing their sparkle would elevate the opal, bringing a brilliant contrast to the bold, solid metal. The diamonds would add a touch of ethereal elegance, a “je ne sais quoi” that creates lightness within the otherwise substantial pendant.

The final piece was a true showstopper: the opal set in a design that drew out its natural fire, with diamonds that brought sparkle and sophistication. Gazing into the opal was like peering into another world—an endless galaxy, or perhaps a canvas of Mother Nature’s own creation, as if Monet had painted within the stone. This bespoke jewellery pendant became not only a tribute to my client’s mother but also a piece of art, brimming with symbolism and style.

For me, bespoke jewellery is about more than aesthetics; it’s about creating a piece that tells a deeply personal story, known only to the wearer. Each bespoke creation is a wearable memory, blending the sentimental with the extraordinary, ensuring it will be loved and worn for generations to come.

 A close up of an opal gemstone used in a redesigned pendant

If you need inspiration for a piece of redesigned jewellery crafted by us in our Surrey Jeweller from your inherited pieces have a look at these for inspiration;