Some of the most heart-warming and rewarding commissions are engagement rings, the thought of my work being a symbol of love is wonderful! One of the latest pieces went to Australia, to a lovely couple looking for something a bit different. The rings arrived on the day that Australia voted in favour of same sex marriage, timing couldn’t have been better. It’s sad that in the 21st century people still have to vote for it, when there is nothing more beautiful and important than 2 people loving each other!
Two very different recycle projects:
The lovely agate came from the customer’s nan’s ring, a section was cut and set into a very different contemporary ring.
I had old gold rings and a few small tanzanites to work with – adding a white gold main band and a square blue sapphire – voila!
I have worked with some precious stones, but this one was exceptional!! A stunning 1ct marquise cut diamond!
A beautiful ring originally, but the customer wanted a fresher, more contemporary look, and this is the new look:
“I’m sitting in the car still talking about how lovey my ring is!! Thank you so much again. Trust me, I will be back!” Gwen
It should have been a ruby anniversary, but the stone that the customer fell in love with was a sparklier red spinel.
“The ring arrived today and I absolutely love it. It fits perfectly and looks so stylish with its chunky contemporary look and glistening red stone. I’ll be wearing it a lot! Thank you for your acre and attention and it’s so nice to know that I’ve got something so beautiful and so unique”. Linda
It seems like getting engaged is back, and while some couples opt for unusual engagement rings, there’s still a demand for more traditional ones. Here’s a selection of engagement rings that are new to my collections, set with diamonds, Moissanites and white topaz, in silver and gold or all gold -so something for different budgets.
You know by now how much I love “recycling” old unloved or broken jewellery, but it is especially pleasurable when it is for a wonderful person – this one ticked all the boxes.
I couldn’t put it into words how much the process of having her old ring given a new lease of life meant to Rosie, so here it is in her own words:
http://girlovesvintage.tumblr.com
Thank you ROSIE x
Engagement rings come in all shapes and sizes…..in some cases in the shape of a woolly jumper!!
So, understandably, after years it was time for a proper ring, with each stone representing as important aspect – amethyst=Scotland, emerald=Ireland and an aquamarine =the daughter’s birthstone. What more does a girl need – a ring to make you sparkle and a jumper to keep you warm! Apparently it’s “still wearing well”.
I admit it – I’m a sucker for romance! And this was really special for me, the young man was one of my students back in Austria, so when he visited me and ordered some pieces of jewellery for his wife and young daughter, it meant a lot…….and made me feel really old….I remembered a boy and there was a young man with family 😉
He chose this for his wife and a little heart for his little girl .
That was about a year ago…….and yesterday I got a photo, his two beautiful girls wearing my jewellery .
Yes, I have been recycling again! And this one was such a pleasure, because it was for such a lovely lady! There were 3 quite nice diamonds in her old ring but she also wanted a touch of colour…pink. These were the contenders, but the little sapphire was the one! And the sparkly result was this
Remember this commission, wedding and engagement rings for a lovely girl in Florida? Now of course there had to be a matching wedding band for him too! And as a little reference to her rings, their two birthstones should feature in his ring as well. So, this is it with a little surprise inside
I’m always touched when people choose my work for their engagement/wedding rings…this one had me in tears…..of joy I must add! Not only did Ryan choose one of my favourite diamonds for his girl, after hours of fretting whether she would like it too , the precision planning of the whole proposal, the attention to detail….it was so touching!
Well, the ring was ready , there was only the small matter of staying calm and not giving the surprise away, get his girl up that hill and propose. “Hell yeah!”
Engagement rings come in all different styles and shapes. There was no beating about the bush – this young man wanted to tie the knot, and I had to do it quite literally – make a ring in the shape of one! The couple had bought a pear shaped amethyst when on holiday and that needed incorporating too. The result was this: And she said “yes” in Paris!
This is another commission that makes me go all gooey and happy. Jonathan, in Florida, commissioned engagement and wedding ring, using his and her birthstone. He’s put so much thought into it and writing his proposal speech while I was making the rings. The plan was to propose on his birthday, so the rings were posted well in time (I was told it takes 3-5 working days)….over 3 weeks later!!!! and missing his birthday by two days, she finally got the ring on her finger. Oh, and she said yes!
Making jewellery is my main passion, but pretty much up there too are books – love them! So I’m delighted to be embassador for WIGTOWN BOOK FESTIVAL.
WIGTOWN BOOK FESTIVAL 26 SEPTEMBER – 5 OCTOBER 2014
go and visit – all you book lovers, check out their website for events!
I really love unusal and challenging commissions – and I think this one beats them all! I was contacted by a lady asking if I could make a pendant for her, setting a “fragment of an acorn”…..and yes, it is exactly that! So this fragile bit was sent to me from Montreal, Canada. Obviously it must mean a lot to the lady, so working with it was tricky, as I was worried I might break it. But all good and this is the pendant going back to Canada – the little fragment of acorn looking a bit different now.
Every time a customer buys or orders a piece of my jewellery, I genuinely feel humbled and honoured. Especially when it has got some significance, like an engagement or wedding ring.
I made this wedding ring for Clare, who is going to get married to Eric tomorrow. Congratulations and a happy future for you both!
There are commissions, and lovely commissions and then there are really special ones. Straight from the first contact this ring was always going to have significance and meaning – so no pressure then!
I made this one for a very special lady and have been deeply touched by her story. Knowing that this ring will always be on her finger means a lot!
Ok, I’m a sucker for love and romance and some commissions are just that! I was contacted by Gus about an engagement ring for his girl, wondering if i could use the diamonds of his nan’s ring So I wiggled 5 stones out made 2 rings for him to choose from (with blue tack to show the position of the diamonds and this is the result
Last night I got a text saying that she said “YES” – that’s the perks of my job!
Of course I love all my commissions, but every now and then there is one that is special. Like this commission for a birthday present. It was decided that the lady would come and choose a stone, so she could get exactly what she wanted, and meeting her for the first time I knew she’d choose something special – this one! Now, I had actually bought this stone with myself in mind, but I can’t keep every stone I love, so I was really pleased that such a lovely woman chose such a lovely stone. And this is the ring I made for her – I think she loves it!
Sometimes when I buy stones, I fall in love with one of them and plan to make something special for myself. Problem is, I love so many of them, so with a heavy heart I have to part with them.
I immediately loved this marquis cut yellow diamond, and really set it aside for myself. But then a lovely customer was interested in a yellow diamond ring, so I had to let it go. And I’m not sad about it, I know that it is going to a good home!
This must be one of the most unusual , thoroughly enjoyable commissions so far. Lovely customer had the idea of an engagement ring in the shape of a leaping hare, and here is the result White gold and a dark blue sapphire. Now she just has to say yes!
A few weeks later and I got the good news: they are now officially engaged! Congratulations! And this is the ring finally on her finger after the proposal on a beach in Devon.
Of course it’s great when customers buy more than one of my pieces, but the really rewarding thing is getting lovely comments! She’ll be delighted with her stocking filler!
“Back to work and just dropping you a line to thank you for your help on Sunday when Clare and I were in and bought the three rings of which only two Clare at the moment, knows about. She has already received loads of comments about the one that she is wearing along with her wedding and engagement rings………one or two were very envious of such an outstanding ring.
I really like that particular ring it is in my very humble opinion stunning, possibly the most stunning ring I have ever seen. I have managed to get the third back home and hidden from her so fingers crossed.”
I was surprised by a production of this video by The Big Brass Tag. Enjoy watching it
Such a lovely commission – 40th birthday present from one sister to another – marble pebbles from a beach on Iona they picked together set in a pendant.
“I wanted to let you know my sister *loves* the pendant. She was really delighted when she opened it and said it was better than she had hoped for.
Thank you so much for doing a brilliant job with it. I’m really pleased with how it turned out. I wanted to say a big thanks!” Jan
It’s so nice when you get approached by people who want to write about your work! Have a read: jewellerywish.co.uk/blog/?p=4962
I made silver wedding bands for lovely Emma and Andy quite a while ago, finally their big day arrived!
“We wrote our own vows based on the rings: as they appear fragile and strong and as symbols of hopes, dreams and love”
All the happiness in the world to you and Congratulations!
I made this ring for a lovely customer, incorporating all her specifications. Her comments really mean a lot.
Hi Susanna
I have my unique ring. It’s stunning and I shall be wearing it tomorrow and showing it off. I’ve already shown the photo to loads of people. Thank you so much for making it. I’m looking forward to ordering more . You have yourself one very happy customer.
Many thanks
Sally xx
The latest addition to the RIVDA collection, bangles in silver and 9ct gold. Set with stones and diamonds coming soon!
We love finding new and inspirational designers here at Jewellery Monthly and being big twitter users over @jewelrymonthly I was introduced to Susanna’s work by a chance RT which led me to browse her website and collections. What captured me first was the unusual style of the designs; rough and unpolished surfaces providing a welcome break from the smooth, unblemished finishes we have become accustomed to. Some set with Diamonds, colourful gemstones or pearls, others left to cast your eyes or fingers along their rugged, weathered surfaces. A visual treat for any jewellery fan.
Edinburgh based Jeweller, Susanna explains that
“All my pieces are handmade and one-off pieces, usually using silver and gold combinations. In one of my latest collections ARRESTING I also include bronze, copper and brass”
With no formal training, Susanna is entirely self-taught which I find even more inspirational. The quality of her work, photography and knowledge of her craft is that of a well practised artist.
” I just love what I do, making something beautiful that hopefully means a lot to the customer”
Susanna talks with passion about her collections: “For the RIVDA collection I try to use unusual stones to make the rings truly unique, the MISU collection features diamonds, pearls and precious and semi-precious stones. I love special commissions and try to source stones for customers, or use their own and rework old, unloved pieces. Apart from bold statement pieces, I also have easy to wear collections such as BLOBS and NUGGET”
Susanna’s work speaks for itself. Her designs stand out from the crowd, offering a beautiful array of considered designs with imperfections that only add to the quality and uniqueness of her work.
Browse Susanna’s online store at: www.susannahanl.com and buy something new today
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Read the article at http://www.jewellerymonthly.com/jewellery-by-susanna-hanl-individual-unique/
Some of the pieces I posted to my new stockist – beautiful gallery Victoria Sewart in Plymouth. Delighted to stock them.