One of a kind engagement ring - aquamarine treasure

Lisa and Rich are avid Scuba Divers  and spend most of their spare time running 'Dive South' a scuba diving club in Dorset. Lisa particularly loves nothing more than being under the water so there was no surprise that the brief was to create an engagement ring that was inspired by the sea, whilst at the same time ensuring the design  was elegant and delicate, but not too fussy or overly embellished with diamonds.

After some initial discussions, designs and a couple of adjustments we had it narrowed down to this. A striking asymmetric platinum ring set with a faceted sea-blue aquamarine and delicate accents of white diamonds.

This ring is special to me, not only because it is a beautiful and interesting design,   but because I met some wonderful people who have since become my friends.  And true to form, the proposal was not only wonderful, it was underwater, and I was lucky enough to be there to share it!

For further details, to arrange a design consultation or to purchase a piece of jewellery please visit my website or contact me on 07701 080 615.

Cat x 

A jewellery box essential...

Diamond stud earrings are a jewellery box essential. They are a timeless classic.  An elegant yet simple style of earring that hold a special place in the heart of most women. 

The brief from my client was to design the earrings to hold a half carat diamond in a bezel setting. To allow lots of light to enter the diamond and maximise its sparkle, the design featured 'light spaces' at the sides of the collet and underneath the earring base.

As with any diamond purchase, we discussed the 4 C’s of a diamond - the cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight, and selected a pair of the most suitable, and best quality diamonds at an affordable price.

One thing to keep in mind when choosing and making diamond earrings is the match. Both diamonds should be as close as possible in terms of size, cut, clarity, and colour so they appear to be identical. No two diamonds are ever completely alike so it is important to source matching pairs which were most similar.

These earrings are made in 18ct yellow gold, and the total diamond weight is just over 1 carat.

Diamond stud earrings can be made to any specification. Prices start from £400.

For further details see www.catherinebuddjewellery.co.uk

Much love

Cat  ©

A perfect wedding and engagement ring match...

Having personally designed this two stone engagement ring, Sam and Steve contacted me about designing a wedding ring to fit the shape.  The brief was something delicate. A wedding ring to enhance the shape of the engagement ring rather than detract from it.  After some preliminary sketches, we narrowed the design down to a beautiful platinum band delicately curving around the shape of the engagement ring with crossover detail in the centre. 

Getting Sam to part with her engagement ring was no mean feat and took some gentle coaxing but it was important to have the engagement ring to use as a guide from which to make the wedding ring, and to ensure the angles and lines were precise. It didn't take long though and within a week we had the exact shape from which to work on, and Sam was reunited with her beloved engagement ring.

Thefinished piece. The design is beautiful, the finish excellent and the fit against the engagement ring is superb.

The wedding took place July 21st 2012 at Culeaze House in Dorset.  It was a warm, sunny July day with the most magnificent blue sky.

To Steve and Sam, thank you for sharing your big day with me. I wish you a vast amount of congratulations as well as an eternity of happiness together!

Much love

Cat ©

http://www.catherinebuddjewellery.co.uk/index.html

Have you ever thought about having a piece of jewellery commissioned?

There is something so romantic and utterly special about a piece of beautiful jewellery that has been designed especially for you....

This year has been so exciting with the launch of the 'Crown Collection' but I also have a growing number of clients for whom I have designed unique and one-off pieces of bespoke jewellery - engagement rings, wedding rings, wedding rings to curve and shape around irregular shaped engagement rings, eternity rings, earrings, pendants....

Being a jewellery designer, I love working on commissioned pieces. To me, it is all about understanding you and your individuality, so that together we create a piece of jewellery to match your style, personality and your budget. Classic or contemporary, bold or understated, it is all about designing a piece which is right for you.

A selection of one-off creations 

Typically I visit each of my clients for a design consultation in the comfort of their own home - alleviating the need to trudge up and down a high street from one jeweller to another. There is no charge for a design consultation, and if you decide my service is not right for you it's fine to just walk away.

Commissioning a piece of fine jewellery is about having fun and enjoying the process. 

Every person is different. Some people have quite clear ideas about what they want and if this is the case I will work with you to bring your ideas to life as a practical design. If you haven't decided on exactly what you would like, or have absolutely no idea at all I will talk about jewellery styles, perhaps draw inspiration from things you are passionate about, favourite colours, family heirlooms, or aspects of your life to find a design that is right. However much or little creative input you would like to have, I always make sure that through my knowledge and understanding of both the aesthetics of design and the practical limitations of jewellery construction, that the piece is not only beautiful but that it actually works from a technical point of view. This is important. Some ideas look great in your head but won't work when translated into a 3-dimensional structure!

2D technical drawing of a bezel set engagement ring 

As the design develops, I will explain all that there is to know about different metals, diamonds and precious gemstones, so that you can make decisions and choose what is right for you, with confidence and at a price that suits you, your lifestyle and your budget.

You may worry that you can't picture what the finished piece will look like. Don't fear. With the help of design sketches and particularly with the use of CAD software, it's possible to actually see a 3D render of your finished piece before it is actually made - which is a fantastic option if you aren't very good at imagining what the finished piece will look like. I also have a collection of jewellery which whilst not intended as a 'catalogue' for clients to choose from, are to give a taste of the jewellery I create, the quality of workmanship, and to also serve as points of reference when discussing what you really want.

3D CAD images of a bezel set engagement ring

Many people think that bespoke jewellery will cost the earth. Think again..... I always strive to give the best possible value for money, regardless of how much you decide to spend - part of the meaning of good design is knowing how to produce beautiful results within a specified budget. And if a particular design is going to cost more than your budget allows, it is more than likely that I can find a way of doing a very similar design, that is to your budget. This is the beauty of bespoke design - changing the quality or type of stone, or perhaps a simple design change could considerably alter the time it takes to make, the materials, and hence the price.

The finished piece - made with white gold and set with a 0.50ct diamond 

Bespoke jewellery and good design should be accessible to everyone.

So next time you are thinking about buying a piece of jewellery....why not consider commissioning a bespoke piece and create something as beautiful and unique as you are?

If you have any questions or would like to arrange a design consultation, please contact me.

Much love

Cat ♥

www.catherinebuddjewellery.co.uk

A Jewel in the Crown: The Crown Collection

Spring 2012 has been really exciting for me with the launch of my fine jewellery range ...the 'Crown Collection'.  This is the first collection for Catherine Budd Jewellery and I have been thrilled with the response so far.   

Made from 18 carat gold with delicate accents of diamonds, The Crown Collection is a classic and elegant range which was inspired by the shape and form of the vintage tiara, and marks the celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.  The collection features an engagement ring, a choice of wedding rings and an eternity ring, which fit together perfectly, creating a stylish and intricate look.

Dating back centuries and reflecting eras of fashion decadence, some of the most stunning tiara's have been worn by Royal Queens and Princesses.  Queen Elizabeth II is said to have the largest collection of these fascinating jewelled headpieces in the world, which have been passed down from generation to generation as treasured and precious heirlooms.

Considered by many to be one of the most important pieces of jewellery worn on the most important of occasions, the tiara is often associated with weddings and believed to symbolise the loss of innocence and the triumph of love.  Each ring is available in 18 carat white, rose or yellow gold and can be set with white diamonds, coloured diamonds or precious gemstones.

For details, visit www.catherinebuddjewellery.co.uk, contact info@catherinebuddjewellery.co.uk or call 07701 080 615.

Much love

Cat x

I *LOVE* MY JOB

I admit that I am one of those exceedingly annoying people who can hand on heart say "I love my job".  I mean love it.  Really love it.  Whilst I admit that getting out of a cosy warm bed is sometimes horrendous, I can honestly say that I am glad I do what I do, and I consider myself incredibly lucky to work in an industry as rewarding and as interesting as I find it.

I get to design and create the most beautiful pieces of fine jewellery.  I look at diamonds every day, and work with the most interesting of precious gemstones.  Being so passionate about jewellery, you can imagine what an absolute joy it is to see a design evolve on paper and ultimately become a wonderful creation for someone to treasure.

And it is not only this.  All the clients I talk to during my day, are happy.  The reason we are meeting is truly special - an engagement, marriage, anniversary, birth of a child, birthday, or just a well-deserved treat - and it is an honour to be involved in these precious moments and occasions. I have even been part of a heart-stoppingly wonderful proposal © (you know who you are) which was an amazing privilege and a memory I will treasure.

I admit I really do have to frequently stop myself from talking friends and family to death about all things fine jewellery related.  Imagine the excitement I have when I meet with my clients and we can chat about jewellery until my heart's content. It's is like a dream come true for me!  From discussing the technical aspects of the 4 C's to the fun bits of trying things on, I love nothing more than looking at diamonds and gemstones that make you go "oooooooh", and coming up with jewellery designs that make you go "aaaaaaah".

Pieces of jewellery are special. The reasons for which they are worn are special. And the people who wear them are special.  How could I not love what I do?

I hope this week is good to you all.

Much love

Cat ©

http://www.catherinebuddjewellery.co.uk/

Easter Eggs for the Rich and Famous...

If you ask me what comes to mind first when I think of Russia, I am a little ashamed to say that it isn't necessarily the architecture, the Kremlin, the ballet, the Matryoshka dolls, or even the vodka (..sorry!).  It is in fact the Eggs.  The iconic Fabergé eggs to be exact. 

I have a fascination with these beautiful jewel-encrusted Easter presents given between 1885 and 1916 to two Tsarinas, Marie and Alexandra, by their respective husbands, Tsar Alexander III and his son Tsar Nicholas II.

It is hard to say which, out of the 50 exquisite and extraordinary artefacts, designed by the legendary Carl Fabergé, is  my favourite.  But I think that I may have to say the 4 inch-high 1900 Trans-Siberian Railway egg, made of platinum, rose-cut diamonds, rubies and rock crystal.  It really is extraordinary and contains a perfect miniature clockwork replica of the train and its five carriages – one for mail, ladies only, smoking, non-smoking and chapel.  It even comes complete with ruby brake light on the rear fender. Just incredible!

It all started in the late 17th century when the Fabergé family fled persecution in France and settled in St Petersburg where they became official jewellers to the imperial family.  In 1885, Czar Alexander III commissioned Peter Carl Fabergé to craft an exquisite Easter egg for his wife, Empress Maria Fedorovna. The gift was a hit, and Fabergé went on to produce 50, what are now known as the Imperial Easter eggs, each of which contained a surprise inside.   

The fate of the clutch of the Imperial Easter Eggs is just as fascinating as the Russian history of that period.  The decline and fall of the Romanov Empire, the assassination of Tsar Alexander II, the Russian revolution of 1917 and the massacre a year later of the entire imperial family and their servants in a Yekaterinburg cellar all reads like an opera and is impossibly dramatic and intriguing.  Over the years the Imperial Eggs were variously lost, dispersed, hidden, smuggled, sold and faked and only 42 of the original 50 exist today. A story featured in The Guardian tells of the American oil billionaire Armand Hammer, who in the 1930's was paid by Stalin for his services as a Soviet agent in Fabergé eggs.  He later sold these on to collectors such as King Farouk and Malcolm Forbes.

Worth millions, most people love these exquisite eggs while a few I am sure see them as nothing more than a frivolous indulgence of a decadent monarchy.  Whatever your thoughts on them, there is no denying that each egg is not only a fragile memento of the doomed Russian dynasty but an extraordinary and absolutely amazing artistic masterpiece.

Happy Easter to you all!

Much love 

Cat x