engagement

Create a completely unique engagement ring, you won’t find anywhere else.

At caitlin boyd jewellery design, there is no ‘right way’ of going about the engagement ring process. We only want you to come away with something sentimental and entirely ‘you’.

We have seen all kinds of ways that partners or couples celebrate this special milestone with our custom handmade jewellery. Some go about the traditional approach, where one partner will secretively plan a ring with Caitlin; others will have popped the question first, and then design the ring as a pair. Sometimes we organise the proposal to only include the ring design sketches, sometimes with just the gemstones, but whatever the approach, Caitlin will take the time to make it perfectly suit you and your story.

Do I have to use diamonds in the engagement ring?

Most definitely not! Caitlin is all about challenging traditional expectations of what an engagement ring, or wedding set, should look like. Diamonds became the popular choice for engagement rings in the late 1940s as a (clearly successful!) industry marketing technique. In fact, Caitlin herself has a ruby engagement ring because this gemstone is much more symbolic and sentimental to her and her fiancé.

Can I use existing heirloom jewellery as part of my engagement ring?

For sure. Caitlin can assess the quality and durability of your existing jewellery, and determine whether or not it can be incorporated into the ring. She absolutely loves tying in sentiment and meaning to each of the pieces she creates, so if we can make it happen, we will!

Does an engagement ring have to cost 3 months of my salary?

In a nutshell; no. Every ring is different, just like every couple. Caitlin ensures that each client’s budget - big or small - is accommodated, and that a ‘more is more’ approach is definitely not enforced. However, as her jewellery is handcrafted, please keep in mind that labour costs, as well as fluctuating gold and gemstones prices, will be taken into consideration to determine the overall job cost.

the process

1. Email

   Contact Caitlin via email outlining what you have in mind. Providing your rough budget, time frame and design ideas to date are a big help in getting the ball rolling.

2. Consultation meeting

   Caitlin will then arrange a face-to-face or Zoom video call (depending on your location), to step through design possibilities and ideas.

3. Material sourcing

   After a design is considered, Caitlin will source potential gemstones, brought in from the highest quality Australian based suppliers. You are encouraged to pop in for another meeting to see these, as especially the case with gemstones, going to vary from stone to stone.

4. Design sketches / Quotation

   Concurrently, Caitlin may draw up some design sketches so you can visualise one or more possible design ideas. These are hand drawn and coloured, conveying the truly handmade nature of Caitlin’s design process. A quotation will also be provided to you for one or more design options.

5. Creation of your ring

   Once a quote has been accepted, a deposit will be required in order for construction to commence. From here, your job is done! Caitlin will be in contact with you once the job is complete and ready to be collected or sent off!