Conrad’s Journey with Alison Macleod for a Bespoke Engagement Ring.

When it comes to engagement rings, the choice is bountiful, but bespoke doesn't have to mean bank braking. Conrad contacted us in early 2019 with a vision, and together we made Jasmine her perfect ring, this is his journey.

After an incredibly romantic 7 year relationship Conrad knew it was time to propose, from day one in Paris to now at their home in Essex he was excited and ready for the next step in their ever blossoming relationship. The trip of a lifetime was planned, and all he needed now was a showstopping engagement ring. 

Conrad and Jasmin at the Most Curious Wedding Fair in London February 2020

“Canada was booked for May, and I made the decision that I was going to ask her there, but I had no idea what I was going to do for the proposal or ring. I had also decided to keep the whole thing a secret from everyone (apart from my Mum!).

I decided to start with the engagement ring. I spent hours scouring the internet for ideas and inspiration. I planned secret trips back to Warwick to look at local jewellers and antique centres. With the fear of being spotted locally, I looked further afield.  

I knew she would want something unique and with a vintage style in gold, that was about it, well apart from her insisting she didn't like diamonds?! I was getting nowhere.

I decided to look for someone to make a custom ring for me, but my biggest concern was the budget. I said I would always spend whatever it cost for the right ring, whether it is £50 or £5,000. The perfect ring will cost what it costs. Unfortunately, mine wasn't a huge budget.

I started hunting for jewellery designers that had the right feel. I was keen to use someone who showed real passion and enjoyment in what they do. I needed to find someone that wasn't going to laugh at me and my budget, but work with me and be honest about my limitations. 

Then I found Alison. It was through the magic of Google. Her website, ready to ship items and her ethos just felt right. I emailed Alison to see if she could help me and she was more than happy to. I sent her lots of pictures of elements I loved from lots of rings, from the kind of gold to the design of the band, how the diamonds are held and the diamonds themselves. A lot of these elements were taken from Alison's existing work listed on her website and Instagram. Although every ring on her site and social media was beautiful, it was not quite what I was after.  

Alison’s photoshop mock up of Conrad’s bespoke ring

Alison was great over email, it took her no time at all to mock up a design for me, and it was perfect. She helped me with the choice of gold and diamond sizes, It was honestly a thoroughly enjoyable and simple process. I can honestly say this is the most exciting thing I have ever done. Alison just knew what I was looking for. Even though I was working with a smaller budget, Alison helped steer me in the right direction to save money that would have the least impact on the end result and was totally respectful of my budget the whole time, and all via email!

Conrad’s commissioned ring fresh from the workbench

Alison knew I was keeping this a total secret. She even helped by sending it to me at work. I opened the ring for the first time in a secure room on my own at the bank, I can honestly say I was genuinely overwhelmed with emotion. The ring was perfect in literally every way. It was gorgeous, unique, and to think it started as elements in the earth to being something that could evoke such emotion, is impressive.

I managed to get it all the way to Toronto hidden in a black sock having avoided a traumatic search of my belongings at the airport.’

One week into their holiday of a lifetime on the bank of Lake Ontario, Conrad popped the question.

 'Just as some little ducks floated by, I took my chance! She said, yes! It was perfect from location, to ring, to timing, everything paid off!

Conrad and Jasmin newly engaged on the shores of Lake Ontario

Jasmine was, and still is, blown away by the ring, by the diamonds that she was not expecting and the fact that it was a one-off, a truly unique piece. We must have spent the next 3 hours drinking Canadian Champagne and talking about all of the things I had done over the last few months building up to the best moment of our lives. 

We will never be able to put into words the impact that Allison skills and trade has had on both of us. It was truly a journey, and in the end, the engagement ring was just utter perfection!’

A newly engaged Jasmin admiring her ring on the shores of Lake Ontario

What a treat it was to finally meet Conrad and Jasmin in person at the Most Curious Wedding Fair in London at the start of this year when they came to try on wedding rings.

If you are looking to create something bespoke for a magical proposal you have planned, contact us to start creating the perfect engagement ring. We would love to hear from you.