Redesign a family heirloom diamond ring into new jewellery for my wife’s 50th birthday. The original ring was gifted to me by my grandmother and contains four diamonds. I would like to repurpose these stones into either a set of earrings plus a pendant or into a pair of earrings only.
Available stones
- 2 larger round diamonds (approx. 10 mm) from the original ring.
- 2 smaller round diamonds (approx. 3 mm) from the original ring.
Metal and style requirements
- Metal: white metal only – platinum, white gold, or silver (no yellow gold).
- Style: elegant, minimalistic, modern but timeless.
- Usage: suitable for everyday wear and special occasions.
- Avoid: heavy, ornate, or highly decorative designs; very bulky settings; large halos.
Emotional context
These diamonds come from my grandmother’s ring and will be given to my wife as a 50th birthday present. The design should feel modern but still timeless and sentimental, subtly reflecting the idea of passing something precious across generations.
Deliverables
For all options:
- High-quality renderings or detailed sketches from multiple angles.
- Preferably CAD files or manufacturer-ready drawings (e.g., STL/STEP or equivalent) for the winning design.
- A brief description of the design concept and how it meets the requirements.
Options designers may submit for
Designers may submit for:
- Option A: earrings + pendant.
- Option B: earrings only.
- Both options, as separate entries.
Please clearly label each entry with the option it is intended for.
Option A – earrings + pendant
Use the two smaller diamonds for a pair of earrings and the two larger diamonds together in a pendant.
Earrings (using the two smaller diamonds)
- Each earring should use one smaller diamond as the main stone.
- Design types:
- Simple studs that sit flat on the earlobe; or
- Minimal drop earrings that hang just below the earlobe with a short, clean line or curve of metal.
- Overall look: slim, unobtrusive, suitable for regular wear.
- Settings: bezel, fine four- or six-prong, or another minimal secure setting.
Pendant (using the two larger diamonds)
- Use both larger diamonds in a single pendant.
- Possible arrangements (you may propose others that stay minimal and balanced):
- Vertical arrangement (one diamond above the other).
- Side-by-side arrangement.
- A subtle asymmetrical composition that still feels balanced and minimal.
- The pendant should be designed to hang from a fine chain, with a simple bail that fits a standard delicate chain.
- Style: understated, no large halos or ornate frames; gentle curves or simple geometric shapes are welcome.
Cohesive set requirement
For Option A, the earrings and pendant should feel like a cohesive family of pieces. Please show how they relate visually (e.g., similar lines, shapes, or setting details) and provide images of all three pieces.
Option B – earrings only (one large + one small diamond in each earring)
Create a pair of earrings where each earring uses one larger and one smaller diamond.
General parameters
- Each earring must use one larger diamond and one smaller diamond.
- The pair should match (mirror image designs are acceptable).
- Overall size: refined and suitable for everyday wear, not oversized statement pieces.
Layout and style options
You may explore:
- Drop earrings:
- Stones arranged in a vertical line (small above large, or large above small), offset on a gentle curve, or connected by a minimal bar.
- Short drops with subtle movement; avoid long, elaborate chandelier styles.
- On-ear (stud or climber) earrings:
- Stones can sit touching or slightly separated along the earlobe, perhaps following a slight curve.
- Forms may resemble a minimal two-stone cluster, line, or crescent on the lobe.
Technical preferences
- Settings: bezel or fine prongs preferred; avoid heavy, claw-like, or bulky settings.
- Ear fittings: standard posts with butterfly backs, or other secure fittings commonly used in fine jewellery.
Entry labelling
For Option B, please clearly indicate whether your design is:
- A drop earring, or
- An on-ear stud / climber concept.
I expect to select one main winner and may optionally select a smaller second-place winner if a non-winning design is especially compelling.
Rights and usage
- The winning entry (or entries, if more than one prize is awarded) should transfer the design rights to me for manufacturing and personal use.
- Non-winning designers will retain the rights to their designs unless otherwise agreed.
Submission notes
- Please include front, side, and perspective views where possible.
- If you provide CAD files, note the software used and any relevant technical details.
- Feel free to include up to a few close-up images to show setting details and how the stones are held.
Entries will be evaluated on:
- Aesthetic: elegance, minimalism, and overall beauty.
- Practicality: comfort and suitability for regular wear; realistic to manufacture.
- Use of stones: thoughtful use and positioning of all four diamonds as specified in the chosen option.
- Story: how well the design reflects the idea of transforming a family heirloom into a meaningful 50th birthday gift.
EKD