Google “celebrity engagement rings” and you’ll be dazzled by eye-popping rings like Kim Kardashian’s US$8 million sparkler or Beyonce’s $5 million engagement gift from Jay-Z. And while we’re all aware of plenty of celebrities who have opted for maximum wow factor, there are also those who spent time working with a jewellery designer to create a piece that perfectly symbolised their love, their relationship and their dreams for the future. Halle Berry’s husband Olivier Martinez spent a year working with Parisian jeweller Robert Mazio to create a yellow-gold ring with a textured finish is set with an emerald flanked by two diamonds. Rather than an inscription, the inside of the ring contains symbols and codes that are only understood by the couple. Musician Gavin Ross also opted for a truly unique engagement ring when he designed the ring he presented to rocker Gwen Stefani in 2002 – a black enamel band studded with diamonds. Gwen is now sporting a heart-shaped diamond on her ring finger, the same cut that was used in the ring Taylor Kinney presented to Lady Gaga on Valentines Day. And while sparkling diamonds will be eternally popular, some celebs are turning to more unusual stones. Anna Paquin of True Blood fame received a one-of-a-kind engagement ring from her co-star and fiancé Stephen Moyer when he presented her with a moonstone set in oxidised gold – its blackened appearance giving it a wonderful vintage feel. Rings that are reminiscent of vintage pieces, or are actual antiques, are proving popular right now. Ashlee Simpson’s ring was designed by jeweller Neil Lane and her husband Evan Ross – its striking design incorporates rubies and diamonds in a distinctly Art Deco-inspired setting that is entirely unique. Scarlett Johansson’s engagement ring from fiancé Romain Dauriac is also in the Art Deco style – hers is an authentic vintage ring that features three round diamonds surrounded by a diamond-studded rectangular setting. And Mad Men’s Alexis Biedel’s ring from co-star and fiancé Vincent Kartheiser is also a vintage beauty with intricate scrollwork and an octagonal setting. Blake Lively also gives a nod to Deco style with her oval cut diamond in a rose gold with pave diamonds setting. Fashion designer Mary-Kate Olsen has an eye for vintage jewellery – her Cartier-designed ring dates from 1953 and features a European-cut diamond surrounded by 16 blue sapphires that sit up on 16 diamond-encrusted petals and a twisted yellow gold band. Perhaps the world’s most famous “vintage” ring is Katherine, Duchess of Cambridge’s ring, given to her by HRH Prince William and first worn by his mother, Princess Diana. This ring features a large blue Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds and was designed by Garrard’s. Halo settings (a large stone surrounded by a “halo” of smaller stones) such as the Duchess of Cambridge’s, are another trend that combines vintage style with up to the minute details. Jenny McCarthy’s ring from Donny Wahlberg was a gorgeous yellow sapphire surrounded by diamonds and Olivia Wilde’s stunning ring features a round diamond set in a halo of emeralds. Jessica Biel’s ring from Justin Timberlake combines vintage style and a double halo setting along with blackened platinum for a ring that is truly unique. Our most intimate relationship is a uniquely special one and, when you become engaged, your engagement ring is a physical symbol of that love. Designing your own bespoke engagement ring is a chance to create a piece of jewellery that is full of meaning – both hidden and on display. As author H. Jackson Brown, Jr once said, “sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye.” Bespoke engagement rings aren’t just for the rich and famous. Perhaps you’ve been collecting examples of designs that resonate with you, or images that strike a chord – no matter what your inspiration, creating a bespoke ring is an act of love that will be a steadfast reminder of the promise you’ve made. At Fairfax and Roberts, our designers and artisans work closely with our clients to create engagement rings that are truly one of a kind. From the initial appointment where designs are first discussed to the sourcing of the perfect stones, our team is committed to making sure that every detail is right and that the quality is impeccable. Our custom-made engagement rings are made by hand, from scratch, ensuring that your ring is uniquely yours. “We love working with grooms or couples to create a ring that really sums up what they’re all about,” says Fairfax and Roberts designer Julie Zou. “It’s a true privilege to find out more about a couple’s relationship and their style to design a ring that suits them. The look on their face when they see the finished piece for the first time is a real thrill. And they love knowing that their ring was made especially for them.” If the time has come for your engagement, come and visit our flagship store on Castlereagh St and talk to one of our designers about what’s possible. This symbol of your promise to each other is limited only by your imagination and we are here to help bring those ideas to fruition in the form of a ring that will signify your love. Your relationship is unique and we believe that your engagement ring should be as well. We can help you make this ring uniquely yours.
Browse our engagement rings or book a consultation
