We make a lot of engagement rings and are often asked about the ‘rules’ of engagement jewellery. Because we’re a studio that likes to walk on the wild side, we don’t believe there are any rules. You’re the person who has to wear the ring (or propose with it!) so you make the rules.
In our years of designing engagement jewellery, we’ve seen first-hand how stressful it can be to create the perfect ring for your perfect person. We’ve also met a great deal of soon-to-be-fiancés who want to be involved in the design process. That’s why we’re huge advocates for placeholder proposal rings.
What is a Placeholder Ring?
A placeholder ring is an inexpensive but considered piece of jewellery that is used for a surprise proposal. After the proposal, the couple can shop for or start designing their dream engagement ring together. This means you get the magic of a surprise while sharing the ring design journey.
Using a placeholder ring is a great solution if you’re unsure about designing the ring without your partner’s opinions or if you know they’d want to partake in the design process. Whatever the reason, we’re here for it.
3 Questions with Ash & Franco
Franco proposed to Ash with a placeholder ring before they came into the studio to create Ash’s ring together. We asked Ash a few questions to give you an idea of her experience.
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1. What it was like having a placeholder proposal ring, and what did you love most about being involved in your own ring design?
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I must say I loved it because Franco chose it, and of course what the ring meant in the end… I am incredibly sentimental by nature and Franco knows this, so I really loved being a part of designing the final ring with him.
I was passed down some precious jewels from my late and dearest Granny Ames so being able to use and incorporate them into my engagement ring was so special.
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2. Were there any special elements of your ring that are included that are meaningful to you and might not have been included if you weren’t involved in the design?
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My granny had left me a gold ruby ring along with some white Rose Cut diamonds and, based on what overall style we were looking for, we picked out the white Rose Cut diamonds.
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3. Anything else to add for ladies who are thinking of designing their engagement ring?
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Franco knew that I would have appreciated something from my granny incorporated into an engagement ring ‘one day’ and it all happened quite naturally after that which I loved.
What really helped drive the process was having a base idea of the style I was looking for. Anna also provided some great thought starters and questions which helped narrow down a bit more. I really enjoyed the fun, excitement and time this brought for both Franco and I too. He loved that we both were involved in this and now we have the most precious, perfect engagement ring.
The Final Ring
Don’t worry, we would never talk you through the process and not show you the final ring.
As Ash mentioned, we wanted to incorporate some of her grandmother’s stones to add a unique and sentimental touch to the ring. Ash had always loved the idea of a pink or blush-coloured engagement ring, so we settled on a hopelessly romantic Morganite for the centre stone. On either side are the family diamonds which are subtle grey colours and set in organic tube settings. Following on from there, we added a sprinkle of white diamonds creating a dainty starburst effect.
Morganites are often set in Rose Gold, but for this ring, we opted for a luxurious yellow gold. The mix of colours and hues is something truly special!
AR Placeholder Ring Ideas
If we’ve won you over, here are a few of our stock rings that can be used as placeholders and then stacked beautifully with the final engagement ring after you’ve made it.
- Tiny Beetle Wedding Eternity Band
- Keeper Wedding Band
- For Better Wedding Band
- Lula Wedding Band
- Ingwe Wedding Band
