Family Heirloom - Jewellery

 I instinctively removed my wedding ring as an expression of grief after Steve died. I wasn't married anymore so it didn't feel right but my fingers looked and felt naked. From time to time I put it back on after all to wear a wedding ring or not as a widow is a choice.

My diamond engagement ring hadn't been worn for many years. It was old, the gold band was thin and fragile. I was afraid it'd break and I'd lose it. The same applied to an eternity ring I had which consisted of 6 tiny sapphires. Steve gave me this when our daughter was born.

Steve always said he wanted his wedding ring taken off after he died and for me to have it. For a while it hung around my neck on a chain but whenever I looked in a mirror it just reminded me that he was gone. It didn't bring me any joy at all so I put it away in a jewellery box. Steves ring really made me sad, it was too big for me to wear as a ring, I didn't like it round my neck and just sticking it in a box didn't work for me either.

I know a great jeweller, so I called him and asked if he would be prepared to create me a piece of custom jewellery . Gavin Mack has a great reputation of making bespoke jewellery. He's a goldsmith and has worked with independent clients and jewellery shops across UK for more than 18 years. 

I explained I'd love to wear  something made from Steves wedding ring, my wedding ring, my engagement ring and my eternity ring . I wasn't sure if he'd be willing to take it on. The diamonds and sapphires from the rings were good but modest in size but there was plenty of gold from the four rings.

At our first meeting Gavin put me at ease and made some suggestions of ideas he had. I'd already taken a photo of something I had in mind. I wanted something I could wear every day that would withstand   washing up, going to the gym, gardening etc. I didn't want anything bulky not did I want anything over the top dressy nor  delicate that would snag fabrics, get caught up in things or become damaged easily. 

Gavin records a video of himself melting down and recreating the ring. It was fascinating to watch plus from a security aspect it means there's  no question that my new ring is made from the gold and stones from the rings I supplied. 

The finished ring is perfect, I've worn it constantly since it was made 5 years ago now. The stones are set deeply so they are secure and despite the amount of gold  it's the perfect size for my finger. It brings me so much pleasure because it's uniquely mine, it captures so many wonderful memories and makes me happy whenever I look at it.  Gavin took Steves signature directly from the last wedding anniversary card Steve gave me and engraved it on the inside the band of the ring. Currently I'm collecting up other gold from various  broken chains and earrings. My intention is to eventually have earrings made to match my ring.