Just me and my pearl

(The above image is from an American designer Judith Arnell

Your diamond in the Pearl District.

320 NW 10th Ave

503.227.3437 )

I mentioned in an earlier posting that Baby had fished me a pearl oyster in the Anglesey Sea Zoo Marine Centre. Being me, I didn't want it just to be caged and hung on a loop. So who would have the creativity and vision to come up with an unique and beautiful design?

When my husband proposed, I was at a time of life where I had long given up the idea of meeting my soul mate. The thought of "what kind of ring?" hadn't crossed my mind for decades. All I knew was that if it was "for life" I wanted something that expressed my character and personality, but yet could still be worn when I'm 80 (G-d willing).

So, off on a trawl through Bond street for ideas I set. Tiffany had some beautiful diamonds, (if you were prepared to re-mortgage the house?) and Boucheron had some cool designs..... Eventually, researching "diamonds" on google, as you do, I came upon the Asscher cut *, and the history of the diamonds.

We fortunately, or otherwise , watched the movie "Blood Diamond". At this point I decided that I didn't want a diamond at all! Who wants someone's death on their finger? Then I spoke with a Jewish friend who told me about Israeli diamond merchants who do not deal in "conflict diamonds". Thank Heavens!!!

My engagement ring was made by Bradley& Willows, as was the wedding ring that wraps around it.

It was just meant to be. I saw a design I liked by and another Georg Jensen one, days later I noticed B&W for the first time. (I rarely venture beyond M&S when in Newbury). Not only are the team talented and artistic, but they know what works. Originally I took in a complex design that I had drawn. With ultimate patience and gentleness, they spent a long time tweaking and altering my design to come up with something very similar but which would work. And it did.

*The “Asscher cut diamond” was developed in 1902 by the Asscher Brothers of Holland. It is a stepped square cut, often called the “square emerald cut” and like an emerald cut, the Asscher has cropped corners.

So who else but Bradley and Willows to speak about my pearl? Within 10 minutes they had examined the pearl, listened to what I wanted, made a beautiful sketch and given me an estimate for silver, gold, and some additional ideas!!!!

But best of all, they did not pressurise me to have it made right now, or to buy an alternative. They are a delightful team and I highly recommend anyone who wants bespoke jewellery to visit them. Should you want something cool and different but ready made, then also go look. They have a fabulous selection and genuine people skills, They won't fob you off with something, they will advise you and listen to you. And you will get a fabulous piece of jewellery that you will treasure!

As for me & my pearl, well I 'm holding on to it for a while longer, I want it set to the B&W design, but I want to wait until we can afford to do it! We are in a recession don't you know.