Platinum Engagement Ring with River Inspired Shell Motifs
Designed and handcrafted in Wiltshire, bringing family sapphires and a diamond back to life alongside tourmalines and sculpted shells
Completed: September 2025
Handcrafted in my Wiltshire workshop
Over 20 years at the bench
Crafted from platinum
Designed by Tamzin Moloney
Thinking About Something Similar?
If you’re considering a bespoke engagement ring, I’d be happy to discuss your ideas. Whether you already have a clear vision or are just beginning to explore, we can talk through the options with no obligation
The Brief
LM came to me wanting an engagement ring with real meaning behind it. The starting point was a family brooch, and the sapphires and diamond from it were carefully removed so they could be reused in something worn every day
The design, by Tamzin Moloney, took its inspiration from river life. Small sculpted shells sit among the gemstones, so the ring feels like something gathered from the water rather than set in a row
The Design Challenge
The aim was a ring that looked naturally irregular without tipping into busy. Mixing stones of different tones, sizes and settings meant every position had to be considered, so the eye moves along the band in a gentle flow
The shells brought their own challenge. They needed enough detail to read clearly as shells but had to stay small enough to sit comfortably beside the stones rather than compete with them
Developing the Design
Working from Tamzin’s design, I modelled the ring in CAD around the exact measurements of the family stones. This let me adjust the flowing lines of the band, the scale of each shell and the placement of every stone before anything was made
Once cast in platinum, every surface was hand finished in the workshop. The reclaimed sapphires and diamond were set alongside the tourmalines, and the ring was polished to a bright finish
Metal | Platinum |
Gemstones | Tourmaline, sapphire and diamond |
Setting | Mixed claw settings |
Finish | Polished |
Workshop Time | 4 weeks |
Goldsmith’s Notes
I’m really pleased with how the shells hold their own against the gemstones. They catch the light just as well, and it’s an idea I’ve carried into newer designs, using leaves to add movement and reflection. The stones work together through their different tones, settings and sizes, keeping the organic feel of something found in the water
Thinking About Something Similar?
If you’re considering a bespoke engagement ring, I’d be happy to discuss your ideas. Whether you already have a clear vision or are just beginning to explore, we can talk through the options with no obligation
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Questions about this project
The cost of a bespoke engagement ring depends on the choice of metal, the size and quality of the centre stone, and the complexity of the design. A ring similar to this would typically start from around £1,500, with larger diamonds or more intricate settings increasing the overall cost. Every commission receives a fixed quotation before work begins. Reusing stones from a family piece can also help with the overall cost
Absolutely. Every engagement ring I make is designed around the individual client. This design could be adapted using different precious metals, alternative gemstones, or subtle personal details such as hidden gemstones, engraving or changes to the setting. The aim is never to copy an existing ring, but to create something that feels personal to you.
Most bespoke engagement rings take between 4 and 8 weeks from the design being approved. If you’re working towards a proposal or another important date, let me know as early as possible and I’ll always do my best to work within your timescale where practical.
Not at all. Many clients begin with only a rough idea, a few inspiration images or simply a style they like. During the consultation, we’ll explore different options together and develop a design that reflects your preferences, budget and the person who’ll be wearing the ring.
A bespoke engagement ring gives you complete control over the design, materials and final details. Rather than choosing from a catalogue, you’ll work directly with the person making your ring to create something that’s designed specifically for you. The result is a piece with a personal story, made to be worn and enjoyed for a lifetime.